Choosing a Pushchair Travel System

Choosing the perfect pushchair for your family is among the biggest decisions you'll make as a parent. There are a variety of factors to take into consideration, whether you choose a travel bundle due to its convenience and cost savings, or a separate frame and car seat that is compatible to ensure maximum flexibility.

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

What is a travel system?

A travel system is a pushchair that can be fitted with a baby car seat, and some come with the option of a carrycot too. It's a great choice for parents who are new as it means you can easily transfer your baby from the car to the pushchair without disturbing them - perfect for those quick trips to the shops or make an early morning run.

A quality travel system can be glued to the frame of your pushchair and fit snugly into your car. This ensures an easy journey for your child. It's a great choice because you'll need only one purchase to celebrate the arrival of your baby. You'll also save money.

There are lots of different types of travel system available, ranging from budget choices to high-end brands such as JANE or TYPO. Many will come with a matching changing bag that is a perfect match and car seat accessories and if you're really looking to make things easier, there are travel system bundles that contain everything you require in one purchase. This is the best way to be sure that all the parts work together and you don't have to search to find a car seat that's compatible and finding out you need additional adaptors!

What are the various options for reclined seats?

If you decide to go with a travel system that comes with a carrycot, you should ensure that the seat is fully reclined to ensure your baby is comfortable to sleep and is in a lying flat position for spinal and respiratory development. Think about whether the handlebar can be adjusted in height to ensure it is comfortable for you, your spouse or anyone else who uses frequently.

The majority of pushchairs from birth come with a reversible seat so you can decide which direction your child will face, the parent (to help develop communication skills) or the world to encourage curiosity and let them know where they're going. Some travel systems come with a reversible seat unit that clips directly to the frame of the pushchair, without having to take it off. This lets you easily transfer your child from the car to the stroller and in reverse.

Make sure the car seat you pick is compatible with your pushchair, since not all infant car seats can be connected to all pushchairs without additional adaptors. Some travel systems come with all the adaptors required included in the box. Others may require you purchase them separately. You can find out if this is the case by examining the product's details or contacting your local retailer.

How do you find it to maneuver?

Carrycots are light and easy to attach, but they should be used with babies up to 6 months old. They should always be used in conjunction with a pushchair that is lying flat so that the baby can be in a fully reclined posture which is ideal for their lung and spinal development. Carrycots can be attached easily and are lightweight. They're best for newborns less than 6 months old and are best used with an upright pushchair. This lets the baby sit in a fully reclining position which is good for their spinal development as well as lung development.

If you opt for a travel system bundle, or opt to pick and mix the components on your own, it's worth remembering that the majority of them are designed to work as a single unit by the brands. This means that you can be sure that they will all function well and fit together. Buying all your products in one location can be a great idea and is generally cheaper than purchasing the items separately. It's a huge plus that you can transfer your baby's sleepy body from the car seat to the stroller in order to go to the nursery or shop without disturbing them. Travel systems are worth the cost.

How do I attach a car seat?

The majority of 'from-birth pushchairs can be plugged on to a compatible car seat or carrycot to make the transition from your car to street easy. This is great for babies since it lets them sleep flat.

The majority of travel systems come with a separate stroller. However, some, like the Doona and the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, have one-piece designs so that the car seat folds into a pushchair. A lot of travel systems come with a separate stroller, but certain models, such as the Doona and the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, have one piece design, which means 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 carrycot on your pushchair, make sure to carefully read the instructions and follow the age, weight, and size limitations. Check if the car seat and pushchair are being recalled due to safety reasons.

Many pushchairs travel systems come with accessories to make your experience more enjoyable. For instance the footmuff can protect your baby against the elements while a sun shade made of SPF/UPF50+ fabric will keep them shaded from the sun. Some models also come with a ride-on board that is ideal for toddlers who are ready to tackle the world themselves but need assistance.

What is the weight restriction?

A pushchair travel system is usually designed to accommodate babies until a certain age and weight. It will depend on the car seat/pushchair combination that you select and also on the kind of lifestyle you have. Therefore, it is crucial to examine these specifications thoroughly. The same applies to the brakes on your chosen model, it's important that you check that these are strong and easy to operate.

Many brands include adaptors for infant car seats in their travel systems packages enabling you to easily attach your baby's car seat onto the frame of your pushchair so that they can be effortlessly moved from car to stroller. This makes getting out with a baby much easier. This means that your baby can still use their stroller after they grow out of the car seat and carrycot. This is a great option for families that have busy lives and lots to do every day.

How easy is it for you to fold?

There are a range of fold types available for pushchairs. Some are actually one-handed with a simple press of one button. Some folds require two hands or a couple of steps, but are still very compact. Some models are able to stand upright when folded, making them easy to carry. This is a great option for those who commute or live in a city and need to make the transition between your car and pushchair seamless. Or if you only have a tiny boot.

Depending on the model, some travel system pushchairs can also be used from birth when you add 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 as a family.

If you choose to buy a pushchair and car seat bundle, it's the most economical way to buy. The bundle is typically designed by the brand and comprises of a 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 a seat separately. (This could require car seat converters.) MFM Editor Gemma's choice for the most lightweight travel system is the Babyzen YOYO due to its clever features and incredible one-second fold.

What does it look Like?

A travel system bundle is a fantastic way to buy a pushchair and car seat in one go and also enjoy the benefits of ease of use, pram shops near me security and, in most cases, cost savings. These bundles are designed by retailers or brands, with each component carefully selected to work perfectly together. This means that you don't need to do a lot of research on the best car seat with your ideal pushchair or trawling on the internet for a footmuff or a changing bag that matches the design.

They typically consist of a pushchair frame that is suitable for a car seat and usually include a carrycot or a seat unit which can be used both forward-facing or parent-facing depending on your preference (or regulations, as rear-facing in the car is advised until 15 months). Some even convert into twins/tandems in the event that you're expecting more one baby.

A travel system can be really useful if you're planning to be doing a lot of walking and driving with your little one since it lets you transfer them from car to pushchair, and then back without disturbing them or needing to find a safe place to park. They also can save space in the boot of your car and make it easier to get to shops or run the school run.