Choosing a Pushchair Travel System
The decision to purchase the ideal pushchair for your family will be one of the most important choices you make as a parent. There are a lot of aspects to take into consideration, whether you choose a travel bundle for its convenience and cost savings or a frame that is separate and compatible car seats to ensure maximum flexibility.
This helpful 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 take the baby car seat and some carry the option of a carrycot too. Parents with newborns will appreciate this option because they can easily transfer their sleeping baby from the car into the pushchair.
A quality travel system will fit snuggly into your car and then click onto the pushchair frame to provide a seamless journey for your child. It’s also a convenient choice since that you only need to make one big purchase when getting ready for your new arrival and will usually reduce your expenses 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. A lot of them come with a matching coordinating changing bag and car seat accessories, and If you’re looking to make things easier, there are travel system bundles that come with everything you require in one purchase. This is the best way to be sure that all of the components work – no searching to find a car seat that’s compatible and finding out you’ll need additional adaptors!
What are the recline options for seats? options?
If you decide to go with an option that includes a carrycot, ensure that the seat of the pushchair also fully reclines to ensure your baby is able to sleep comfortably and is in the recommended lying flat position for spinal and respiratory development. Consider whether the handlebar can be adjusted in height so that it is comfortable for you, your partner or anyone else who uses it frequently.
Most ‘from-birth’ pushchairs have a reversible seat so you can choose whether your child will face the parent (to encourage communication skills) or face the world, to encourage curiosity and let them know where they’re going. Some travel systems have a reversible seat unit that attaches directly to the frame of the pushchair without having to remove it. This lets you easily transfer your child from the car to the stroller and in reverse.
Make sure the car seat you choose is compatible with your pushchair as not all infant car seats can be attached to all pushchairs without the need for adaptors. Some travel systems include all the adaptors required included in the box. Others might require that you purchase the adaptors separately. You can determine whether this is the case by checking the product’s details or asking at the local retailer.
How easy is it to maneuver?
If you’re in search of a travel system to transport your baby from car to pushchair and back again Make sure that the chassis of your pushchair isn’t too heavy and you have enough space in your boot to accommodate the carrycot. Carrycots can be attached easily and are light. They’re best for newborns less than 6 months old. They should be used with a pushchair that is lying flat. This lets the baby sit in a fully reclining position, which is beneficial for their spine development and lung development.
If you choose to purchase a travel system bundle or pick and mix the components yourself it’s important to keep in mind that they’re all designed to function as a single unit by the brands. This means you can be certain that they’ll all work together and are functional. Buying everything in one location can be convenient and is generally cheaper than purchasing each item separately. It’s an enormous benefit to be able to transfer your baby’s sleepy body from the car seat to the stroller in order to go to the nursery or shop without disturbing them. Travel systems are worth the expense.
How do I connect a carrycot or car seat?
Most ‘from-birth’ pushchairs can be clicked on to a compatible car seat or carrycot to facilitate the transition from your car to the street a breeze. This is perfect for infants as it allows them to rest in the position recommended for them to sleep.
Once 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 lot of travel systems come with a separate stroller, but certain models, such as the Doona and the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, have one piece design, which means that the car seat unfolds into the pushchair and then back again to go into the base of your car.
If you choose to use a carrycot or car seat on your pushchair, make sure to carefully read the instructions and observe the age, weight and size restrictions. Also, determine if the pushchair and car seat has been recalled as part of an recall for safety.
A lot of pushchairs come with accessories that can enhance your experience. For example the footmuff can shield your child from the elements while a parasol made of SPF/UPF50+ fabric keeps them shaded from the sun. Some pushchairs come with a ride-on board designed for toddlers who want to explore the world but require a little help.
What is the weight limit?
A pushchair travel system, try olderworkers.com.au, is usually designed to accommodate babies until a certain weight and age. It’s contingent on the car seat/pushchair combo that you choose, as well as your lifestyle. It is therefore crucial to examine the specifications carefully. It’s also important to test the brakes on your chosen model. They should be strong and easy-to-operate.
Many brands include adaptors for infant carseats in their travel system packages that allow you to clip your baby’s car seat onto the frame of the pushchair to be effortlessly moved from car to stroller. This makes the whole process of getting out and about with a pram newborn much quicker and easier. It also ensures that when your baby has outgrown their car seat and carrycot, they will still be able to utilize the stroller. This is a great choice for families that have busy lives and lots to do each day.
How easy is it to fold?
There are a variety of fold types that are available on pushchairs. Some are truly one-handed with just a click of one button. Some folds require two hands or a couple of steps, but are still very compact. Some models even stay standing when folded, making it easy to carry around. This kind of design is perfect for those who live in a city, or commute regularly and want to make the transition from a car to a pushchair a seamless process or in the case that you have a tiny boot and need a model that folds really small to fit in it.
Some travel system pushchairs, dependent on the model, can be used from birth by adding the car seat or carrycot. These are typically allowed to be used in the cabin of flights and are ideal for parents who travel a lot with their family.
If you choose to buy the car seat and pushchair bundle, this is the most cost-effective way to buy. The bundle is usually created by the manufacturer and consists of a pushchair and car seat that are designed to work together. Some pushchairs will list the car seats they are compatible with and you can also purchase the car seat separately. (This could require car seat converters.) MFM Editor Gemma’s pick for the most lightweight travel system is the Babyzen YOYO because of its clever features and incredible one-second fold.
What do you think it looks like?
A travel system bundle is a great way to buy a pushchair and car seat in one go and also enjoy the benefits of comfort, security and, often, a cost savings. These bundles are put together by retailers or brands with each component carefully selected to be compatible. This means that you don’t need to spend time researching which car seat will work with your ideal pushchair or search online for a sock or a changing bag that matches the design.
They are typically comprised of a frame that fits into a car seat group 0+, and also includes the carrycot, or seat unit, which can be used either facing forward or facing the parent depending on your preference or the regulations (rear-facing is recommended in cars up to 15 months). Some even convert into a twin/tandem when you’re expecting more than one baby.
If you intend to spend a lot of time driving and walking, a transport system is a great choice. It is simple to move your child from the car to the pushchair and back without having to disrupt them or find a secure parking place. They can also save space in the boot of your car and make it easier to get to shops or go on a school run.
