Choosing a Pushchair Travel System

The choice of buying the best pushchair for your family is one of the most important choices you make as a parent. There are a lot of aspects to be aware of, whether you opt for an all-in-one travel package for its convenience and cost savings or a separate frame and car seat that is compatible to ensure maximum flexibility.

Fortunately, this guide will help you make the best option that will meet your lifestyle and needs.

What is a travel systems?

A travel system is a stroller that can accommodate a car seat for your baby and some even come with the option of a carrycot. New parents will love this option since they can easily transfer their baby in a sleep position from the car into the pushchair.

A good travel system will fit comfortably into your car and then attach to the frame of the pushchair to ensure a smooth journey for your child. It's also a practical option as it means that you only need to buy one thing to get ready for your new arrival and will usually reduce your expenses too.

There are a variety of types of travel system available ranging from budget options to top-of-the-line brands like JANE or TYPO. Many will come with a matching coordinating changing bag and car seat accessories, and if you're really looking to simplify your life, there are travel system bundles that come with everything you need in just one purchase. This is the best method to ensure that the components are in sync. Don't waste time searching for a car seat that functions and then discovering that you'll need adapters!

What are the seat recline options?

If you decide to purchase a travel system with a carrycot then ensure that the seat in the pushchair is fully reclined to allow your baby to sleep comfortably in the ideal position for breathing and spinal development. Think about whether the handlebar can be adjusted in height to make it comfortable for you, your spouse or anyone who may use frequently.

The majority of pushchairs from birth come with a reversible seat so you can choose if your child should face the parent (to encourage communication skills) or face the world, to encourage curiosity and let them know where they are going. Some travel systems also come with a reversible car seat that can be attached directly to the frame of the pushchair, without taking it off it, ensuring that you can easily transfer your child from the car to the stroller, and then back.

Not all infant car seats are compatible with all pushchairs. Some travel systems come with all the adaptors required in the box. Others might require that you purchase adaptors on your own. You can find out if this is the case by checking the product details or asking at your local retailer.

How easy is it to manoeuvre?

If you're in search of a travel system that can transport your baby from car to pushchair car seat, then back again ensure that the pushchair's chassis isn't too heavy, and that you have room in your boot to accommodate the carrycot. Carrycots are lightweight and easy to attach but they're best used with babies up to 6 months old and should always be paired with a lying pushchair to allow the baby to be in a fully reclined position. This is ideal for their lung and spinal development.

It's important to note that the majority of brands have designed them to function as a unit. This means you can be sure that they will all work together and are functional. Shopping in one place is convenient and almost always is less expensive than buying items separately. It's a major benefit to be able to move your sleeping baby from the car seat to the stroller for a trip to the nursery or to shop without causing disturbance to them. That's why we think it's worth the money.

How easy is it to attach a carrycot or car seat?

Most 'from birth' pushchairs can be connected to an appropriate baby car seat or carrycot for simple transitions from your car to the street. This is ideal for newborns and allows them to sleep in the preferred position of lying flat.

Once the baby has outgrown their infant car seat (usually until the age of 18 months) the majority of travel systems can be used with a stroller seat which means that they'll last longer as your child grows. A lot of travel systems come with a separate stroller, but certain models, such as the Doona and the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, have an all-in-one design that allows the car seat can be folded into the pushchair and then unfolds again to fit into the base of your vehicle.

Whether you choose to use a car seat or carrycot on your pushchair, be sure to read the instructions provided by the manufacturer and always be sure to adhere to their weight, age and size limitations. Also, make sure to check if your pushchair and car seat have been recalled as part of an recall for safety.

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

What is the weight limit?

A pushchair is generally designed to be able to accommodate infants until a certain age and weight. It will depend on the car seat/pushchair combination that you select, as well as the kind of lifestyle you have. So it's essential to review the specifications carefully. Similar applies to the brakes on the car you've chosen It's crucial to check that these are strong and easy to operate.

Many brands include infant seat adaptors in their travel system packages. This allows you to simply clip the car seat of your child onto the frame of the stroller. This allows you to get out with your baby much easier. This means that your baby will be able to utilize their stroller even after they grow out of the car seat and carrycot. This is a great choice for families who are busy and have lots of things to do every day.

How do you fold?

There are a variety of fold styles that are available on pushchairs. Some are actually one-handed with just a click of the button. Some folds require two hands or a couple of steps, however, they are still compact. Some models are even able to stand upright when folded, making it easy to hold. This kind of design is ideal for those who reside in a city or commute, and wish to make the transition from car to pushchair a seamless process, or in the case that you have a tiny boot and need a model that folds down to fit inside it.

Some travel system pushchairs dependent on the model, can be used from the birth of a child by adding the car seat or carrycot. They are usually allowed to be used in the cabin on flights and are great for parents who do lots of travelling as a family.

If you decide to purchase a pushchair and car seat bundle, this is the most economical option to purchase. The bundle is typically created by the manufacturer and consists of a pushchair and car seat that are designed to work together. Additionally, some pushchairs indicate which car seats they are compatible with and you can then purchase a seat separately (though this may require adaptors for your car seat). The Babyzen YOYO is Gemma's pick for the top lightweight travel system due to its innovative features and quick folding.

What do you think it looks like?

A travel system bundle provides convenience, security and cost savings. These bundles are assembled by brands or retailers. The components are selected by hand for their compatibility. This means you don't have to spend time researching what car seat is compatible for your ideal pushchair, or search for a footmuff that matches or changing bags.

They are typically composed of a frame that can fit into a car seat group 0+ and includes a carrycot or seat unit, which can be used either facing forward or facing the parent based on your preference and the rules (rear-facing is recommended for cars until 15 months). Some can even be transformed into a tandem or twin if you are expecting more than one child.

If you intend to drive a lot and walking, a travel system is a good choice. It is simple to move your child from the car to the pushchair and vice versa without having to disrupt them or find a secure parking spot. They can also help you save space in your car's boot and make it easier to visit the shops or run the school run.