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. There are a variety of factors to consider, whether you choose a travel bundle for its convenience and initial cost savings or a separate frame and car seats that are compatible to ensure maximum flexibility.
Luckily, this handy guide will help you make the best decision to meet your needs and lifestyle.
What is a travel system?
A travel system is an infant pushchair that is able to take a baby car seat and some include a carrycot as well. It's an excellent choice for parents who are new because it allows you to easily move your baby from the car to the pushchair without disturbing them - perfect for those quick excursions to the shops or go on a nursery run.
A reliable travel system will click onto your pushchair frame and fit snugly into your car. This ensures a comfortable journey for your child. It's a great choice because you'll need only one large purchase for the baby's arrival. You'll also save money.
There are many different types of travel systems that are available with options ranging from budget-friendly choices to high-end brand names like TYPO or JANE. There are many travel systems that include matching car seat accessories such as changing bags, changing bags, and changing mats. If you're looking to simplify your life by purchasing a bundle of travel systems that include everything you require. This is the most efficient method to ensure that all parts work together. No more searching online for an automobile seat that is functional and then finding out you need adapters too!
What are the seat recline options?
If you opt for an option that includes a carrycot, you should make sure the pushchair seat is fully reclined to ensure your baby can nap comfortably and is in a lying flat position for spinal and respiratory development. You should also think about whether the handlebar can be adjusted in height so that it's comfortable for both you and your partner or anyone else who may use it regularly.
The majority of pushchairs from birth come with a reversible seating option so you can decide which direction your child will face, the parent (to encourage communication skills) or to the world to encourage curiosity and inform them of where they're going. Some travel systems also have a reversible car seat that can be attached directly to the frame of the pushchair, without taking it off it, so you can easily move your child from the car to the stroller and back.
Check that the car seat you choose is compatible with your pushchair, as 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, however others may require them be bought separately. Be sure to check the specifications of the product or ask your local retailer.
How do I get around it?
Carrycots are lightweight and easy to attach, but they're best used for newborns up to 6 months old. They should be used in conjunction with a pushchair that is lying flat to allow the baby to be in a fully reclined posture which is ideal for their lung and spinal development. Carrycots can be easily attached and are lightweight. They're ideal for infants less than 6 months old and should be used in conjunction with an upright pushchair. This allows the baby to be in a fully reclined position which is good for their spinal development as well as lung development.
Whether you go for a travel system bundle or choose and mix the components on your own it's important to keep in mind that they're all designed to function as a unit by the brands. This means you can be sure that they will all fit and work well. Pushchairs And Prams in one place is convenient and often costs less than buying items separately. It's a huge plus that you can transfer your baby's sleepy body from the car seat to the stroller to go to the nursery or to shop without causing disturbance to them. Travel systems are worth the cost.
How easy is it to connect a carrycot or car seat?
The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' can be connected to an appropriate baby car seat or carrycot to allow effortless transitions from your vehicle to the street. This is perfect for infants, allowing them to sleep in the recommended lie-flat position.
Once the baby has outgrown their infant car seat (usually until the age of 18 months) most travel systems can also be used with a stroller seat which means that they'll last longer as your child grows. Most 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 fold into a pushchair, then folded back into the base of the vehicle.
If you choose to use a car seat or carrycot on your pushchair, be sure you read carefully the instructions and follow the age, weight, and size limitations. Check if the car seat and pushchair have been recalled due to safety reasons.
Many pushchairs come with extra accessories that can help enhance your experience, such as a footmuff is a great way to shield your baby from the elements, while a parasol, made from SPF/UPF 50+ fabric, 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 by themselves, but need a little helping hand.
What is the weight restriction?
A pushchair travel system is usually designed to fit babies until a certain age and weight. This will vary depending on the car seat and the pushchair combination you select and your personal needs, so it's important to review these specifications carefully. It's also important to test the brakes on your selected model. They should be strong and easy to operate.
Many brands include infant seat adaptors in their travel system packages. This allows you to simply clip the car seat of your child onto the frame of the stroller. This makes a stroller ride with a baby much easier. It also ensures that once your baby grows out of their carrycot and car seat they can still use the stroller along with you. This is a great option for families that are busy and have plenty of things to accomplish each day.
How do you fold?
Some pushchairs fold by a single button press. Others require two hands or just a couple of steps, yet they can fold very compactly. Some models even have the ability to stand upright when folded, making it simple to grab. This type of design is ideal for those who live in a city, or commute, and wish to make the transition from a car to a 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 utilized as early as the birth of a child by adding the car seat or carrycot. These are typically allowed to be used in the cabin on flights and are great for parents that like to do lots of travelling as a family.
The most cost-effective choice is to purchase a car seat with the pushchair. The bundle is typically created by the manufacturer and consists of a car seat that are designed to work together. Some pushchairs say the car seats they are compatible with and you could buy a seat separately (though this might require car seat adaptors). MFM Editor Gemma's pick for the best travel system that is lightweight is the Babyzen YOYO due to its clever features and incredible one-second fold.
What is it like?
A travel system bundle is a fantastic option to purchase a pushchair and car seat in one go, with the added bonus of comfort, security and often a cost saving. These bundles are put together by retailers or brands. The components are carefully selected for compatibility. That means you don't have to spend time researching which car seat is compatible with your ideal pushchair or searching online for a footmuff or a changing bag that matches the design.
These pushchairs are usually composed of a frame that can fit into the car seat group 0+ and include the carrycot, or seat unit, which can be used either forward-facing or facing the parent depending on your preference and the rules (rear-facing is recommended for cars until 15 months). Some can even be converted into a twin/tandem in the event that you're expecting more one baby.
A travel system is useful if you're planning to be walking and driving with your little one since it lets you transfer them from car to pushchair, and then back without disturbing them or having to find a secure place to park. They can also help you save space in the boot of your car making it easier to nip into shops or do the school run.