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Choosing a Pushchair Travel System

Choosing the perfect pushchair for your family is among the biggest decisions you'll make as a parent. It doesn't matter if you opt for a travel system bundle for its convenience and initial cost savings, or a separate double pram frame and compatible car seat to ensure maximum flexibility There are plenty of options to think about.

This handy guide will help make the right choice to meet your needs and lifestyle.

What is a travel system?

A travel system is a pushchair that can be fitted with the baby car seat and some include the option of a carrycot too. New parents will appreciate this option because they can easily transfer their baby's sleeping infant from the car into the pushchair.

A quality travel system can be glued to your pushchair frame and will fit perfectly into your car. This allows for a comfortable journey for your child. It's also a practical option as it means you only have to buy one thing when getting ready for your new arrival and will usually reduce your expenses too.

There are many types of travel system available, ranging from budget choices to premium brands like JANE or TYPO. There are a variety of travel systems that include accessories for your car seat that match including changing bags, changing bags and mats for changing. If you want to simplify your life by purchasing a bundle of travel systems which includes everything you need. This is the best way to be sure that all of the components work without having to look online for a compatible car seat and then finding out that you require additional adaptors too!

What are the various seat recline options available?

If you choose to purchase an option that includes a carrycot, then ensure that the seat also fully reclines to ensure your baby is able to sleep comfortably and is in the recommended lie-flat position for respiratory and spinal development. You should also think about whether the handlebar is height-adjustable to ensure it is comfortable prams for newborns both you and your partner or anyone else who might be using it regularly.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' have a reversible seat unit so that you can decide the position of your child's seat, either facing you (to help them develop their communication skills) or facing the world, to encourage their curiosity and let them be aware of where they are. Some travel systems also have a reversible car seat that can be attached directly to the pushchair frame without removing it, so you can easily move your baby from the car to the stroller and back.

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 may require them to be bought separately. Be sure to check the specifications of the product or ask your local retailer.

How easy is it to maneuver?

Carrycots are lightweight and simple to attach, but they're best used for newborns up to 6 months old. They should always be paired with a lie-flat pushchair so that the baby can 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 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 choose to purchase a travel system bundle, or opt to pick and mix your own components, it's worth remembering that most of them are designed to work together as a single unit by the brands. You can be assured that everything will fit and perform as intended. Buying everything in one place can be a great idea and is almost always cheaper than buying them separately. Also, being able to move your sleeping newborn from their car seat to a cheap stroller for the nursery run or nipping into shops without disturbing them is a big plus. We believe that it's worth the cost.

How easy is it attaching a car seat or carrycot?

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs can be clicked on to a car seat that is compatible or a carrycot to make the transition from your car to street easy. This is perfect for infants and allows them to sleep in the recommended lie-flat position.

When the baby is outgrowing their infant car seat (usually until the age of 18 months) the majority of travel systems can also be used with a cheap stroller seat, meaning that they will last longer as your child grows. A majority of travel systems come with an additional stroller seat, however some, like the Doona and the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, have a one-piece design so that the car seat can be folded into a pushchair, and then back again to fit into the base of your car.

If you decide to use a carrycot or car seat on your pushchair, make sure you read carefully the instructions and observe the age, weight and size restrictions. Check if the car seat and pushchair have been recalled for safety reasons.

A lot of pushchairs come with additional accessories that can enhance your experience, for example a footmuff can help protect your child from the elements, while the parasol made of SPF/UPF 50+ fabric, can keep them shady when it's sunny. Some pushchairs include an ride-on board for toddlers who want to explore the world but require a little help.

What is the weight restriction?

A pushchair travel system is usually designed to accommodate babies up to a maximum weight and age. This can vary based on the car seat and pushchair combo you select, and also your personal requirements for your lifestyle, so it's worth checking these specifications thoroughly. Similar to the brakes on the car you've chosen, it's important that you make sure they're strong and easy to operate.

Many brands include infant seat adaptors in their travel system packages. This allows you to 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 will be able to use their stroller once they grow out of the car seat and carrycot. This is an excellent option for families that have busy lives and a lot to do each day.

How easy is it to fold?

Some pushchairs fold with just a single button press. Others require two hands or a couple of steps, yet they can fold very compactly. Some models are even able to stand upright when folded, making it simple to carry. This sort of design is ideal if you live in the city or commute regularly and need to make the transition from your car to a pushchair seamless, or when you have a small boot and need something that folds up to fit in it.

Based on the model, some travel system pushchairs can be used from birth by adding an infant car seat. They are usually accepted to be used in the cabin on flights and are ideal for parents that like to travel extensively as a family.

If you opt for a pushchair and car seat bundle, this is the most cost-effective option to purchase. The bundle is typically designed by the manufacturer and consists of a car seat that are specifically designed to work together. Alternatively, some pushchairs will say which car seats they're compatible with and you can buy a seat separately (though it may require car seat adaptors). MFM Editor Gemma's choice for the best lightweight travel system is the Babyzen YOYO due to its clever features and incredible one-second fold.

What is it like?

A travel pushchair system bundle offers convenience, security and cost savings. These bundles are put together by brands or retailers. All of the components are hand-picked for their compatibility. This means that you don't have to research what car seat is compatible with your ideal pushchair, or search online for a matching footmuff or changing bags.

They normally consist of a pushchair frame that can be used with a group 0+ car seat and usually include a carrycot, or seat unit that can be used either 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 of them can be converted into a tandem twin if you are expecting more than one child.

A travel system can be extremely convenient if you're going to be driving and walking with your child because it allows you to move them from car to pushchair, and then back without disturbing them or having to find a secure place to park. They also can save space in the trunk of your car and make it easier to nip into shops or go on a school run.