Baby travel systems are becoming a common purchase for new parents. A “travel system” is essentially a stroller that can be used with a baby car seat. It makes it easy to carry sleeping babies without disturbing them too much. However, remember that you should not leave a very young baby in the car seat for too long in one sitting. A color-matched stroller and car seat would appeal to both budget-conscious and style-conscious parents. Still, many parents complain about bulky travel system strollers or hard-to-use car seats when baby arrives. Before you buy an infant travel system, consider how you will use the stroller and car seat to make sure you buy a system that works for you and your new baby. Find out what a travel system is and whether buying a travel system is a better choice for you.
Types of Travel System
Since the car seat is an essential part of the infant safety kit, it is always recommended to choose a car seat that you are satisfied with before choosing your travel system. Some travel systems come with a car seat as part of the package. Other than the car seat, your travel system may come with some sort of seat unit to carry the baby. Some systems do not come with a car seat, but it is specified which car seats they are compatible with. So you can buy it later.
It usually costs more to buy your travel system separately than to buy it as a package with the car seat. However, it does mean that you have time to choose a car seat that you are confident will be able to carry your baby safely. It is always recommended to choose your car seat before purchasing your travel system.
Car Seat
When purchasing a baby travel system, you should first choose the car seat. While strollers provide convenience, the car seat keeps your new baby safe in the car. Quickly narrow down your options by choosing car seat travel systems that fit snugly in your vehicle and are easy to install and use. Look for 5-point seat belts in infant car seats. Check if you can mount the car seat without the travel system base when you need to change vehicles quickly. Many travel system packages come with an inexpensive car seat. While price isn’t always the most important consideration, you can miss out on the features you really want by choosing a packaged system. One of the common features in cheaper car seats is a rear-adjustable seat belt. That means you have to look under or behind the car seat to tighten or loosen the belt.
Depending on the type you choose, you’ll want to buy a car seat that can hold your baby up to 10kg or 13kg from birth. You can also opt for a car seat that usually lasts until your child is around 75-85cm tall (about 12-15 months). Buying a child car seat can be confusing if you are doing it for the first time. It is important to remember that a baby car seat should only be used for traveling with your baby, not a place where they can lie down for long periods of time. Experts recommend that newborns stay no longer than 30 minutes. However, this period may increase slightly as your baby grows.
Stroller
Strollers come in all shapes and sizes. Choose from lightweight strollers, feature-packed strollers, and running strollers. If you are going to keep the stroller in a vehicle, check how well it folds and how much space it takes up. If you prefer a larger stroller, consider where you will be using it and whether it will be difficult to navigate tight spaces with a larger stroller. Running strollers can be used on any terrain but don’t fold so easily for storage in the trunk. Manufacturers are always making better and more flexible baby travel systems. Whatever you want to do with your stroller, you can probably find a travel system that will meet your needs. You may not find your ideal travel system for a very low price. But if you’re going to use it constantly, it might be worth the investment.
Consider Separate Parts
If you can’t find a ready-made travel system with a car seat and stroller you love, create your own travel system with separate car seats and strollers. Many stroller companies produce adapters for the most common infant car seats. For this reason, it is usually easy to use different brands together.
Other Travel Options
If you don’t want to buy an oversized stroller and don’t want to carry the infant car seat, consider purchasing a stroller frame that fits under the car seat and allows you to stroll your baby without taking them outside. Stroller frames are inexpensive and allow you to decide on a full-size stroller later when you have a better idea of how to use it.
Do You Really Need a Travel System?
You definitely need a suitable stroller for your baby. However, a stroller and infant car seat combination may not be necessary. You may want to buy a car seat first and decide on a separate stroller later. Pediatricians and car seat safety experts recommend minimizing the amount of time your baby spends in the car seat. About an hour at a time is the upper limit, and the car seat should not be used for extended periods of time as a nap and sleeping area. Some babies who spend a lot of time in their car seats may also develop flat spots on their heads. If you’re going to be out with your baby for long periods of time, a baby carrier, stroller, or flat stroller may be a better choice.
What Should Be the Budget for a Good Travel System?
Strollers compatible with the travel system can be expensive. However, you may need to set aside a certain budget for a best-in-class, world-class travel system. You may be pleased to know that there are many options on the market to suit almost any budget.
Best Travel System Features
Travel systems can come equipped with a fairly wide range of accessories. Here are a few features you’ll really need:
- Adjustable Handles: This option becomes important if more than one person is going to push and they are of different heights.
- Double Sided Handles/Seats: If you want your baby to be facing both you and your surroundings, you can take a look at different options.
- Car Seat Adapters: Some car seats attach to the stroller. Others need adapters to attach the car seat. These adapters are not always included in the price, so check again before purchasing.
- Shopping Cart: This cart is vital for storing shopping supplies or baby bags. They can usually carry up to 2kg of daily shopping items. The largest versions can carry up to 5 kg.
- Raincoat: Raincoat becomes an essential accessory. Try to get an option made specifically for your travel system to get the best fit.
- Headgear: A cap can help protect your child from drizzle, bright sunlight hitting their eyes, or strong wind.
4 Things to Consider When Choosing a Travel System
1- Which Travel System Will Fit in Your Car?
If you have a small car, you need to make sure the stroller fits in the trunk when your baby and the car seat are securely placed. Measure the size of your luggage carefully and check the folded size of the travel system to make sure it will fit.
2- Weight of Car Seat?
Baby car seats start at just a few kilograms. So make sure you can move it without making it feel too heavy or bulky.
3- Is It Easy To Install The Car Seat?
Car seats are attached to the car using the car’s seat belt or using an insoles. Usually more expensive insoles secure the seat in the car without using a belt. It is always recommended to have your car seat professionally installed and practice many times to make sure you can do it yourself.
4- Is it Easy to Fold?
One of the things to check when examining a stroller is how easy it is to fold. You don’t want to struggle every time you take the stroller out of the trunk or take public transport.
