Choosing a Pushchair Travel System

The choice of the ideal pushchair for your family is among the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. Whether you choose a travel system bundle to benefit from its convenience and initial cost savings or a separate babiie pram frame and compatible car seat for maximum adaptability, there's plenty to consider.

This guide will help you to make the best choice for your lifestyle and requirements.

What is a travel system?

A travel system is a stroller newborn that can accommodate a car seat for your baby and some even include carrycots. Parents with newborns will appreciate this option as they can easily move their sleeping baby from the car to the pushchair.

A good travel system will fit comfortably into your car, and then click onto the pushchair frame to make a seamless trip for your baby. It's a great choice because you'll only need to make one purchase to celebrate the arrival of your baby. You'll also save money.

There are many different types of travel systems on the market, ranging from budget-friendly options to top-of-the-line brands such as TYPO or JANE. A majority of them come with matching changing bag with a matching color as well as car seat accessories. And if you're really looking to make things easier, there are travel system bundles that include everything you require in one purchase. This is an excellent way to make sure all the parts work together and you don't have to search online for a car seat that is compatible and finding out you'll need additional adaptors too!

What are the seat recline options?

If you opt for a travel system that comes with a carrycot, ensure that the seat also fully reclines to ensure your baby is comfortable to sleep and is in a lying flat position for spinal and respiratory development. Take into consideration whether the handlebar could be adjusted in height to make it comfortable for you, your spouse or anyone else who might use frequently.

Most 'from birth' pushchairs come with a reversible seat so that you can decide the position of your child's seat, either facing you (to encourage their communication skills) or world-facing to stimulate their curiosity and allow them to know where they are going. Some travel systems also have a reversible car seat that can be attached directly to the frame of the foldable pushchair, without taking it off it, ensuring that you can easily move your child from the car to the stroller and back again.

Check that the car seat you pick is compatible with your pushchair, as not all infant car seats are able to be attached to all pushchairs without additional adaptors. Some travel systems include all the adaptors you need included in the box. Others may require that you purchase them separately. You can find out whether this is the case by examining the product's specifications or contacting your local retailer.

How easy is it for you to maneuver?

Carrycots are lightweight and simple to attach, but they're best used for newborns up to 6 months old. They should be used with a pushchair that can lie flat to allow the baby to be in a fully reclined position which is ideal for their spine and lung development. Carrycots are light and easy to attach but they're best used with infants that are less than 6 months old and must always be used with a lie-flat pushchair to allow the baby to be fully reclined posture, which is best for their spinal and lung development.

It's important to keep in mind that the majority of the brands have designed them to work as a unit. You can be sure that everything will perform well. Buying everything in one location can be convenient and almost always cheaper than buying each item separately. It's a huge plus to be able to move your baby's sleepy body from the car seat to the stroller for a trip to the nursery or to shop without disturbing them. That's why we think travel systems are definitely worth the money.

How easy is it to attach a car seat?

Most 'from birth' pushchairs can be linked to an appropriate baby car seat or carrycot for easy transitions from your vehicle to the street. This is ideal for newborns, allowing them to sleep in the preferred position of lying flat.

When the baby is outgrowing their infant car seat (usually up to the age of 18 months) the majority of travel systems can also be used with a stroller which means that they'll last longer as your child develops. A lot of travel systems come with a separate stroller seat but certain models, such as the Doona and the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, have a one-piece design so that the car seat unfolds into a pushchair, and then back again to fit into the base of your vehicle.

If you decide to use the car seat or carrycot on your pushchair, be sure you read carefully the instructions and observe the age, weight and size restrictions. Verify whether the car seat or pushchair are being recalled due to safety reasons.

Many pushchairs have additional accessories that can improve your experience, for example the footmuff can protect your baby from the elements, whereas the parasol made of SPF/UPF 50+ fabrics, can keep them shady when it's sunny. Some pushchairs also have a ride-on board that is ideal for toddlers who are ready to conquer the world by themselves, but need a little helping hand.

What is the weight restriction?

A pushchair travel system will typically accommodate infants up to the maximum weight and age. It's dependent on the car seat/pushchair combo that you choose and what your lifestyle is like. Therefore, it is essential to review these specifications carefully. Similar to the brakes on the model you choose It's crucial to make sure they're strong and easy to operate.

Many brands offer infant seat adaptors with their travel system packages. This lets you easily clip the car seat of your baby onto the frame of the stroller. This makes the entire process of going out and about with a newborn much easier and easier. It also means that when your baby is no longer in their carrycot and car seat they can still use the stroller with you. This is a great choice for families that are busy and have plenty of things to do each day.

How do you fold?

There are a range of fold types available on pushchairs - some are truly one-handed with just a click of the button. Others require two hands or a few steps, but they manage to be very compact pushchair when folded. Some models even stand when folded which makes it easy to carry around. This kind of design is ideal if you live in the city or commute, and wish to make the transition from your car to a pushchair seamless, or in the case that you have a tiny boot and need a model that folds down to fit inside it.

Depending on the model, travel system pushchairs can also be used from birth by adding an infant car seat. Certain models are approved to be used in the cabin of flights, making them suitable for parents who want to travel with their families.

The most cost-effective choice is to purchase a car seat with the pushchair. The bundle is typically created by the manufacturer and consists of a pushchair and car seat that have been designed to work together. Alternatively, some pushchairs will indicate which car seats they are compatible with and you can purchase a separate seat (though this might require car seat adaptors). The Babyzen YOYO is Gemma's top pick for the most lightweight travel systems, due to its unique features and quick folding.

What is it like?

A travel system bundle offers ease of use, security and savings. These bundles are designed by brands or retailers, with all the parts hand-picked to work seamlessly. That means you don't have to spend time researching the best car seat with your dream pushchair, or trawling online for a footmuff or changing bag that complements the design.

These pushchairs are usually composed of a frame that fits into the car seat group 0+ and includes a carrycot, or seat unit, which can be used either forward-facing or in the opposite direction to the parent, based on your preference or regulations (rear-facing is recommended for cars until 15 months). Some can even be converted into twins/tandems in the event that you're expecting more one child.

A travel system can be extremely convenient if you're going to be doing a lot of driving and walking with your child because it allows you to transfer them from the car to pushchair and back again without causing any disturbance or having to find a secure place to park. They can also help you save space in the boot of your car and make it easier to go shopping or take your child to school.