Choosing a Pushchair Travel System

Choosing the perfect pushchair for your family is among the most important decisions you'll have to make as a parent. There are a lot of aspects to consider, whether you choose a travel bundle due to its convenience and initial cost savings, or a separate frame and car seats that are compatible to ensure maximum flexibility.

This helpful guide will help make the right decision for your lifestyle and needs.

What is a travel system?

A travel system is a pushchair that can be fitted with a baby car seat and some include a carrycot as well. It's an excellent choice for parents with young children as it means you can easily transfer your baby from the car to the pushchair without disturbing them - ideal for those short trips to the shops or make an early morning run.

A quality travel system will fit snuggly into your car, and then connect to the frame of your pushchair to make a seamless trip for your little one. It's also a great option as it means you only need to make one big purchase to get ready for your new baby - and it'll usually reduce your expenses too.

There are many types of travel systems available, ranging from budget choices to top-of-the-line brands like JANE or TYPO. A majority of them come with matching coordinating changing bag as well as car seat accessories. And If you're looking to simplify your life, there are travel system bundles that come with everything you need in just one purchase. This is the best way to make sure the components are in sync. No more searching for a car seat that works and then figuring out that you also need adaptors!

What are the different options for reclined seats?

If you decide to purchase a travel system that includes a carrycot, ensure that the seat in the pushchair is fully reclined to allow your baby to nap comfortably in the ideal position for breathing and spinal development. Also, think about whether the handlebar is adjustable in height so that it's comfortable for both you and your partner or anyone else who might be using it regularly.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs come with a reversible seating option so you can decide if your child should face the parent (to increase communication skills) or the world, to stimulate curiosity push chairs and prams let them know where they're going. Some travel systems come with an reversible seat unit that attaches directly to the frame of the pushchair, without having remove it. This allows you to easily transfer your baby from the car to the stroller and reverse the process.

Make sure the car seat you select is compatible with your pushchair, since not all infant car seats are able to be used with all pushchairs without additional adaptors. Some travel systems come with all the adaptors needed in the box. Others might require that you purchase them separately. You can find out if this is thews the car seat unfolds into a pushchair, and then unfolds again to fit into the vehicle's base.

If you decide to use a car seat or a carrycot on your pushchair, be sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and be sure to be sure to adhere to their weight, age and size restrictions. Make sure to check whether the car seat and pushchair have been recalled for safety reasons.

Many pushchairs have additional accessories that can improve your experience, such as the footmuff can protect your child from the elements, while an umbrella made of SPF/UPF 50+ fabrics, can keep them shady when it's sunny. Some pushchairs also have an inflatable ride-on board, which is perfect for toddlers who are ready to take on the world themselves but need assistance.

What is the weight limit?

A pushchair is generally designed to be able to accommodate infants up to a maximum age and weight. This can vary based on the combination of car seat and pushchair you choose and your personal requirements for your lifestyle, so it's worth checking these specifications carefully. The same applies to the brakes of your chosen model, it's important that you make sure they're strong and easy to operate.

Many brands include adaptors for infant carseats in their travel system packages enabling you to easily clip your baby's car seat onto the pushchair frame so that they can be easily moved from car to babiie stroller. This makes the entire process of getting out and about with a baby much faster and simpler. This means that your baby can still use their stroller once they have outgrown the car seat and carrycot. This is a great choice for families that are busy and have lots of things to do each day.

How easy is it to fold?

There are a variety of folds available on pushchairs car seats - some are truly one-handed with a simple press of the button. Some folds require two hands or a few steps however, they are still compact. Some models are even able to stand up when folded, making them easy to hold. This kind of design is ideal if you live in the city or commute regularly and wish to make the transition from car to pushchair seamless or when you have a small space in your boot and require a product that folds up to fit inside it.

Based on the model, travel system pushchairs can also be used from birth by adding an infant car seat. Certain models are approved for use in the cabin of planes, making them perfect for parents who like to travel with their family.

The most affordable option is to buy an automobile seat that is paired with a pushchair. The bundle is designed by the manufacturer and consists of two car seats and a pushchair that are designed to work in tandem. Some pushchairs specify which car seats they're compatible with and you could buy a seat separately (though this might require adaptors for car seats). MFM Editor Gemma's pick for the best lightweight travel system is the Babyzen YOYO because of its clever features and incredible one-second fold.

What does it look like?

A travel system bundle is a fantastic way to buy a pushchair and car seat in one go and also enjoy the benefits of ease of use, security and, in most cases, cost savings. These bundles are put together by retailers or brands, with all the parts hand-picked to be compatible. This means that you don't need to do a lot of research on which car seat is compatible with your ideal pushchair or trawling online for a footmuff or a changing bag that matches the design.

These pushchairs are generally made up of a frame that can fit into the car seat group 0+, and also includes a carrycot or seat unit, that can be used forward-facing or in the opposite direction to the parent, based on your preference and the rules (rear-facing is recommended for cars up to 15 months). Some even convert into twins/tandems in the event that you're expecting more one child.

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