It can be hard to choose the perfect stroller for your baby when there are so many options out there. From convertible car seats and strollers combos, modular travel system strollers, or a traditional single or double stroller, we have you covered! In this blog post, we will answer common questions about what features to look for in a travel system stroller with product reviews and tips from top experts.
A travel system is a type of stroller that includes a convertible car seat and a separate stroller frame. This combo allows you to use the same car seat with different stroller frames, which can be really helpful if you have more than one child or if your baby outgrows their infant carrier or convertible car seat before they are ready to walk. The benefit of using a travel system is that you don’t have to purchase two separate items – the car seat and the stroller – and they usually come as a package deal, making it easier on your wallet too!
What is a travel system stroller?
A travel system stroller is a type of single or double stroller that comes with its own convertible car seat. The car seat attaches to the frame in one click, making it simple and convenient for you when you are on-the-go. Some people think using a separate infant carrier and then transitioning to an attached stroller frame makes more sense than buying two separate items – but if your baby outgrows their infant carrier before they are ready to walk, this could be inconvenient since you would have to switch back and forth between carriers depending on where you were going! Buying a full package deal will save time, money, space in your home or vehicle (if necessary), etc., so keep these benefits in mind when choosing which type of travel system stroller to buy.
Why do people use travel system strollers?
Parents use travel system strollers for a number of reasons, including the following:
- The car seat and stroller combo is easy to store since it can be collapsed in one step.
- Moving from your vehicle to another means you won’t have to transfer your child’s carrier into an attached frame or remove their infant carrier before setting them down. This makes things easier when you’re on-the-go!
- Traveling with young children isn’t always convenient, but using this type of travel system allows parents to bring along everything they need without having any extra items weighing them down such as two separate carriers and strollers. For example, if you are traveling aboard by plane and plan on bringing your convertible car seat (a huge item) onto the plane with you, this is easier to do when it’s attached to its own stroller frame.
- No need for two separate items – all the essentials are in one package!
Types of Travel System Strollers
Travel system strollers come in different types, including the following:
- Single travel system stroller that is designed for one child only. These are great if you plan on having more than one baby or if your older children can walk to keep up with you and their sibling while using this type of double stroller option. You should consider safety features such as weight limits before using a single travel system stroller long-term since they aren’t built for multiple kids over time.
- Double convertible car seat and compatible frame combo that’s ideal for two young ones who cannot yet walk independently to keep up with you. This allows infants to be seated safely near each other at all times! If traveling aboard by plane, it might be a good idea to invest in this type of stroller frame that is FAA approved and fits most airlines’ size restrictions.
- Modular travel system stroller – sometimes called a ‘three-in-one’ or ‘four-in-one’ – which can be used as an infant carrier, a convertible car seat, and/or a toddler stroller. This might be the best option for you if you aren’t sure whether your child will outgrow their infant carrier or convertible car seat soon. Keep in mind that not all modular travel system strollers are created equal; some offer more features than others, so it’s important to do your research before making your purchase!
Why you should get a convertible car seat and stroller combo?
- Travel system strollers are easy to use and store.
- You can bring your baby’s car seat with you wherever you go, making it easier for parents who like to walk around town or take day trips out of the city!
- Carriers attach quickly and easily – no need to transfer a carrier from one frame into another before setting down your child. This makes things simpler on busy days when kids have many stops planned along their outing! Stroller frames that come equipped with an infant carrier often don’t offer as much padding in comparison to some other types of models which is why some people opt for buying two separate products instead. But if money isn’t an issue, this type of travel system might be a good choice for you since it’s easy to navigate and offers more storage space.
- You can turn your car seat into a stroller in seconds, making transferring from one place to another convenient when you’re on the go! This makes life easier if you plan on using public transportation or bringing your convertible carrier onto an airplane with you when traveling aboard by plane.
Why should you get a newborn car seat and stroller?
- If you’re a first time parent, it might be a good idea to invest in a convertible car seat that can be used as both an infant carrier and toddler stroller. This will save you money in the long run!
- Newborn car seats are often smaller and more lightweight than convertible car seats which is great for parents who plan on traveling frequently with their child during those early months. They are also easier to install into cars.
- A newborn car seat typically reclines further back than a convertible car seat does, making it more comfortable for your baby to sleep in while on the go. Many models also come equipped with sun shields and/or rain covers perfect for days when unpredictable weather strikes!
- Newborn car seat and stroller combos are usually more affordable than convertible options which is why many new parents opt for these products.
The best car seat and stroller for newborns
You can find a convertible car seat and stroller combo that works for you by doing research online where there are often reviews left by former customers who have purchased these products in the past. Your best bet is to choose something affordable while still offering safety features. Don’t forget to look into weight limits before using any type of travel system stroller long term since they aren’t all designed to hold more than one child at once!
If money isn’t an issue, it might be beneficial to buy two separate products instead – this way, if your kids get older quicker/slower than expected or their needs change over time, then you won’t need to purchase new products right away which will save you some cash in the long term.
Most convertible car seats can be used from infant through toddler years which is why many people choose to invest in this type of product instead – it’s more versatile and will probably last you longer than any other option out there! Just make sure your kids won’t grow too big for their carrier before you buy one since most models only hold up to 40 lbs (some go as high as 65 lbs). If they are too heavy by the time they turn two, then consider buying a different travel system that comes with another stroller since carriers aren’t designed to function on their own without an attached stroller structure.
Pros and cons of buying a car seat/stroller combo vs separate items
Pros:
- Convertible car seat and stroller combos are usually more affordable than buying two separate products separately.
- You can turn your infant carrier into a toddler stroller in seconds, making it simple to transfer between the two when you’re on the go! This makes life easier for those busy days where kids have many stops planned along their excursion out of the house.
Cons:
- Car seats that function as both an infant carrier and toddler strollers aren’t always designed with babies under 20 lbs in mind which is why some parents prefer using other types instead – since these models do tend to be smaller/lighter weight compared to others, they don’t offer as much or support during longer outings (say, a full day of walking around the city).
- If you have two children and plan on using the same travel system for them both, it’s important to check that the weight limit is high enough to support your combined weight before making a purchase. Otherwise, you might need to buy another one down the line!
- Separate items give parents more flexibility when it comes to choosing different brands/designs that fit their personal needs and wants better than a car seat/stroller combo would.
- Another downside of convertible car seats is that they can be bulky and take up more space in your vehicle than other types of strollers (like modular or umbrella strollers) so keep this in mind if you’re tight on storage room in your car when deciding what type of travel system to invest in.
- You may need a separate stroller for daycare drop offs if you have multiple kids – this would just be an additional cost that parents should factor into their budget before making any purchases!
What is a modular stroller travel system?
This type of stroller system is usually made up of three to four pieces that connect together in various ways. These are the types parents turn to when they want a light, compact travel option for their kids while still offering lots of comfort and safety features throughout each individual part! You can purchase different products separately or get ones that come as an integrated package deal (it’s important not to mix brands though since this might result in compatibility issues/safety hazards).
Advantages of using a modular stroller travel system:
- They make it easy to transport your baby from place to place with minimal hassle since you don’t need a vehicle or another person’s help like you would if taking separate pieces (like car seat and stroller).
- Each piece of this type is often lightweight which makes them easier for parents/caretakers to maneuver throughout tight spaces.
Disadvantages of using a modular stroller travel system:
- Since they are made of multiple pieces, you have to keep track of all components when moving around with your baby.
- You may need an extra set of hands if you plan on transferring the car seat from one vehicle to another while carrying other parts in your arms at the same time (since each piece is usually best transferred separately).
- The stroller frame might not be able to hold up against heavy use or rough terrain like some “all in one” travel system models can due to their heavier weight (and potential for more joints that could break over time).
Ultimately, it depends on each individual family’s needs and what they’re looking for in a stroller. If you want something that will be easy to transport from one spot to another with little effort, this type is probably the best choice! But if you’re expecting to do a lot of walking or have a toddler who likes to run around, you might want to reconsider and go for an all-in-one model instead.
Sources:
Baby Stroller Travel Systems – Helpful Tips for Parents in 2015 https://www.academia.edu/13756428/Baby_Stroller_Travel_Systems_Helpful_Tips_for_Parents_in_2015
Safety Standard for Carriages and Strollers https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/03/10/2014-05065/safety-standard-for-carriages-and-strollers
The 10 Best Stroller Travel Systems https://wiki.ezvid.com/best-stroller-travel-systems
