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Choosing a Pushchair Travel System
The choice of buying the best pushchair for your family will be one of the most important choices you make as a parent. It doesn't matter if you opt for a travel system bundle to benefit from its convenience and initial cost savings or a separate frame for your pram double and a compatible car seat for maximum adaptability There's plenty to consider.
This handy guide will help to make the best decision to meet your needs and lifestyle.
What is a travel system?
A travel system is a stroller that can accommodate a car seat for your baby and some even include carrycots. New parents will appreciate this option as they can easily transfer their baby in a sleep position from the car into the pushchair.
A reliable travel system can be glued to the frame of your pushchair, and fit snugly into your car. This ensures an easy journey for your child. It's also a practical option as it means you only need to purchase one item in the process of getting ready for your new baby and will typically save you money too.
There are lots of different kinds of travel systems available, from budget-friendly options to top-of-the-line brands like JANE or TYPO. There are a variety of travel systems that include accessories for your car seat that match, changing bags and travel strollers matching changing mats. If you're looking to simplify your life, you can buy a bundle of travel systems that includes everything you need. This is the best way to make sure the components are in sync. No more searching online for a car seat that works and then finding out you need adapters too!
What are the seat recline options?
If you choose a travel system that includes a carrycot, ensure that the seat in the pushchair is fully reclined, allowing your baby to rest comfortably in the recommended position for spinal and breathing development. Take into consideration whether the handlebar could be adjusted to ensure it is comfortable for you, your partner or anyone else who uses it often.
The majority of pushchairs from birth have a reversible seat so you can choose which direction your child will face, the parent (to help develop communication skills) or the world, to stimulate curiosity and inform them of where they're going. Some travel systems also come with an reversible car seat that clips directly onto the frame of the pushchair, without taking it off it, ensuring that you can easily transfer your child from the car to the stroller, and then back.
Not all infant car seats work with all pushchairs. Certain travel systems come with all the adaptors you require in the box, but others might require them to be purchased separately. You can determine if this is the case by examining the product's details or contacting the local retailer.
How easy is it to manoeuvre?
Carrycots are lightweight and easy to attach, but they're best prams used for babies that are less than 6 months old. They should always be paired with a pushchair that can lie flat so that the baby can be in a fully reclined posture which is ideal for their spine and lung development. Carrycots are light and easy to attach but they're best used with babies up to 6 months old and should always be used in conjunction with a lie-flat pushchair to allow the baby to be in a fully reclined posture, which is great for their lung and spine development.
It's important to keep in mind that the majority of brands have designed them to work as a unit. You can be assured that everything will fit and perform as intended. Buying all your items in one place can be convenient and almost always cheaper than buying them separately. Also, being able to move your sleeping newborn from car seat to a stroller for a nursery walk or even a trip to shops without disturbing them is a big plus. Travel systems are worth the investment.
How do I attach a car seat?
The majority of pushchairs 'from birth' can be connected to a compatible baby car seat or carrycot to allow easy transitions from your vehicle to the street. This is great for babies since it lets them rest in a flat position.
After 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 and will therefore last longer as your child develops. A majority of travel systems come with an additional stroller seat, however certain models, such as the Doona and the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, have one piece design, which means that the car seat folds up into the pushchair and then back again to be inserted into the base of your car.
If you decide to put the car seat or carrycot on your pushchair, be sure you read the instructions and observe the weight, age and size restrictions. Also, be sure to check if your pushchair and car seat has been recalled as part of an recall for safety.
Many pushchairs have additional accessories that can enhance your experience, such as a footmuff is a great way to shield your child from the elements, and a parasol, made from SPF/UPF 50+ fabric can keep them cool when it's hot. Some also feature a ride-on board that is ideal for toddlers who are ready to take on the world themselves but need some help.
What is the weight limit?
A pushchair travel system is typically designed to fit babies until a certain weight and age. It will depend on the car seat/pushchair combo that you choose and also on your lifestyle. It is therefore important to check these specifications thoroughly. Similar to the brakes on the model you choose It's crucial to make sure they're strong and simple to operate.
Many brands include adaptors for infant carseats in their travel systems packages which allow you to easily attach your baby's car seat onto the frame of the pushchair so that they can be easily moved from car to stroller. This allows you to get out with your baby stroller much more convenient. It also ensures that when your baby grows out of their carrycot and car seat they can use the stroller with you. This is a great option for families with busy lives and a lot to do every day.
How do you fold?
Some pushchairs fold by a single button press. Some folds require two hands, or a couple of steps, but they are still extremely compact. Some models are even able to stand up when folded, making it simple to carry. This type of design is perfect for those who live in the city or commute and need to make the transition from car to pushchair an effortless process or when you have a small boot and need a model that folds down to fit inside it.
Based on the model, some travel system pushchairs can also be used from birth, by adding an infant car seat. They are usually approved to be taken in the cabin on flights and are ideal for parents that like to do lots of travelling as a family.
If you decide to purchase a pushchair and car seat bundle, this is the most economical way to buy. The bundle is typically created by the brand and consists of a car seat that are designed to work together. Additionally, some pushchairs say which car seats they're compatible with and you could purchase a separate seat (though this may require adaptors for your car seat). MFM Editor Gemma's pick of the best travel system that is lightweight is the Babyzen YOYO due to its innovative features and amazing one-second fold.
What is it like?
A travel system bundle can provide convenience, security and cost savings. These bundles are assembled by retailers or brands. The components are selected by hand for their compatibility. This means that you don't have to do a lot of research on which car seat will work with your ideal pushchair, or search on the internet for a compatible footmuff or changing bags.
These pushchairs are generally composed of a frame that can fit into a car seat group 0+, and also includes the carrycot, or seat unit, that can be used either facing forward or facing the parent based on your preference or regulations (rear-facing is recommended in cars up to 15 months). Some are even able to be converted into a tandem or twin if you are expecting more than one child.
If you are planning to drive a lot and walking, a transport system is a great option. It is easy to transfer your child from the car to the pushchair and vice versa without having to disrupt them or find a secure parking place. They can also save you space in the boot of your car and make it easier for you to pop into the shops or run the school run.