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Choosing a Pushchair Travel System
The choice of buying the right pushchair for your family will be one of the most important choices you make as a parent. If you decide to go with a travel system bundle to benefit from its initial convenience and cost savings, or a separate frame for the pram and a car seat to ensure maximum flexibility, there's plenty to consider.
This helpful guide will help to make the best choice for your lifestyle and requirements.
What is a travel systems?
A travel system is a stroller that can accommodate a car seat for your baby and some come with the option of a carrycot. New parents will love this option as they can easily move their baby in a sleep position from the car into the pushchair.
A quality travel system will attach to the frame of your pushchair, and fit comfortably into your car. This will ensure a smooth journey for your child. It's a great option because you'll need only one purchase for your baby stroller's arrival. You'll also save money.
There are lots of different kinds of travel systems available ranging from budget options to top-of-the-line brands like JANE or TYPO. There are a variety of travel systems that come with matching car seat accessories, changing bags and matching changing mats. If you want to simplify your life, you can buy an entire travel system that includes everything you need. This is the best way to be sure that all the parts work together without having to look for a compatible car seat and finding out you'll need additional adaptors!
What are the seat recline options?
If you choose to purchase a travel system that includes a carrycot, you should ensure that the seat of the pushchair also fully reclines to ensure your baby is able to sleep comfortably and is in the recommended lying flat position for spinal and respiratory development. Take into consideration whether the handlebar could be adjusted so that it is comfortable for you, your spouse or anyone who may use it frequently.
Most pushchairs that are "from birth" have a reversible seat unit to allow you to choose which position your child is facing towards you (to increase their communication skills) or in a world-facing position to stimulate their curiosity and let them know where they are going. Some travel systems also have a reversible car seat that attaches directly to the frame of the pushchair without having to remove it, so that 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 needed included 3 in one pushchair the box. Others may require you purchase them separately. You can find out whether this is the case by checking the product's specifications or asking at the local retailer.
How easy is it to manoeuvre?
If you're looking for a travel system to transport your baby from the car to the pushchair, and back, make sure the pushchair's chassis is light enough and that you have enough room in your boot to accommodate a carrycot. Carrycots can be attached easily and are lightweight. They are ideal for babies less than 6 months old and should be used in conjunction with a lie flat pushchair. This allows the baby to be in a fully reclining position, which is beneficial for their spinal development as well as lung development.
It's important to note that the majority of brands have designed them to work together. This means that you can be certain that they'll all work together and are functional. Buying everything together is convenient and almost always costs less than buying items separately. And being capable of moving your sleepy newborn from car seat to a stroller for a nursery run or nipping into shops without disturbing them is a big plus. Travel systems are worth the expense.
How easy is it to connect a carrycot or car seat?
Most 'from birth' pushchairs can be linked to a compatible baby car seat or carrycot for simple transitions from your car to the street. This is great for babies because it allows them to rest in a flat position.
Most travel systems are sold with a separate stroller seat. However, some, like the Doona or the Evenflo Shyft DualRide have a one-piece design so that the car seat folds into the pushchair. Many travel systems are sold with a separate stroller, but certain models, such as the Doona and the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, have an all-in-one design that allows the car seat unfolds into a pushchair, and then unfolds again to go into the base of your car.
If you choose to use a carrycot or car seat on your pushchair, make sure you read the instructions and follow the weight, age, and size limitations. Make sure to check if the car seat and pushchair have been recalled due to safety reasons.
A lot of pushchairs come with additional accessories that can improve your experience, such as a footmuff can help protect your baby from the elements, and a parasol, made from SPF/UPF 50+ fabrics, can keep them shady when it's sunny. Some also feature an inflatable ride-on board, which is perfect for toddlers who are ready to conquer the world themselves but need some help.
What is the weight limit?
A pushchair is generally designed to accommodate babies until a certain age and weight. It's contingent on the car seat/pushchair combination that you choose and your lifestyle. So it's essential to review these specifications thoroughly. Similar applies to the brakes on the model you choose, it's important that you ensure that they are sturdy and easy to operate.
Many brands offer infant seat adaptors as part of their travel system packages. This lets you easily clip the car seat of your baby onto the frame of the stroller. This allows you to get out with your baby much easier. This ensures that your baby can still utilize their stroller even after they grow out of the car seat and carrycot. This is an excellent option for families with hectic lives and plenty to do daily.
How easy is it to fold?
Some pushchairs can be folded with a single press. Some folds require two hands or a few steps, however, they are still compact. Some models even have the ability to stand upright when folded, making it simple to grab. This sort of design is ideal if you reside in a city or commute and wish to make the transition from a car to a pushchair a seamless process or if you have a small boot and need a model that folds up to fit into it.
Some travel system pushchairs depending on the model, can be used as early as the time of birth, by incorporating an infant car seat or carrycot. Certain models are certified to be used in the cabin of flights, making them perfect for parents who want to travel with their family.
If you choose to buy the car seat and pushchair bundle, this is the most affordable way to buy. The bundle is typically designed by the manufacturer and consists of a pushchair and car seat that are specifically designed to work together. Some pushchairs specify which car seats they're compatible with and you can then purchase a seat separately (though this may require adaptors for car seats). The Babyzen YOYO is Gemma's choice for the top lightweight travel system due to its clever 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 retailers or brands, with each piece carefully selected to be compatible. This means you don't have to do a lot of research on which car seat is compatible with your ideal pushchair or looking online for a matching footmuff or changing bags.
They normally consist of a frame for a pushchair that can be used with a car seat and usually include a carrycot, or seat unit which can be used both facing forward or towards the parent according to your preference (or the rules, as rear-facing in the car is recommended up to 15 months). Some can even be transformed into a tandem or twin if you are expecting more than one child.
If you plan to spend a lot of time driving and walking, a travel system is a great option. You can easily move your child from the car to the pushchair and back without having to disturb them or locate a safe parking spot. They can also save space in the car's boot making it easier to nip into shops or run the school run.