Choosing a Pushchair Travel System

The choice to purchase the right pushchair for your family will be one of the most important choices you make as a parent. There are a variety of factors to be aware of, whether you opt for a travel bundle due to its convenience and cost savings or a frame that is separate and compatible car seats to ensure maximum flexibility.

Luckily, this handy guide will assist you in making the best decision to meet your lifestyle and needs.

What is a travel system?

A travel system is a stroller that has the capacity to accommodate a car seat for your baby, and some even come with a carrycot. New parents will love this option because they can easily transfer their baby in a sleep position from the car to the pushchair.

A great travel system can be tucked in your car and attach to the frame of the pushchair to make a seamless trip for your baby. It's a great choice because you'll need only one large purchase to celebrate the arrival of your baby. You'll also save money.

There are many types of travel system available, from budget-friendly options to premium brands like 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 simplify things there are travel system bundles that come with everything you require in one purchase. This is the best way to make sure all parts work together. Don't waste time searching online for a car seat that works and then finding out you'll need adapters!

What are the recline options for seats? options?

If you choose to purchase an option that includes a carrycot, make sure the pushchair seat also fully reclines to ensure your baby is able to sleep comfortably and is in the recommended lie-flat position for spinal and respiratory development. Consider whether the handlebar can be adjusted to ensure it is comfortable for you, your partner or anyone else who might use frequently.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs come with a reversible seating option which allows you to choose whether your child will face the parent (to help develop communication skills) or to the world, to stimulate curiosity and inform them of where they're going. Some travel systems also have the option of a reversible car seats that can be attached directly to the pushchair frame without removing it, so you can easily move your baby from the car to the stroller and back again.

Check that the car seat you choose is compatible with your pushchair, as not all infant car seats can be connected to all pushchairs without additional adaptors. Certain travel systems come with all the adaptors you need included in the box, while others may require them be purchased separately. You can determine whether this is the case by looking up the product's specifications or contacting the local retailer.

How do you find it to manoeuvre?

If you're looking for a transport system to take your newborn from the car to the pushchair and back again ensure that the pushchair chassis is light enough and that you have enough room in your boot to accommodate the carrycot. Carrycots are lightweight and easy to attach but they're best used with babies up to 6 months old and should always be used in conjunction with a lying pushchair to allow the baby to be fully reclined position, which is best for their lung and spinal 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 they're all designed to work as a unit by the brands. This means that you can be sure that they will all work together and are functional. Buying everything together is convenient and usually is less expensive than buying items separately. Also, being in a position to move your sleepy pram newborn from their car seat to stroller for the nursery walk or even a trip to shops without disrupting them is a huge plus. Travel systems are worth the investment.

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

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' can be connected to an appropriate baby car seat or carrycot to allow easy transitions from your vehicle to the street. This is perfect for newborns since it lets them sleep flat.

When the baby is outgrowing their infant 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. The majority of travel systems include a separate stroller, but certain models, like the Doona or the Evenflo Shyft DualRide have a single-piece design that permits the car seat to fold into a pushchair, then refolded back into the base of the vehicle.

If you choose to use a carrycot or car seat on your pushchair, be sure you read the instructions and observe the age, weight, and size limitations. Also, make sure to verify if your pushchair or car seat have been recalled as part of a safety recall.

Many pushchairs come with extra accessories that can enhance your experience, for example the footmuff can protect your baby from the elements, whereas an umbrella made of SPF/UPF 50+ fabric, can keep them shady when it's sunny. Some pushchairs include a ride-on board designed for toddlers who want to explore the world but require a little help.

What is the weight limit?

A pushchair travel system is typically designed to fit babies up to a maximum weight and age. It will depend on the car seat/folding pushchair combo that you choose, as well as your lifestyle. Therefore, it is essential to review these specifications carefully. The same applies to the brakes on the car you've chosen It is essential to ensure that they are sturdy and simple to operate.

Many brands include infant car seat adaptors in their travel system bundles enabling you to easily attach your baby's car seats onto the frame of the pushchair to allow them to be effortlessly moved from car to stroller. This allows you to get out with your baby much easier. It also means that when your baby is no longer in their car seat and carrycot, they can still use the stroller pram with car seat you. This is a great option for families that are busy and have lots of things to do every day.

How do you fold?

There are a variety of fold styles that are available on pushchairs. Some are truly one-handed with just a click of a button. Others need two hands or a couple of steps but still manage to be very compact pushchair when folded. Some models are even able to stand up when folded, making it simple to carry. This type of design is ideal for those who live in the city or commute and wish to make the transition from car to pushchair seamless or when you have a small space in your boot and require a product that folds up to fit inside it.

Some travel system pushchairs dependent on the model, can be used from the time of birth, by incorporating an infant car seat or carrycot. These are typically allowed to be used in the cabin of flights and are perfect for parents that like to travel a lot with their family.

If you decide to purchase a car seat and pushchair bundle, it's the most economical option to purchase. The bundle is typically created by the brand and comprises of a car seat that are specifically designed to work together. Some pushchairs include the car seats they are compatible with and you can buy the car seat separately. (This could require car seat converters.) MFM Editor Gemma's choice for the best lightweight travel system is the Babyzen YOYO because of its innovative features and a stunning one-second fold.

What do you think it looks like?

A travel system bundle provides convenience, security and cost savings. These bundles are put together by brands or retailers, with each component carefully selected to work seamlessly. This means you won't need to spend time researching what car seat is compatible with your ideal pushchair, or search for a footmuff that matches or changing bags.

They normally consist of a frame for a pushchair that can be used with a car seat, and typically include a carrycot, or seat unit which can be used both front-facing or rear-facing, according to your preference (or the rules, as rear-facing in the car is advised until 15 months). Some even convert into a twin/tandem when you're expecting more than one child.

A travel system can be extremely practical if you're likely to be doing a lot of driving and walking with your little one because it allows you to move them from car to pushchair, and then back without disturbing them or needing to find a safe place to park. They can also help you save space in the trunk of your car and make it easier to nip into shops or do the school run.