It’s a good idea to consider carefully how you’ll use a stroller and car seat system so you get one that works well for you and your new baby.

Simply, a travel system is a pushchair that allows you to attach a Group 0 (or rear facing) car seat to the frame.

We recommend choosing the car seat first. Narrow down your choice to car seats that fit tightly in your car and are easy to install and use. Preferably, it’ll have a 5-point harness for an infant seat. Also, check to see if you can install the seat without the travel system base, in case you need to change vehicles quickly.

Next, Choose the Travel System Stroller

Travel system strollers come in many shapes and sizes – lightweight, full-size feature-packed strollers and jogging strollers. If you plan to keep the stroller in your car, check to see how well it will fit and how much space is left over. If you think you might like a larger stroller, consider where you will use it and whether it will be hard to navigate cramped spaces and lift into the car. Jogging strollers handle any surface, but don’t always fold well for trunk storage.

Size and weight: Consider your car boot size, whether you will have lots of stairs to climb and if you’ll be using it on public transport.

Portability: Look for good suspension and lockable, swivel wheels that ensure a comfortable ride on all kinds of terrain. Good brakes and large pneumatic tyres (for off-road excursions) are also worth investing in.

Ease of Use: Look for a simple folding mechanism, a good recline and a high quality car seat that easily clicks into place. Most infant car seats can be seat belt routed but many now come with isofix fittings for premium in-car safety. An alternative option is an autobase – the Graco Quattro Tour is equipped with a great autobase car seat that saves you the bother of seatbelt routing.

Front baby seat

Turn off the passenger airbag with a baby seat in the front

Versatility: If sleeping on the go is a priority, you may want to consider an additional carrycot. A number of systems come with a carrycot option that you can use from birth to around 6 months, and others offer a full recline that’ll still be perfectly ok for baby to sleep.

Ideally, a system will have plently of room for a growing child and be able to be secured front or rear-facing so you can keep your eye on them when they’re a newborn and give them a better view of the traffic as they get older!

Additional features like an adjustable handle, removable seat unit and washable seat are great for regular use.

Storage & Accessories: You can store a good amount of baby stuff in a nappy bag, but it’s great to have hooks, pockets and a spacious storage basket to pack your essentials. For practicality at the shops, on days out and on weekends away, look for models that offer generous storage facilities like the Britax Vigour or Graco Quattro Tour. Accessories usually include some form of sun protection, a rain cover and baby coocoon and some, like the Silver Cross 3D and Quattro Tour are equipped with an additional hood and bag.

Should I buy a Travel System or Just the Parts?
[more soon!]