Choosing a Pushchair Travel System
The choice of buying the right pushchair for your family is one of the most important choices you make as a parent. There are many factors to consider, whether you choose a travel bundle for its convenience and cost savings or a frame that is separate and car seats that are compatible for maximum adaptability.
This helpful guide will help to make the best choice for your lifestyle and requirements.
What is a travel system?
A travel system is a pushchair that can be fitted with the baby car seat and some carry an infant carrycot. Parents with newborns will appreciate this option as they can easily move their baby's sleeping infant from the car to the foldable pushchair.
A great travel system will fit comfortably in your car and click onto the pushchair frame to ensure a smooth journey for your little one. It's a great option because you'll only need to make one major purchase to celebrate the arrival of your baby. You'll also save money.
There are many types of travel systems available, from budget-friendly options to premium brands like JANE or TYPO. A lot of them come with a matching changing bag that is a perfect match as well as car seat accessories. And should you want to simplify things there are compact travel pram system bundles that include everything you require in one purchase. This is a great way to ensure all the parts work together and you don't have to search to find a car seat that's compatible and then finding out that you require additional adaptors too!
What are the seat recline options?
If you decide to go with an option that includes a carrycot, then make sure the pushchair seat is fully reclined to ensure your baby is able to sleep comfortably and is in a lie-flat position for spinal and respiratory development. Consider whether the handlebar can be adjusted in height to make it comfortable for you, your spouse or anyone who may use it often.
Most 'from birth' pushchairs 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 allow them to see where they are going. Some travel systems also have the option of a reversible car seats that attaches directly to the pushchair frame without removing it, ensuring that you can easily transfer your child from the car to the stroller and back again.
Not all infant car seats work with all pushchairs. Some travel systems come with all the adaptors that you require in the box, however others might require them to be purchased separately. You can determine whether this is the case by examining the product details or contacting the local retailer.
How do you find it to maneuver?
Carrycots are light and easy to attach, but they should be used with babies up to 6 months old. They should be used in conjunction with a lie-flat pushchair to allow the baby to be in a fully reclined position which is ideal for their lung and spinal development. Carrycots can be attached easily and are light. They are ideal for babies less than 6 months old. They are best used with a pushchair that is lying flat. This lets the baby sit in a fully reclining position which is good for their spinal development as well as lung development.
It's important to remember that the majority of the brands have designed them to work together. This means that you can be confident that they'll all work together and are functional. Buying everything together is convenient and often is less expensive than buying items separately. It's a major benefit that you can transfer your baby's sleepy body from the car seat to the stroller to go to the nursery or shop without causing disturbance to them. Travel systems are worth the investment.
How easy is it to connect a carrycot or car seat?
Most 'from-birth pushchairs can be clicked on to an appropriate car seat or carrycot to facilitate the transition from your car to the street simple. This is ideal for infants since it lets them sleep in a flat position.
After the baby has outgrown their car seat (usually up to the age of 18 months) the majority of travel systems can be used with a stroller seat, meaning that they will last longer as your child grows. The majority of travel strollers systems include a separate stroller, however some, like the Doona or the Evenflo Shyft DualRide have a single piece design that allows the car seat to fold into a pushchair, then folded back into base of the vehicle.
If you decide to use a car seat or carrycot on your pushchair, be sure you read carefully the instructions and follow the weight, age and size restrictions. Also, be sure to determine if the pushchair and car seat has been recalled as part of an recall for safety.
A lot of pushchairs come with accessories to enhance your experience. For example, a footmuff will shield your child from the elements while a sun shade made of SPF/UPF50+ fabric will keep them sheltered from the sun. Some pushchairs also have 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 limit?
A pushchair travel system (Read Far more) will usually accommodate babies as long as they are of the appropriate weight and age. It's contingent on the car seat/pushchair combo that you choose, as well as the kind of lifestyle you have. Therefore, it is essential to review the specifications carefully. It's also important to test the brakes of your chosen model. They must be durable and easy-to-operate.
Many brands include adaptors for infant carseats in their travel system bundles which allow 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 getting out and about with a newborn much easier and simpler. It also means that when your baby grows out of their car seat and carrycot, they can still use the stroller with you. This is an excellent option for families that have busy lives and a lot to do daily.
How easy is it for you to fold?
There are a variety of fold styles that are available on pushchairs. Some are completely one-handed, by pressing one button. Others need two hands or a couple of steps but still manage to fold down to a small size. Some models are able to stand up when folded, making it simple to carry. This kind of design is ideal for those who live in the city or commute, and need to make the transition from car to pushchair seamless, or in the case that you have a tiny boot and need a model that folds up to fit in it.
Based on the model, travel system pushchairs can be used from birth by adding an infant car seat. Certain models are certified for use in the cabin of flights, making them ideal for parents who want to travel with their families.
If you opt for the car seat and pushchair bundle, it's the most affordable option to purchase. The bundle is typically created by the brand and comprises of a pushchair and car seat that are designed to work together. Some pushchairs include the car seats they are compatible with and you can buy a seat separately. (This could require car seat converters.) The Babyzen YOYO is Gemma's top pick for the most lightweight travel system due to its clever features and one-second folding.
What do you think it looks like?
A travel system bundle is an excellent option to purchase a pushchair and car seat together with the added benefit of convenience, reassurance and, in most cases, cost savings. These bundles are put together by brands or retailers, with each component carefully selected to work perfectly together. That means you don't have to spend time researching the best car seat with your dream pushchair, or trawling on the internet for a footmuff or a changing bag that matches the design.
They are typically made up of a frame that fits into a car seat group 0+, and also includes the carrycot, or seat unit, which can be used forward-facing or facing the parent depending on your preference or the regulations (rear-facing is recommended in cars up to 15 months). Some of them can be converted into a tandem twin pram if you are expecting more than one child.
A travel system is useful if you're planning to be doing a lot of walking and driving with your child, as it means you can transfer them from car to pushchair and back without disturbing them or needing to find a secure place to park. They also can save space in your car's boot, making it easier to go shopping or take your child to school.