Choosing a Pushchair Travel System
The choice to purchase the right pushchair for your family is 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 convenience and initial cost savings or a distinct pram frame and compatible car seat for maximum adaptability, there’s plenty to consider.
This handy guide will help make the right choice to meet your needs and lifestyle.
What is a travel system?
A travel system is a stroller that can accommodate a car seat for your baby and some come with carrycots. New parents will appreciate this option because they can easily transfer their sleeping baby from their car into the pushchair.
A good travel system can be tucked in your car and click onto the pushchair frame to make a seamless trip for your little one. It’s also a great choice since you only need to buy one thing to get ready for your new arrival and will usually save you money too.
There are lots of different kinds of travel systems available, ranging from budget choices to high-end brands such as JANE or TYPO. There are many travel systems that include accessories for your car seat that match, changing bags and matching mats for changing. If you want to make your life easier, you can buy a bundle of travel systems which includes everything you need. This is the best way to be sure that all the parts work together and you don’t have to search for a car seat that is compatible and finding out you need additional adaptors!
What are the various seat recline options available?
If you choose to purchase a travel system that comes with a carrycot, ensure that the seat of the pushchair is fully reclined to ensure your baby is comfortable to sleep and is in the recommended lie-flat position for respiratory and spinal development. You should also think about whether the handlebar can be adjusted in height so that it can be comfortable for you as well as your companion or any other person who may be using it regularly.
The majority of pushchairs that are ‘from birth’ include a reversible seat so that you can choose the position of your child’s seat, either facing you (to encourage their communication skills) or in a world-facing position to stimulate their curiosity and allow them to be aware of where they are. Some travel systems also come with the option of a reversible car seats that clips directly onto the frame of the pushchair, without taking it off it, so you can easily move your baby from the car to the stroller, and then back.
Not all infant car seats are compatible with all pushchairs. Some travel systems come with all the adaptors that you require in the box, however others may require them to be purchased separately. You can determine if this is the case by looking up the product’s specifications or contacting your local retailer.
How easy is it to move around?
If you’re looking for a travel system that can transport your baby from car to pushchair and back again Make sure that the pushchair chassis isn’t too heavy, and that you have enough room in your trunk to accommodate the carrycot. Carrycots are light and easy to attach, but they should be used with infants that are less than 6 months old. They should always be paired with a lie-flat pushchair to allow the baby to fully reclined position. This is great for travel systems their lung and spinal development.
Whether you go for a travel system bundle or pick and mix the components yourself it’s important to keep in mind that the majority of them are designed to work as a single unit by the brands. You can be assured that everything will fit and perform well. Buying all your products together can be convenient and almost always cheaper than buying them separately. It’s a major benefit to be able to transfer your baby’s sleeping infant from the car seat to the stroller to go to the nursery or to shop without causing disturbance to them. That’s why we think travel systems are definitely worth the cost.
How easy is it to attach a car seat?
The majority of ‘from-birth’ pushchairs can be clicked on to a car seat that is compatible or a carrycot to make the transition from your vehicle to the street a breeze. This is great for infants and allows them to sleep in the position recommended for them to sleep.
When the baby is outgrowing their infant car seat (usually up to the age of 18 months) most travel systems can also be used with a stroller which means that they’ll last longer as your child grows. Many travel systems are sold with a separate stroller seat but some, like the Doona and the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, have one piece design, which means that the car seat folds up into a pushchair, and then back again to be inserted into the base of your car.
If you choose to use the car seat or carrycot on your pushchair, make certain to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and adhere to their weight, age and size restrictions. Also, check if your pushchair and car seat has been removed as part of an recall for safety.
Many pushchairs come with accessories to enhance your experience. For instance the use of a footmuff is a way to protect your child from the elements while a sun shade made of SPF/UPF50+ fabric will keep them shaded from the sun. Some pushchairs also have a ride-on board, perfect for toddlers who are ready to take on the world on their own, but require a little helping hand.
What is the weight restriction?
A pushchair travel system is typically designed to be able to accommodate infants until a certain weight and age. It’s dependent on the car seat/pushchair combination that you select and what your lifestyle is like. It is therefore crucial to examine these specifications thoroughly. Similar to the brakes of the car you’ve chosen It’s crucial to ensure that they are sturdy and simple to operate.
Many brands include infant car seat adaptors in their travel system packages enabling you to easily clip your baby’s car seat onto the pushchair frame to allow them to be moved seamlessly from car to stroller. This makes a stroller ride with a baby much more convenient. It also ensures that once your baby has outgrown their car seat and carrycot they can use the stroller along with you. This is a great choice for families that are busy and have lots of things to accomplish each day.
How easy is it to fold?
There are a variety of fold styles available for pushchairs. Some are completely one-handed, by pressing a button. Some folds require two hands or a couple of steps, however, they are still compact. Some models are able to stand upright when folded, making it simple to grab. This type of design is ideal for those who live in the city or commute and wish to make the transition from a car to a pushchair a seamless process, or when you have a small space in your boot and require a product that folds up to fit inside it.
Depending on the model, travel system pushchairs may be used from birth by adding an infant car seat. Some models are approved to be used in the cabin of flights, which makes them suitable for parents who want to travel with their families.
The most affordable option is to purchase an automobile seat that is paired with a pushchair. The bundle is developed by the manufacturer that includes the car seat and the pushchair that are designed to work in tandem. Some pushchairs list the car seats that they are compatible with and you can also purchase a seat separately. (This may require converters for car seats.) The Babyzen YOYO is Gemma’s top pick for the best lightweight travel systems, due to its innovative features and quick folding.
What is it like?
A travel system bundle can provide ease of use, security and savings. These bundles are put together by brands or retailers, with each component carefully selected to work seamlessly. This means that you don’t need to do a lot of research on which car seat is compatible with your ideal pushchair or searching online for a sock or changing bag that fits the style.
They normally consist of a frame for a pushchair that is suitable for the group 0+ car seat, and typically include a carrycot or a seat unit that can be used both forward-facing or parent-facing depending on your preference (or regulations, since rear-facing in the car is advised until 15 months). Some convert to twins/tandems when you’re expecting more than one child.
A travel system can be extremely practical if you’re likely to be driving and walking with your child, since it lets you transfer them from the car to pushchair and back again without disturbing them or needing to find a safe spot to park. They also can save space in the boot of your car, making it easier to visit the shops or do the school run.