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Choosing a Pushchair Travel System
The choice to purchase the best pushchair for your family is one of the most important decisions you make as a parent. Whether you choose a travel system bundle to benefit from its initial convenience and cost savings or a distinct frame for your pram double and a compatible car seat to ensure maximum flexibility, there's plenty to consider.
Fortunately, this guide will help you make the best decision to meet your lifestyle and needs.
What is a travel system?
A travel system is a stroller that can accommodate a car seat for your baby, and some even include the option of a carrycot. It's an excellent choice for new parents because it allows you to easily transfer your baby from the car to the pushchair without disturbing them. It's perfect for those quick trips to the shops or do a nursery run.
A great travel system will fit comfortably into your car, and then attach to the frame of the pushchair to make a seamless trip for your child. It's also a convenient option as it means you only need to make one big purchase when getting ready for your new baby - and it'll usually save you money too.
There are many types of travel system available ranging from budget options to premium brands like JANE or TYPO. There are a variety of travel systems that come with matching car seat accessories including changing bags, changing bags and mats for changing. If you want to simplify your life you can purchase a bundle of travel systems which includes everything you need. This is the most efficient method to ensure that all components work. Don't waste time searching online for a car seat that functions and then discovering that you also need adaptors!
What are the various seat recline options available?
If you choose to purchase a travel system that includes a carrycot, then ensure that the seat can fully recline so that your baby is able to sleep comfortably and is in a lie-flat position for spinal and respiratory development. You should also be aware of whether the handlebar is height-adjustable to ensure it is comfortable for you as well as your partner or any other person who may utilize it frequently.
Most 'from-birth' pushchairs come with a reversible seat which allows you to choose which direction your child will face, the parent (to increase communication skills) or face the world, to encourage curiosity and inform them of where they're going. Some travel systems have a reversible seating unit that clips directly to the frame of the pushchair without having to take it off. This allows you to effortlessly transfer your baby from the car into the stroller and reverse the process.
Not all infant car seats work with all pushchairs. Certain travel systems come with all the adaptors that you require in the box, but others may require them to be bought separately. Be sure to check the specifications of the product or contact your local retailer.
How easy is it to move around?
If you're looking for a travel system to transport your baby from car to pushchair and back again, make sure the chassis of your pushchair isn't too heavy and that you have enough room in your trunk to fit a carrycot. Carrycots are light and easy to attach, but they should be used with babies up to 6 months old and must always be used with a lie-flat pushchair to allow the baby to be fully reclined posture, which is ideal for their lung and spine development.
Whether you go for a travel system bundle, or Pushchairs opt to pick and mix your own components, it's worth remembering that most of them are designed to work as a single unit by the brands. You can be assured that everything will function well. Shopping in one place is convenient and almost always works out cheaper than purchasing items separately. It's a major benefit to be able to transfer your sleeping baby from the car seat to the stroller in order to go to the nursery or to shop without causing disturbance to them. That's why we think it's worth the cost.
How easy is it attaching a car seat or carrycot?
The majority of pushchairs prams 'from birth' can be linked to a compatible baby car seat or carrycot to allow easy transitions from your vehicle to the street. This is perfect for infants as it allows them to rest in the recommended lie-flat position.
The majority of travel systems come with a separate stroller seat. However, some like the Doona or the Evenflo DualRide, feature an all-in-one design, which means that the car seat can be folded into a pushchair. Most travel systems come with a separate stroller, but some, like the Doona or the Evenflo Shyft DualRide have a single-piece design that permits the car seat to be folded into a pushchair, then refolded back into the base of the vehicle.
If you choose to use a car seat or carrycot on your pushchair, make sure you read carefully the instructions and follow the weight, age, and size limitations. Also, verify if your pushchair or car seat has been removed as part of an recall for safety.
Many pushchairs come with accessories to 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 keeps them shaded from the sun. Some models also come with an inflatable ride-on board, which is perfect for toddlers who are ready to tackle the world on their own, but require some help.
What is the weight limit?
A pushchair travel System (arcade-directory.com) will typically accommodate infants up to the maximum weight and age. This can vary based on the car seat and pushchair combo you choose as well as your own lifestyle needs so it's important to check these specifications carefully. It's also important to check the brakes on your chosen model. They should be strong and easy to operate.
Many brands include infant car seat adaptors in their travel systems packages which allow you to easily attach your baby's car seats onto the pushchair frame to be effortlessly moved from stroller to car. This makes the whole process of going 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 will still be able to use the stroller along with you. This is an excellent option for families with busy lives and a lot to do daily.
How do you fold?
Some pushchairs can fold with just a single button press. Some folds require two hands, or a few steps, but are still very compact. Some models even stay standing when folded which makes it simple to carry around. This sort of design is perfect if you live in a city, or commute and need to make the transition from a car to a pushchair a seamless process, or when you have a small boot and need something that folds down to fit inside it.
Some travel system prams pushchairs prams pushchairs depending on the model can be used from the birth of a child by adding a car seat or carrycot. These are typically accepted to be used in the cabin of flights and are perfect for parents that like to travel extensively as a family.
The most affordable option is to purchase a car seat with the pushchair. The bundle is created by the manufacturer, and it consists of the car seat and the pushchair that are designed to work in tandem. Some pushchairs indicate the car seats they are compatible with and you can purchase a separate seat (though it may require car seat adaptors). MFM Editor Gemma's choice for the best lightweight travel system is the Babyzen YOYO because of its innovative features and amazing one-second fold.
What do you think it looks like?
A travel system bundle is a great option to purchase a stroller and car seat together with the added benefit of comfort, security and often a cost saving. These bundles are put together by retailers or brands. The components are selected by hand for their compatibility. This means that you don't have to spend time researching what car seat is compatible for your dream pushchair or searching for a footmuff that matches or changing bags.
They usually consist of a frame for a pushchair that fits a car seat, and typically include a carrycot or a seat unit that can be used either front-facing or rear-facing, according to your preference (or regulations, since rear-facing in the car is advised until 15 months). Some even convert into twins or tandems when you're expecting more than one baby.
If you intend to drive a lot and walking, a travel system is a great choice. You can easily move your child from the car to the pushchair and back without having to disturb them or find a safe parking place. They can also help you save space in the car's boot, making it easier to get to shops or go on a school run.