Choosing a Pushchair Travel System

The decision to purchase the ideal pushchair for your family will be one of the most important decisions 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 separate pram frame and compatible car seat to ensure maximum flexibility There's plenty to consider.

Luckily, this handy guide will help you make the best choice to suit your needs and lifestyle.

What is a travel system?

A travel system is a pushchair that can be fitted with a baby car seat and some include a carrycot as well. Parents with newborns will appreciate this option because they can easily transfer their baby's sleeping infant from their car into the pushchair.

A quality travel system will attach to the frame of your pushchair and fit comfortably into your car. This ensures an easy journey for your child. It's also a great option as it means that you only need to buy one thing to get ready for the arrival of your child and will typically cost less too.

There are many different types of travel systems that are available, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end brand names such as TYPO or JANE. Many will come with a matching coordinating changing bag and Pushchairsandprams car seat accessories, and should you want to simplify things there are travel system bundles that come with everything you require in one purchase. This is the best method to ensure that all components work. Don't waste time searching online for a car seat that works and then finding out you need adapters too!

What are the various options for reclined seating?

If you choose to purchase an option that includes a carrycot, then ensure that the seat is fully reclined to ensure your baby is comfortable to sleep and is in the recommended lie-flat position for respiratory and spinal development. Take into consideration whether the handlebar could be adjusted in height to make it comfortable for you, your partner or anyone else who uses it often.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs have a reversible seat which allows you to choose which direction your child will face, the parent (to help develop communication skills) or to the world, to stimulate curiosity and let them know where they are going. Some travel systems also come with an reversible car seat that attaches directly to the frame of the pushchair, without taking it off it, ensuring that you can easily move your baby from the car to the stroller and back again.

Check that 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 come with all the adaptors that you require in the box, but others may require them be bought separately. You can determine if this is the case by examining the product's specifications or contacting your local retailer.

How easy is it for you to move around?

If you're looking for a travel system to take your newborn from the car to the pushchair, then back again Make sure that the pushchair's chassis is light enough and that you have enough room in your car to accommodate the carrycot. Carrycots can be easily attached and are lightweight. They're best for newborns less than 6 months old and should be used with a pushchair that is lying flat. This lets the baby sit in a fully reclining position, which is beneficial for their spinal development and lung development.

Whether you go for a travel system bundle, or opt to pick and mix the components yourself, it's worth remembering that they're all designed to work as a single unit by the brands. You can be sure that everything will perform well. Buying everything together is convenient and often costs less than buying items separately. And 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 benefit. Travel systems are worth the investment.

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

The majority of 'from-birth pushchairs can be clicked onto an appropriate car seat or carrycot to facilitate the transition from your vehicle to street easy. This is great for babies since it lets them rest in a flat position.

After the baby has outgrown their car seat (usually up to the age of 18 months) most travel systems can also be used with a stroller seat, meaning that they will last longer as your child grows. The majority of travel systems come with a separate stroller, but some, like the Doona or the Evenflo Shyft DualRide have a single-piece design that permits the car seat to be folded into the pushchair and then folded back into base of the vehicle.

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

A lot of pushchairs come with additional accessories that can help enhance your experience. For instance, a footmuff can help protect your baby from the elements, while the parasol made of SPF/UPF 50+ fabric can keep them cool when it's hot. Some also feature a ride-on board, perfect for toddlers who are ready to take on the world by themselves, but need assistance.

What is the weight limit?

A pushchair travel system will typically accommodate infants as long as they are of the appropriate weight and age. It will depend on the car seat/pushchair combination that you pick and your lifestyle. So it's important to check these specifications thoroughly. The same applies to the brakes on the car you've chosen, it's important that you ensure that they are sturdy and simple to operate.

Many brands include infant car seat adaptors in their travel systems packages which allow you to easily attach your baby's car seats onto the pushchair frame so that they can be moved seamlessly from car to stroller. This makes the whole process of getting out and about with a newborn much quicker and easier. This ensures that your baby can still use their stroller once they are out of the car seat and carrycot. This is a great choice for families with hectic lives and plenty to do every day.

How easy is it for you to fold?

There are a variety of fold types available for pushchairs. Some are actually one-handed by pressing the button. Others require two hands or a couple of steps, yet they can fold very compactly. Some models even stand when folded, making it simple to carry around. This sort of design is ideal if you live in a city, or commute regularly and wish to make the transition from a car to a pushchair a seamless process, or when you have a small boot and need a model that folds really small to fit in it.

Based on the model, travel system pushchairs may be used from birth, by adding a carrycot or infant car seat. Those that can are often accepted to be used in the cabin of flights and are great for parents that like to travel extensively with their family.

If you decide to purchase a car seat and pushchair bundle, it's the most affordable option to purchase. The bundle is created by the manufacturer, and it consists of two car seats and a pushchair designed to work in tandem. Some pushchairs specify the car seats they are compatible with and you could purchase a separate seat (though this might require adaptors for car seats). MFM Editor Gemma's pick for the most lightweight travel system is the Babyzen YOYO due to its innovative features and a stunning one-second fold.

What does it look like?

A travel system bundle offers ease of use, security and savings. The bundles are created by retailers or brands. All of the components are carefully selected for compatibility. This means that 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 made up of a frame that fits into a car seat group 0+ and include the carrycot, or seat unit, that can be used either facing forward or in the opposite direction to the parent, based on your preference or regulations (rear-facing is recommended in cars until 15 months). Some of them can be transformed into a tandem or twin if you are expecting more than one child.

If you intend 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 vice versa without having to annoy them or find a secure parking place. They can also save space in the boot of your car making it easier to go to shops or run the school run.