Choosing a Pushchair Travel System

The choice of buying the best pushchair for your family will be one of the most important choices you make as a parent. It doesn't matter if you opt for a travel system bundle for its initial convenience and cost savings or a distinct frame for the pram and a car seat to allow for maximum flexibility, there's plenty to consider.

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

What is a travel system?

A travel system is a stroller compact that can accommodate a car seat for your baby and some even include a carrycot. New parents will appreciate this option because they can easily transfer their baby in a sleep position from their car seat pram into the pushchair.

A quality travel system will fit snuggly into your car, and then attach to the frame of the pushchair to make a seamless trip for your little one. It's a great option because you'll need only one large purchase to celebrate the arrival of your baby. It also helps you save money.

There are many types of travel system available ranging from budget options to top-of-the-line brands like JANE or TYPO. A lot of them come with a matching coordinating changing bag and car seat accessories and if you're really looking to simplify things there are travel system bundles that come with everything you need in just one purchase. This is the best way to be sure that all the parts work together and you don't have to search online for a compatible car seat and finding out you need additional adaptors!

What are the various options for reclined seats?

If you opt for a travel system with a carrycot then ensure that the pushchair seat is fully reclined to allow your baby to sleep comfortably in the recommended position for breathing and spinal development. Also, be aware of whether the handlebar can be adjusted in height so that it's comfortable for you as well as your partner or anyone else who might use it regularly.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' come with a reversible seat to allow you to choose the position of your child's seat, either facing you (to help them develop their communication skills) or world-facing to stimulate their curiosity and let them be aware of where they are. Some travel systems come with a reversible seating unit that clips directly to the frame of the pushchair without having to take it off. This allows you to effortlessly transfer your baby from the car into the stroller, and vice versa.

Make sure the car seat you pick is compatible with your pushchair, since not all infant car seats are able to be used with all pushchairs without additional adaptors. Some travel systems include all the adaptors required in the box. Others may require you purchase the adaptors separately. Check the product details or contact your local retailer.

How do you get it done?

If you're in search of a travel system to take your newborn from car to pushchair, and back ensure that the pushchair's chassis is light enough and you have enough space in your car to accommodate a carrycot. Carrycots are lightweight and easy to attach, but they're best used with infants that are less than 6 months old. They should always be paired with a pushchair that is lying flat to allow the baby to be in a fully reclined posture, which is great for their lung and spine development.

It's important to remember that the majority of the brands have designed them to work together. This means that you can be confident that they'll all function well and fit together. Buying everything together is convenient and often works out cheaper than purchasing items separately. Also, being in a position to move your sleepy newborn from car seat to a stroller for a nursery or to go to shops without disrupting them is a huge plus. We believe that the travel systems are worth the investment.

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

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' can be linked to a compatible baby car seat or carrycot to allow easy transitions from your vehicle to the street. This is ideal for infants since it lets them sleep flat.

When the baby is outgrowing their car seat (usually until the age of 18 months) most travel systems can be used with a stroller and will therefore last longer as your child develops. Most travel systems include a separate stroller, but some, such as the Doona or the Evenflo Shyft DualRide have a single piece design that allows the car seat to fold into the pushchair, and then refolded back into the base of the vehicle.

If you decide to put the car seat or carrycot on your pushchair, make sure you read the instructions and follow the weight, age and size restrictions. Also, be sure to check if your pushchair and car seat has been recalled as part of a safety recall.

Many prams pushchairs prams come with accessories that can enhance your experience. 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 shaded from the sun. Some models also come with a ride-on board that is ideal for toddlers who are ready to conquer the world themselves but need assistance.

What is the weight restriction?

A pushchair is generally designed to fit babies up to a maximum weight and age. It will depend on the car seat/pushchair combo that you pick and also on your lifestyle. So it's crucial to examine the specifications carefully. Similar applies to the brakes on the model you choose, it's important that you ensure that they are sturdy and easy to operate.

Many brands include infant seat adaptors as part of their travel system packages. This lets you attach the car seat of your baby onto the frame of the stroller. This allows you to get out with your baby much easier. It also ensures that once your baby is no longer in their car seat and carrycot they can use the stroller with you. This is a great choice for families who are busy and have plenty of things to do each day.

How easy is it to fold?

There are a range of folds available on pushchairs - some are actually one-handed with a simple press of one button. Others need two hands or a couple of steps but still manage to fold very compactly. Some models even have the ability 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 wish to make the transition from a car to a pushchair an effortless process, or when you have a small space in your boot and require a product that folds down to fit in it.

Based on the model, travel strollers system pushchairs can also be used from birth, by adding an infant car seat. Those that can are often approved to be taken in the cabin on flights and are ideal for parents that like to do lots of travelling with their family.

The most cost-effective choice is to purchase a car seat with the pushchair. The bundle is designed by the brand, and it consists of a car seat and pushchair that are designed to work together. Some pushchairs include the car seats that they are compatible with and you can also purchase the car seat separately. (This could require car seat converters.) The Babyzen YOYO is Gemma's top pick for the best lightweight travel systems, 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 created by retailers or brands with each piece carefully selected to work seamlessly. This means you don't have to do a lot of research on which car seat is compatible for your dream pushchair or searching online for a matching footmuff or triple pushchair changing bags.

They usually consist of a pushchair frame that fits the group 0+ car seat, and typically include a carrycot or a seat unit that can be used either front-facing or rear-facing, depending on your preference (or regulations, since rear-facing in the car is advised until 15 months). Some can even be converted into twins or tandems when you're expecting more than one baby.

If you intend to drive a lot and walking, a travel system is a good choice. It is easy to move your child from the car to the pushchair, and vice versa without having to annoy them or locate a safe parking space. They also can save space in your car's boot making it easier for you to visit the shops or run the school run.