Choosing a Pushchair Travel System
The choice of buying the ideal pushchair for your family is one of the most important decisions you make as a parent. Whether you choose a travel system bundle for its initial convenience and cost savings or a distinct frame for your
foldable pram and a compatible car seat to ensure maximum flexibility There are plenty of options to think about.
This helpful guide will help to make the best choice for your lifestyle and requirements.
What is a travel system?
A travel system is a pushchair that can take a baby car seat, and some come with a carrycot as well. It's an excellent choice for parents who are new as it means you can easily transfer your baby from the car to the pushchair without disturbing them. It's ideal for quick excursions to the shops or go on an early morning run.
A quality travel system will fit comfortably into your car, and then attach to the frame of the pushchair to provide a seamless journey for your child. It's a great choice because you'll only need to make one major purchase to celebrate the arrival of your baby. It also helps you save money.
There are lots of different kinds of travel systems available, from budget-friendly options to high-end brands such as JANE or TYPO. There are many travel systems that come with matching car seat accessories such as changing bags, changing bags, and mats for changing. If you're looking to simplify your life you can purchase a bundle of travel systems that includes everything you need. This is a great way to ensure all of the components work and you don't have to search online to find a car seat that's compatible and finding out you'll need additional adaptors too!
What are the seat recline options?
If you opt for a travel system with a carrycot then ensure that the seat in the pushchair is fully reclined, allowing your baby to nap comfortably in the position recommended for spinal and breathing development. Also, consider whether the handlebar is height-adjustable so that it's comfortable for you as well as your companion, or any other person who may be using it regularly.
The majority of pushchairs from birth have a reversible seat so you can choose which direction your child will face, the parent (to increase communication skills) or the world, to stimulate curiosity and inform them of where they are going. Some travel systems have a reversible seat unit that is attached directly to the frame of the pushchair without needing to remove it. This allows you to effortlessly transfer your baby from the car into the stroller and vice versa.
Check that the car seat you select is compatible with your pushchair, since not all infant car seats are able to be used with all pushchairs, without adaptors. Certain travel systems come with all the adaptors you require in the box, but others might require them to be bought separately. Check the product details or contact your local retailer.
How easy is it to manoeuvre?
If you're looking for a travel system to take your newborn from the car to the pushchair, then back again ensure that the pushchair chassis isn't too heavy and you have enough space in your trunk to accommodate a carrycot. Carrycots are lightweight and simple to attach, but they're best used with babies up to 6 months old. They must always be used with a lying pushchair to allow the baby to fully reclined position, which is best for their spinal and lung development.
If you choose to purchase a travel system bundle or pick and mix the components yourself it's important to keep in mind that most of them are designed to work as a single unit by the brands. You can be assured that everything will perform as intended. Buying all your items in one location can be convenient and is almost always cheaper than buying them separately. It's an enormous benefit to be able to move your baby's sleepy body from the car seat to the stroller for a trip to the nursery or shop without causing disturbance to them. That's why we think it's worth the money.
How easy is it attaching a car seat or a carrycot?
The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' can be connected to a compatible baby car seat or carrycot for simple transitions from your car to the street. This is ideal for infants 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 which means that they'll last longer as your child grows. A majority of travel systems come with an additional stroller seat, however certain models, such as the Doona and the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, have an all-in-one design that allows the car seat folds up into a pushchair, and then folds back to fit into the base of your car.
Whether you choose to use the car seat or carrycot on your pushchair, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully and follow their weight, age and size limitations. Check whether the car seat and
pushchair with car seat have been recalled due to safety reasons.
A lot of pushchairs come with additional accessories that can improve your experience, such as the footmuff can protect your child from the elements, and a parasol, made from SPF/UPF 50+ fabric can keep them shaded when it's sunny. Some pushchairs come with an ride-on board for toddlers who want to explore the world, but require a little assistance.
What is the weight restriction?
A
pushchair travel system is usually designed to be able to accommodate infants up to a maximum age and weight. It's contingent on the car seat/pushchair combination that you choose, as well as your lifestyle. Therefore, it is essential to review the specifications carefully. Similar to the brakes on your chosen model It's crucial to check that these are strong and easy to operate.
Many brands include infant seat adaptors as part of their travel system packages. This lets you simply clip the car seat of your baby onto the frame of the stroller. This makes a stroller ride with a baby much easier. This means that your baby can utilize their stroller even after they have outgrown the car seat and carrycot. This is a great choice for families that have hectic lives and plenty to do daily.
How easy is it to fold?
Some pushchairs can fold with a single press. Some folds require two hands or a couple of steps, but are still very
compact stroller. Some models are able to stand up when folded, making them easy to carry. This type of design is ideal for those who reside in a city or commute and need to make the transition from car to pushchair an effortless process or in the case that you have a tiny space in your boot and require a product that folds down to fit into it.
Some travel system pushchairs depending on the model can be used from the time of birth, by incorporating an infant car seat or carrycot. Certain models are certified for use in the cabin of planes, making them ideal for parents who like to travel with their family.
The most cost-effective option is to buy a car seat and the pushchair. The bundle is usually created by the brand and comprises of a pushchair and car seat that have been designed to work together. Some pushchairs include the car seats that they are compatible with and you can also purchase an additional seat. (This may require car seat converters.) MFM Editor Gemma's pick of the best travel system that is lightweight is the Babyzen YOYO because of its innovative features and amazing one-second fold.
What do you think it looks like?
A travel system bundle provides ease of use, security and savings. These bundles are assembled by brands or retailers. The components are carefully selected for compatibility. This means you don't have to research which car seat is compatible with your dream pushchair, or searching online for a footmuff or changing bag that complements the style.
They typically comprise a frame for a pushchair that can be used with the group 0+ car seat, and typically include a carrycot, or
best prams seat unit that can be used either front-facing or rear-facing, according to your preference (or regulations, as rear-facing in the car is recommended up to 15 months). Some are even able to be converted into a tandem twin if you're expecting more than one child.
If you are planning to spend a lot of time driving and walking, a transport system is a great choice. It is easy to transfer your child from the car to the pushchair and back without having to disturb them or locate a safe parking place. They can also help you save space in the boot of your car making it easier to go to shops or do the school run.
