Choosing a Pushchair Travel System
The choice of buying the best pushchair for your family will be one of the most important decisions you make as a parent. There are a lot of aspects to consider, whether you choose a travel bundle for its convenience and cost savings or a frame that is separate and car seat that is compatible to ensure maximum flexibility.
This helpful guide will help to make the best choice to meet your needs and lifestyle.
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. It's a great option for new parents because it allows you to easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the pushchair without disturbing them. ideal for quick trips to the shops or make a nursery run.
A good travel system will fit comfortably into your car and then click onto the pushchair frame to make a seamless trip for your baby. 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 lots of different types of travel system available, from budget-friendly options to high-end brands such as JANE or TYPO. There are numerous travel systems that come with matching car seat accessories, changing bags and matching mats for changing. If you're looking to make your life easier, you can buy an entire travel system which includes everything you need. This is the most efficient method to ensure that the components are in sync. 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 decide to purchase a travel system with a carrycot then ensure that the pushchair seat is fully reclined to allow your baby to sleep comfortably in the recommended position to develop their breathing and spine. Think about whether the handlebar can be adjusted in height to ensure it is comfortable for you, your spouse or anyone else who might use it frequently.
Most 'from birth' pushchairs include a reversible seat so that you can decide whether your child sits parent-facing (to increase their communication skills) or in a world-facing position, to encourage their curiosity and allow them to be aware of where they are. Some travel systems also have an reversible car seat that clips directly onto 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 back.
Make sure the car seat you pick is compatible with your pushchair, as not all infant car seats can be connected to all pushchairs without the need for adaptors. Some
travel strollers systems come with all the adaptors needed included in the box. Others might require that you purchase the adaptors separately. Review the product's specifications or contact your local retailer.
How do you find it to move around?
If you're looking for a travel system to transport your baby from the car to the pushchair, and back, make sure the pushchair chassis isn't too heavy, and that you have room in your boot to accommodate a carrycot. Carrycots are lightweight and easy to attach, but they should be used with infants that are less than 6 months old and must always be used with a lying pushchair to allow the baby to be fully reclined posture, which is ideal for their spinal and lung development.
If you opt for a travel system bundle, or opt to pick and mix the components on your own it's important to keep in mind that the majority of them are designed to work as a unit by the brands. You can be sure that everything will fit and perform well. Buying all your items in one place can be convenient and generally cheaper than purchasing the items separately. It's an enormous benefit to be able to transfer your baby's sleeping infant from the car seat to the stroller in order to go to the nursery or shop without disturbing them. Travel systems are worth the expense.
How do I attach a car seat?
The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' can be linked to a compatible baby car seat or carrycot for effortless transitions from your vehicle to the street. This is perfect for infants and allows them to sleep in the recommended lie-flat position.
After the baby has outgrown their car seat (usually until the age of 18 months) the majority of travel systems can also be used with a stroller and will therefore last longer as your child develops. Many travel systems are sold with a separate stroller, but certain models, such as the Doona and the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, have a one-piece design so that the car seat folds up into a pushchair, and then unfolds again to go into the base of your car.
If you choose to use a car seat or carrycot on your pushchair, be certain to read the instructions of the manufacturer carefully and be sure to follow their weight, age and size restrictions. Also, check if your pushchair and car seat have been recalled as part of a safety recall.
Many pushchairs come with additional accessories that can enhance your experience. For instance the use of a footmuff is a way to protect your child from the elements while a parasol made of SPF/UPF50+ fabric will keep them sheltered from the sun. Some pushchairs include a ride-on board designed for toddlers who are eager to explore the world, but require a little assistance.
What is the weight limit?
A
pushchair travel system can usually accommodate babies as long as they are of the appropriate weight and age. It's contingent on the car seat/pushchair combination that you select and the kind of lifestyle you have. So it's important to check these specifications thoroughly. Similar to the brakes of the model you choose It's crucial to ensure that they are sturdy and easy 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 frame of your pushchair to be moved seamlessly from car to stroller. This makes the whole process of going out and about with a
baby stroller much faster and easier. This means that your baby will be able to use their stroller after they grow out of the car seat and carrycot. This is an excellent option for families who are busy and have lots of things to do each day.
How easy is it for you to fold?
Some pushchairs can fold by a single button press. Others need two hands or just a couple of steps, yet they can fold very compactly. Some models are even able to stand up when folded, making them easy to carry. This sort of design is ideal for those who reside in a city or commute regularly and want to make the transition from car to
pushchair car seat seamless or in the case that you have a tiny boot and need something that folds really small to fit inside it.
Depending on the model, some
prams travel system system pushchairs can also be used from birth when you add a carrycot or infant car seat. Those that can are often approved to be taken in the cabin of flights and are ideal for parents that like to travel extensively as a family.
The most cost-effective option is to buy a car seat with a pushchair. The bundle is typically created by the brand and comprises of a pushchair and car seat that are specifically designed to work together. Some
cheap pushchairs include the car seats they are compatible with and you can buy a seat separately. (This might require car seat converters.) MFM Editor Gemma's pick for the most lightweight travel system is the Babyzen YOYO because of its clever features and incredible one-second fold.
What is it like?
A travel system bundle can provide convenience, assurance and cost savings. These bundles are assembled by brands or retailers. All the parts are hand-picked for their compatibility.