Choosing a Pushchair Travel System

The choice of buying the right pushchair for your family is one of the most important decisions you make as a parent. If you decide to go with a travel system bundle to benefit from its convenience and initial cost savings or a distinct frame for the pram and a car seat to ensure maximum flexibility There's plenty to consider.

This handy guide will help to make the best choice to meet your needs and lifestyle.

What is a travel system?

A travel system is a pushchair that can be fitted with the baby car seat and some come with a carrycot as well. It's a great choice for parents who are new since it lets you easily move your baby from the car to the pushchair without disturbing them - ideal for quick trips to the shops or make an early morning run.

A good travel system can be tucked into your car and then attach to the frame of the pushchair to provide a seamless journey for your child. It's also a convenient option since it means you only need to purchase one item when getting ready for your new arrival and will typically reduce your expenses too.

There are a variety of travel systems available that range from budget-friendly options to premium brand names like TYPO or JANE. There are many travel systems that come with accessories for your car seat that match, changing bags and matching changing mats. If you're looking to make life easier, you can buy a travel system bundle that includes everything you need. This is the most efficient method to ensure that all parts work together. There's no need to search online for an automobile seat that is functional and then finding out you'll need adapters!

What are the seat recline options?

If you choose to purchase an option that includes a carrycot, then ensure that the seat also fully reclines to ensure your baby can nap comfortably and is at the recommended lie-flat position for spinal and respiratory development. It is also important to think about whether the handlebar is height-adjustable so that it's comfortable for both you and your partner or any other person who may utilize it frequently.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs come with a reversible seat so you can choose if your child should face the parent (to help develop communication skills) or face the world, to stimulate curiosity and inform them of where they are going. Some travel systems come with an reversible seat unit that attaches directly to the frame of the pushchair without having remove it. This allows you to effortlessly transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, and in reverse.

Not all infant car seats work with all pushchairs. Some travel systems include all the adaptors required in the box. Others might require that you purchase them separately. You can find out whether this is the case by examining the product's specifications or asking at your local retailer.

How do you find it to move around?

If you're looking for a transport system to take your newborn from the car to the pushchair, then back again ensure that the pushchair chassis isn't too heavy and that you have enough room in your trunk to accommodate the carrycot. Carrycots are lightweight and simple to attach, but they're best used with infants that are less than 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 best for their lung and spine development.

Whether you go for a travel system bundle or choose and mix your own components It's important to remember that they're all designed to function as a unit by the brands. This means that you can be sure that they will all fit and work well. Buying everything in one place is convenient and often works out cheaper than purchasing items separately. And being able to move your sleeping baby from the car seat to a stroller for the nursery walk or even a trip to shops without disrupting them is a major plus. Travel systems are worth the expense.

How easy is it attaching a car seat or a carrycot?

Most 'from birth' pushchairs can be connected to an appropriate baby car seat or carrycot to allow easy transitions from your vehicle to the street. This is great for babies as it allows them to sleep flat.

After the baby has outgrown their car seat (usually up to 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 develops. A majority of travel systems come with an additional stroller seat, however certain models, such as the Doona and the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, have a one-piece design so that the car seat unfolds into the pushchair and then back again to be inserted into the base of your vehicle.

If you choose to use a car seat or a carrycot on your pushchair, be sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and be sure to adhere to their weight, age and size restrictions. Make sure to check whether the car seat or pushchair have been recalled due to safety reasons.

A lot of pushchairs come with accessories to make your experience more enjoyable. For instance the use of a footmuff is a way to protect your baby against the elements while a sun shade made of SPF/UPF50+ fabric keeps them sheltered from the sun. Some pushchairs come with a ride-on board designed for toddlers who want to explore the world but require a little assistance.

What is the weight limit?

A pushchair travel system is typically designed to accommodate babies up to a maximum weight and age. It's contingent on the car seat/pushchair combo that you select and also on the kind of lifestyle you have. Therefore, it is important to check these specifications thoroughly. It's also important that you check the brakes on your chosen model. They must be durable and easy-to-operate.

Many brands include infant car seat adaptors in their travel system bundles that allow you to attach your baby's car seats onto the frame of your pushchair so that they can be moved seamlessly from car to stroller. This makes a stroller ride with a baby much easier. It also means that when your baby grows out of their car seat and carrycot, they can still use the stroller with you. This is a great option for families that are busy and have plenty of things to accomplish each day.

How easy is it to fold?

There are a range of folds available on pushchairs - some are truly one-handed with a simple press of a button. Others need two hands or a couple of steps but still manage to be very compact when folded. Some models even stay standing when folded which makes it simple to grab and go. This is a great option for those who commute or live in a city and wish to make the transition between car and pushchair seamless. Also, if you have a small boot.

Depending on the model, some travel system pushchairs can also be used from birth when you add an infant car seat. They are usually accepted to be used in the cabin of flights and are ideal for parents who do lots of travelling as a family.

The most cost-effective option is to purchase an automobile seat that is paired with a pushchair. The bundle is typically created by the brand and consists of a pushchair and car seat that have been designed to work together. Some pushchairs specify which car seats they're compatible with and you can purchase a separate seat (though it may require car seat adaptors). MFM Editor Gemma's pick of the best travel system that is lightweight is the Babyzen YOYO due to its clever features and incredible one-second fold.

What is it like?

A travel system bundle provides ease of use, security and savings. These bundles are assembled by brands or retailers. All of the components are selected by hand for their compatibility. This means you won't need to do a lot of research on which car seat is compatible for your ideal pushchair or looking on the internet for a compatible footmuff or changing bags.

They normally consist of a pushchair frame that is suitable for a car seat and usually include a carrycot or a seat unit that can be used either front-facing or rear-facing, according to your preference (or the rules, as rear-facing in the car is advised until 15 months). Some of them can be transformed into a tandem or twin stroller if you're expecting more than one child.

If you intend to spend a lot of time driving and walking, a travel system is a great 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 also can save space in the boot of your car, making it easier for you to pop into the shops or take your child to school.