Choosing a Pushchair Travel System
The choice of buying the right pushchair for your family is one of the most important decisions you make as a parent. If you decide to go with a travel system bundle for its convenience and initial cost savings or a distinct foldable pram frame and compatible car seat to allow for maximum flexibility There are plenty of options to think about.
This helpful guide will help make the right decision for your lifestyle and needs.
What is a travel system?
A travel system is a type of stroller that can accommodate a car seat for your baby. some even include the option of a carrycot. Parents with newborns will appreciate this option since they can easily transfer their baby's sleeping infant from the car into the pushchair.
A great travel system will fit snuggly into your car, and then attach to the frame of the pushchair to ensure a smooth journey for your baby. It's also a convenient choice since that you only need to purchase one item to get ready for your new arrival and will typically save you money too.
There are many kinds of travel systems available, ranging from budget choices to top-of-the-line brands like JANE or TYPO. A lot of them come with a matching changing bag that is a perfect match and car seat accessories and if you're really looking to make things easier, there are travel system bundles that include everything you need 3 in one pushchair just one purchase. This is an excellent way to make sure all the components work - no searching online for a compatible car seat and then finding out that you require additional adaptors!
What are the seat recline options?
If you opt for an option that includes a carrycot, make sure the pushchair seat also fully reclines to ensure your baby can nap comfortably and is in the recommended lying flat position for respiratory and spinal development. Take into consideration whether the handlebar could be adjusted in height to make it comfortable for you, your spouse or anyone else who might use frequently.
The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' include a reversible seat so that you can decide whether your child sits parent-facing (to help them develop their communication skills) or world-facing to stimulate their curiosity and allow them to know where they are going. Some travel systems also come with the option of a reversible car seats that clips directly onto the pushchair frame without removing it, so you can easily move your child from the car to the stroller and back again.
Not all infant car seats are compatible with all pushchairs. Some travel systems include all the adaptors needed in the box. Others may require you purchase the adaptors separately. Check the product details, or ask your local retailer.
How easy is it to manoeuvre?
Carrycots are lightweight and simple to attach, but they should be 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 spine and lung development. Carrycots are easily attached and are lightweight. They're best for newborns under 6 months and should be used with an upright pushchair. This lets the baby sit in a fully reclined position which is beneficial for their spinal development and lung development.
If you choose to purchase a travel system bundle or pick and mix the components yourself It's important to remember that most of them are designed to work together as a unit by the brands. This means that you can be confident that they'll all work together and are functional. Buying everything together is convenient and usually is less expensive than buying items separately. Also, being in a position to move your sleepy newborn from car seat to a stroller for a nursery or to go to shops without disrupting them is a major plus. That's why we think it's worth the money.
How easy is it to connect a carrycot or car seat?
The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' can be linked to a baby car seat or carrycot to allow easy transitions from your vehicle to the street. This is ideal for infants because it allows them to rest in a flat position.
Most travel systems are sold with a separate stroller. However, some like the Doona and Evenflo Shyft DualRide have one-piece designs so that the car seat folds into the pushchair. Most travel systems come with an additional triple stroller, however 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 folded back into the base of the vehicle.
If you decide to use a carrycot or car seat on your pushchair, make sure you read the instructions and adhere to the age, weight and size restrictions. Also, make sure to determine if the pushchair and car seat have been recalled as part of a safety recall.
A lot of pushchairs come with additional accessories that can enhance your experience. For instance, the footmuff can protect your baby from the elements, while a parasol, made from SPF/UPF 50+ fabric, can keep them shady when it's sunny. Some also feature an inflatable ride-on board, which is perfect for toddlers who are ready to take on the world by themselves, but need assistance.
What is the weight limit?
A pushchair travel system is typically designed to be able to accommodate infants until a certain age and weight. It will depend on the car seat/pushchair combination that you choose and also on what your lifestyle is like. So it's crucial to examine the specifications carefully. Similar to the brakes on your chosen model, it's important that you make sure they're strong and simple to operate.
Many brands include adaptors for infant car seats in their travel system packages enabling you to easily attach your baby's car seats onto the pushchair frame to allow them to be moved seamlessly from stroller to car. This makes the whole process of getting out and about with a baby much faster and less complicated. This means that your baby can use their stroller once they have outgrown the car seat and carrycot. This is an excellent option for families that have hectic lives and plenty to do daily.
How easy is it to fold?
There are a variety of folds that are available on pushchairs. Some are truly one-handed with a simple press of the button. Others require two hands or a few steps, yet they can be very compact when folded. Some models even stay standing when folded which makes it easy to carry around. This model is ideal if you commute or live in a city and want to make the transition between car and pushchair smooth. Or if you only have a tiny boot.
Some travel system pushchairs dependent on the model, can be utilized as early as birth by adding an infant car seat or carrycot. Those that can are often accepted to be used in the cabin of flights and are great for parents that like to do lots of travelling with their family.
The most affordable option is to buy an automobile seat that is paired with the pushchair. The bundle is usually created by the brand and comprises of a car seat that have been designed to work together. Additionally, some pushchairs specify which car seats they're compatible with and you can purchase a separate seat (though it may require adaptors for your car seat). The Babyzen YOYO is Gemma's choice for the top lightweight travel systems, due to its innovative features and quick folding.
What is it like?
A travel system bundle is a great option to purchase 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 put together by retailers or brands, with each component carefully selected to be compatible. This means you don't have to do a lot of research on which car seat will work with your ideal pushchair or search online for a sock or a changing bag that matches the design.
These pushchairs are generally made up of a frame that fits into the car seat group 0+ and includes the carrycot, or seat unit, that can be used either facing forward or in the opposite direction to the parent, based on your preference and the rules (rear-facing is recommended in cars until 15 months). Some can even be converted into twins/tandems when you're expecting more than one child.
A travel system is practical if you're likely to be doing a lot of driving and walking with your child, because it allows you to move them from car to pushchair and back again without causing any disturbance or having to find a safe place to park. They can also save space in the car's boot and make it easier to nip into shops or do the school run.