Travel Systems Explained
What makes a travel system?
A travel system is an all-purpose pushchair configuration. It is typically made up of the chassis (wheels and base) that is compatible with a infant car seat, a toddler seat and, in some cases, a carrycot. They can be used with a newborn, although not all models are compatible with a carrycot that lies your little one completely flat. You may also need to buy additional adaptors to attach a separate car seat.
Travel systems that come with a carrycot and a car seat are known as 3-in-1 travel systems and suit your lifestyle if you often travel by car, will use your pushchair from birth, and want your pushchair to grow with your child. Designed to help make life easier and tick all the boxes for what you are going to use it for.
So, let's take a closer look at what different types of travel systems there are to help you decide which one is right for you.
Travel system and car seat package
Some travel systems come with a car seat included as part of a package. If it does, it’s important to check before you buy whether it’s the correct stage for your little one and compatible with your car.
In addition to the car seat, your travel system should also come with some sort of seat unit to transport baby when you don’t want to use the car seat on the chassis.
Travel system where you buy the car seat separately
Some systems don't come with a car seat but will list which car seats they are compatible with, so you can purchase this as an add on. Buying your travel system with the car seat separately, rather than as a package, can work out more expensive, but it does mean you get time to choose a car seat of your choice.
We would recommend always choosing your car seat first or checking it's compatibility with the chassis before you buy your travel system.
Travel system for newborns
While not every travel system will include a carrycot in it's bundle, it is useful to have the ability to add a carrycot to the frame as well as the car seat so you can use from newborn.
While a traditional seat unit may recline, it typically cannot lie flat which is needed to use from birth. Choosing a travel system that allows a carrycot to be added is perfect as a grow with me option.
Travel system for a baby and toddler
This is a pushchair where you can attach one baby car seat and one ordinary pushchair seat or potentially, carrycot. Many pushchairs on the market now offer a wide selection of configurations which are often illustrated in the instruction booklet. This will help demo how to create different models with your travel system seat units.
Ultimately, it offers the ability to customise your pushchair to your needs.
Travel system for twins
This is a travel system where two car seats can be attached to the pushchair chassis at the same time. For this, you'll need to chassis of a double pushchair to safely accommodate increased weight.
Adaptors should be able to house both car seats, as well as other units in a practical yet balanced configuration.