Choosing a Pushchair Travel System
The choice of the ideal pushchair for your family is among the most important decisions you’ll have to make as a parent. Whether you choose a travel system bundle to benefit from its convenience and initial cost savings or a distinct frame for the pram and a car seat for maximum adaptability, there’s plenty to consider.
Luckily, this handy guide will help you make the right option that will meet your needs and lifestyle.
What is a travel systems?
A travel system is an infant pushchair that is able to take a baby car seat, and some come with the option of a carrycot too. Parents with newborns will appreciate this option since they can easily move their baby’s sleeping infant from the car into the pushchair.
A good travel system will attach to the frame of your pushchair and will fit perfectly into your car. This will ensure an easy journey for your child. It’s also a convenient choice since that you only need to purchase one item to get ready for your new arrival and will usually reduce your expenses too.
There are many different types of travel systems that are available that range from budget-friendly options to premium brand names such as TYPO or JANE. A lot of them come with a matching coordinating changing bag as well as car seat accessories. And if you’re really looking to simplify things there are travel system bundles that include everything you need in just one purchase. This is a great way to ensure all the components work and you don’t have to search online for a compatible car seat and finding out you need additional adaptors too!
What are the seat recline options?
If you decide to go with a travel system that includes a carrycot, then ensure that the seat of the pushchair also fully reclines to ensure your baby can nap comfortably and is at the recommended lie-flat position for respiratory and spinal development. Consider whether the handlebar can be adjusted so that it is comfortable for you, your partner or anyone else who uses it often.
Most pushchairs that are “from birth” come with a reversible seat so that you can choose whether your child sits parent-facing (to increase their communication skills) or facing the world, to encourage their curiosity and allow them to see where they are going. Some travel systems also have a reversible car seat 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 then back.
Check that the car seat you choose is compatible with your pushchair as not all infant car seats are able to be attached to all pushchairs without additional adaptors. Some travel systems include all the adaptors required included in the box. Others may require you purchase adaptors on your own. You can determine if this is the case by checking the product details or asking at your local retailer.
How easy is it to manoeuvre?
Carrycots are light and easy to attach, but they should be used for babies that are less than 6 months old. They should always be used with a lie-flat pushchair to allow the baby to be in a fully reclined position which is ideal for their spinal and lung development. Carrycots are easily attached and are lightweight. They’re best for newborns less than 6 months old. They should be used with a pushchair that is lying flat. This allows the baby to sit in a reclining position which is beneficial for their spinal development as well as lung development.
If you opt for a travel system bundle or pick and mix your own components it’s important to keep in mind that the majority of them are designed to work together as a single unit by the brands. You can be sure that everything will fit and perform as intended. Shopping in one place is convenient and almost always works out cheaper than purchasing items separately. It’s an enormous 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. We believe that it’s worth the cost.
How easy is it to attach an automobile seat or a carrycot?
Most of the ‘from birth’ pushchairs can be clicked on to an appropriate car seat or carrycot to allow you to transition from your car to the street a breeze. This is great for babies since it lets them sleep in a flat position.
Once the baby has outgrown their infant 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. Most travel systems include a separate stroller, but certain models, like the Doona or the Evenflo Shyft DualRide have a one piece design that allows the car seat to fold into the pushchair and then refolded back into the base of the vehicle.
If you choose to use the car seat or carrycot on your pushchair, make sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully and be sure to adhere to their weight, age and size limitations. Check whether the car seat and pushchair are being recalled due to safety reasons.
A lot of pushchairs come with accessories that can enhance your experience. For example, a footmuff will shield your child from the elements, while a parasol made of SPF/UPF50+ fabric will keep them shaded from the sun. Some pushchairs include an ride-on board for toddlers who are eager to explore the world, but need a little help.
What is the weight limit?
A pushchair is generally designed to accommodate babies up to a maximum age and weight. This will vary depending on the car seat and pushchair combo you choose as well as your own lifestyle needs so it’s important to review these specifications attentively. Similar applies to the brakes on your chosen model It’s crucial to make sure they’re strong and simple to operate.
Many brands include adaptors for infant car seats in their travel system packages which allow you to easily attach your baby’s car seats onto the pushchair frame so that they can be easily moved from stroller to car. This makes getting out with a baby much more convenient. It also ensures that when your baby grows out of their carrycot and car seat they will still be able to use the stroller along with you. This is an excellent option for families who are busy and have lots of things to accomplish each day.
How do you fold?
Some pushchairs can be folded with a single press. Some folds require two hands, or a few steps, but they are still extremely compact. Some models even stand when folded, which makes it simple to carry around. This model is ideal for those who commute or live in a city and want to make the transition from car and pushchair smooth. If you have a small car boot.
Depending on the model, some travel system pushchairs can be used from birth by adding an infant car seat. Some models are approved to be used in the cabin of flights, making them perfect for parents who prefer to travel with their families.
If you opt for a car seat and pushchair bundle, it’s the most cost-effective method of purchasing. The bundle is created by the brand that includes a car seat and pushchair that are designed to work together. Some pushchairs include the car seats that they are compatible with, and you can purchase an additional seat. (This may require converters for car seats.) The Babyzen YOYO is Gemma’s choice for the best lightweight travel system due to its clever features and one-second folding.
What does it look like?
A travel system bundle is a fantastic way to buy a pushchair and car seat in one go, with the added bonus of ease of use, security and often a cost saving. These bundles are created by retailers or brands, with each component carefully selected to be compatible. This means that you don’t have to do a lot of research on which car seat is compatible with your ideal pushchair, or search on the internet for a compatible footmuff or changing bags.
They usually comprise a frame for a pushchair that can be used with a car seat and usually include a carrycot or seat unit that can be used forward-facing or parent-facing depending on your preference (or regulations, since rear-facing in the car is recommended up to 15 months). Some can even be transformed into a tandem or twin if you’re expecting more than one child.
A travel system can be really convenient if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking and driving with your little one since it lets you transfer them from the car to pushchair and back again without causing any disturbance or having to find a secure place to park. They can also help you save space in the car’s boot and make it easier to nip into shops or go on a school run.
