Eco & sustainable baby gear

The Kiddieko travel score

Every product we recommend gets a Kiddieko travel score out of 10. It measures why we recommend it for travel: how light it is, how small it packs, how quick it is to use on the move, whether it has travel safety approvals, and how long it lasts. Each of the five criteria scores 0, 1 or 2. We use only what the maker states on its own pages or in the specs we quote; if the maker doesn't say, we score 0. We compare like with like, so a double pushchair is judged against other doubles and a car seat against other car seats.

• Travel weight: 2 points if it is light for its kind, 1 point if fairly light. Pushchairs: up to 7 kg for 2 points, up to 9 kg for 1. Double pushchairs: up to 12.5 kg and 15 kg. Travel cots and sleep gear: up to 7 kg and 10 kg. Car seats: up to 5 kg and 7 kg. Car seat strollers, which also replace a pushchair: up to 7 kg and 9 kg.
• Pack size and carry: 2 points if the maker states a cabin or overhead-bin size, or a backpack or carry-bag fold of about cabin-bag size (roughly 55 × 40 × 25 cm or smaller). 1 point for a compact fold with a carry bag or strap or, for infant car seats, clicking onto a pushchair so there is less to carry.
• Quick setup and ease: 2 points if the maker states a one-hand or one-second fold, a one-movement or pop-up setup, or car seat to stroller conversion. 1 point for another stated convenience feature, such as wheels, a shoulder strap, seat rotation or a bag that doubles as a playpen.
• Travel approvals and safety: 2 points for a relevant approval the maker states: FAA or TÜV aircraft approval or UN R129 i-Size for car seats, GREENGUARD Gold, EN 716 or ASTM for cots, IATA cabin compliance for pushchairs. 1 point for a general safety or materials standard only.
• Lasts and eco: 2 points for two or more of: a long age or weight range (from birth or the early months to about 3 years or 15 kg and more), repairable or replaceable parts, a warranty of 5 years or more or one that transfers, recycled or organic materials, a B Corp maker. 1 point for one.

Car seats must meet the safety rules where you live, whatever their score. Never buy a second-hand car seat whose history you don't know: see buying pre-loved safely.

Scores use the specs in our gear guides, the eco claims on this page and the makers' own pages. This score replaced our earlier "Lasts beyond the trip" score, which is now one of the five criteria. Last checked: 30 Oct 2026.

Rent, buy new or buy pre-loved?

Lower-impact travel with a baby

• Take the train or ferry where you can. There are no airline cabin-size rules, so you can keep the pushchair you already own. See pushchairs on trains and ferries and sleeper trains with a baby.
• Try a no-fly cruise. See cruises with a baby from UK ports.
• Use what the hotel provides. Many hotels lend cots, so you may not need to buy one: see hotel cot policies.
• Pack reusables. See sustainable baby travel essentials.

Resale tips: make your gear last for the next family

1. Keep the box, manual, receipt and any warranty details. Some makers, such as Joolz, say their warranty transfers to the next owner.
2. Register the product with the maker so you hear about recalls, and tell the buyer if there's been one.
3. Wash removable fabrics following the maker's instructions before you sell.
4. List the exact model and year, and the maker's stated weight range, so buyers can check it suits their child.
5. Sell or pass on car seats only to someone you know, with the full history; most parents shouldn't buy one second-hand.