Choosing a Pushchair Travel System

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

This guide will help you make the right decision for your lifestyle and needs.

What is a travel system?

A travel system is an infant pushchair that is able to take a baby car seat, and some carry the option of a carrycot too. New parents will love this option as they can easily transfer their baby's sleeping infant from the car into the pushchair.

A good travel system can be glued to the frame of your pushchair, and will fit perfectly into your car. This ensures a comfortable journey for your child. It's a good choice since you'll need only one large purchase for the baby's arrival. You'll also save money.

There are a variety of travel systems available, ranging from budget-friendly options to premium brand names such as TYPO or JANE. A lot of them come with a matching changing bag that is a perfect match and car seat accessories, and If you're looking to make things easier, there are travel system bundles that contain everything you require in one purchase. This is the best way to be sure that all the components work - no searching online for a car seat that is compatible and finding out you'll need additional adaptors!

What are the different seat recline options available?

If you decide to purchase an option that includes a carrycot, make sure that the seat of the pushchair is fully reclined to allow your baby to sleep comfortably in the position recommended for spinal and breathing development. You should also consider whether the handlebar is height-adjustable so that it's comfortable for you as well as your companion, or anyone else who might be using it regularly.

The majority of pushchairs from birth have a reversible seat which allows you to choose if your child should face the parent (to encourage communication skills) or face the world to encourage curiosity and inform them of where they're going. Some travel systems also have a reversible car seat that can be attached directly to the frame of the pushchair without having to remove it, ensuring that you can easily move your baby from the car to the stroller, and then back.

Check that the car seat you pick is compatible with your pushchair as not all infant car seats are able to be connected to all pushchairs, without adaptors. Some travel systems come with all the adaptors needed in the box. Others might require that you purchase them separately. Review the product's specifications or contact your local retailer.

How do you find it to manoeuvre?

If you're looking for a travel system to take your newborn from the car to the pushchair and back again Make sure that the pushchair's chassis is light enough and that you have room in your boot to fit a carrycot. Carrycots can be easily attached and are light. They are ideal for babies less than 6 months old. They should be used with an upright pushchair. This lets the baby sit in a fully reclining position which is beneficial for their spinal development as well as lung development.

Whether you go for a travel system bundle or pick and mix the components on your own it's important to keep in mind that the majority of them are designed to function as a single unit by the brands. This means that you can be confident that they'll all work together and are functional. Shopping in one place is convenient and usually is less expensive than buying items separately. Being capable of moving your sleepy baby from the car seat to a stroller for a nursery or to go to shops without disturbing them is a big plus. Travel systems are worth the expense.

How easy is it to attach a car seat?

The majority of 'from-birth pushchairs can be clicked on to a compatible car seat or carrycot to facilitate the transition from your car to the street a breeze. This is ideal for infants since it lets them sleep flat.

Most travel systems are sold with a separate stroller seat. However, a few, like the Doona and Evenflo Shyft DualRide, have one-piece designs so that the car seat can be folded into the pushchair. 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 can be folded into a pushchair, and then back again to fit into the base of your car.

If you decide to use a carrycot or car seat on your pushchair, make sure you read carefully the instructions and observe the age, weight and size restrictions. Also, verify if your pushchair or car seat have been recalled as part of a safety recall.

Many pushchairs come with extra accessories that can enhance your experience, such as a footmuff can help protect your baby from the elements, and an umbrella made of SPF/UPF 50+ fabric, can keep them cool when it's hot. Some pushchairs include a ride-on board for toddlers who are eager to explore the world but require a little help.

What is the weight restriction?

A pushchair travel system will usually accommodate babies up to the maximum weight and age. This will vary depending on the combination of car seat and pushchair you select and also your personal lifestyle needs so it's worth checking these specifications carefully. It's also important that you check the brakes of your chosen model. They should be sturdy and easy to operate.

Many brands include infant seat adaptors with their travel system packages. This allows you to simply clip the car seat of your infant onto the frame of the stroller. This allows you to get out with your baby much easier. It also means that when your baby has outgrown their car seat and carrycot they can still utilize the stroller. This is a great option for families who are busy and have a lot of things to do every day.

How do you fold?

There are a range of fold types available for pushchairs. Some are actually one-handed with a simple press of the button. Others require two hands or a couple of steps, but they manage to fold down to a small size. Some models are even able to stand upright when folded, making them easy to hold. This type of design is perfect if you live in the city or commute and want to make the transition from your car to a pushchair an effortless process, or in the case that you have a tiny boot and need a model that folds up to fit into it.

Based on the model, travel system pushchairs can be used from birth when you add a carrycot or infant car seat. These are typically allowed to be used in the cabin on flights and are ideal for parents that like to travel extensively with their family.

If you choose to buy a car seat and pushchair bundle, this is the most affordable method of purchasing. The bundle is created by the manufacturer that includes a car seat and pushchair designed to work in tandem. Some pushchairs include the car seats they are compatible with and you can also purchase an additional seat. (This could require converters for car seats.) The Babyzen YOYO is Gemma's choice for the most lightweight stroller travel system due to its unique features and quick folding.

What do you think it looks like?

A travel system bundle offers ease of use, security and savings. These bundles are designed by retailers or brands, with each piece carefully selected to be compatible. This means that you don't need to do a lot of research on the best car seat with your dream pushchair, or searching on the internet for a footmuff or changing bag that complements the style.

These pushchairs are generally made up of a frame that fits into the car seat group 0+ and include a carrycot, or seat unit, which can be used either facing forward or facing the parent based on your preference or regulations (rear-facing is recommended for cars up to 15 months). Some convert to twins/tandems in the event that you're expecting more one baby.

If you plan to do a lot driving and walking, a travel system is a great option. It is easy to move your child from the car to the pushchair, and vice versa without having to disturb them or find a safe parking place. They also can save space in the boot of your car, making it easier to nip into shops or run the school run.