Travel System: Buy Or Not?

Travel systems are a combination of a baby car seat, carrycot and stroller frame. They are a convenient option for parents who drive and walk with their children. The system allows parents to move their sleeping child from the car to the stroller without disturbing them. The pros of a travel system include convenience, cost-effectiveness, and style. However, there are also cons to consider, such as the bulkiness of the system, the need to purchase another car seat when the child outgrows the first one, and the challenge of fitting the car seat to the stroller chassis. The decision to buy a travel system depends on factors such as lifestyle, cost, and the features that are important to the parent.

Convenience of transferring a sleeping baby from car to stroller

One of the most significant advantages of a travel system is the convenience it offers when transferring a sleeping baby from a car to a stroller. This system allows new parents to move their baby, still in their infant car seat, from a car to a stroller without disturbing their sleep. This is especially useful if you're running errands and need to get things done without having to worry about waking your baby up.

However, it's important to note that this convenience may introduce unsafe sleeping practices. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies should sleep safely in a flat and empty space, such as a crib or bassinet. Sleeping in a car seat for extended periods can cause cardiorespiratory issues in infants due to the angle of the seat. The official recommendation is to limit this to 2 hours in a 24-hour cycle, with newborns under 4 weeks spending no more than 30 minutes a day in a car seat.

To address this concern, some travel systems include a separate carrycot or a lie-flat buggy seat, ensuring your baby can lie flat. Alternatively, you can opt for a car seat that reclines, allowing your baby to sleep in a flat position when outside of the car.

When considering a travel system, it's crucial to assess your lifestyle and typical daily activities. If you frequently navigate subway stairs or have limited trunk space, a separate car seat and a compact stroller might be a better option. Additionally, keep in mind that travel systems can be bulky and challenging to manage on stairs.

Cost savings of buying a travel system vs individual items

When it comes to buying a travel system, there are two main options: buying a complete package or creating your own package by buying a travel-system-compatible buggy and a car seat separately. While buying a complete package can offer some cost savings, creating your own package may provide more flexibility and choice.

Cost Savings of Buying a Complete Package

Buying a travel system as a unit can be more cost-effective than purchasing the components separately. For example, it is estimated that you can save around $60 to $100 by buying a travel system as a package. This option can also save you the hassle of having to match the car seat and stroller yourself. However, it is important to evaluate the stroller as a standalone item, as you will likely use it for a longer period than the infant car seat.

Cost of Creating Your Own Package

Creating your own travel system package by purchasing a buggy and car seat separately may be a more expensive option. This is because you are buying the items individually and may need to purchase additional adaptors to ensure compatibility between the buggy and car seat. However, this option gives you more choice and flexibility in terms of brands and features.

Additional Considerations

When considering the cost savings of buying a travel system, it is important to think about your lifestyle and specific needs. If you frequently navigate stairs or have limited trunk space, a separate car seat and compact stroller may be a better investment. Additionally, the weight of the car seat and the ease of fitting it into your car are important factors to consider, especially if you will be taking it in and out of your vehicle often.

In conclusion, buying a travel system as a complete package can offer some cost savings compared to purchasing individual items. However, creating your own package by buying a buggy and car seat separately may provide more flexibility and choice, albeit at a potentially higher cost. It is essential to weigh your priorities and consider your specific needs before making a decision.

Safety considerations, including the 2-hour car seat rule

When deciding whether to buy a travel system, safety is a key consideration. Travel systems are designed to make it easy to move your baby from car to buggy, but it's important to remember that car seats are for travelling, not for sleeping.

The 2-hour car seat rule is a safety recommendation endorsed by all manufacturers that advises that a baby should not be in a car seat for longer than 2 hours at a time. This applies whether the baby is in a car or a travel system. The rule is in place because when a baby is in a semi-upright position for a prolonged period, it can result in a strain on their still-developing spine and restrict airflow to their lungs. This risk increases if a baby falls asleep with their head flopped forward.

In addition to following the 2-hour rule, there are other safety considerations to keep in mind when using a car seat or travel system. Car seats should only be used to transport babies in cars and should not be used as a main sleeping place. It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs, on a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in a separate cot, carrycot or Moses basket. When in the car, remove any headgear the baby is wearing as they lose excess heat through their head. It's also important to avoid thick snowsuits, as cars can heat up quickly and natural materials will help regulate the baby's body temperature.

When deciding whether to buy a travel system, it's important to weigh the convenience of being able to move a sleeping baby undisturbed from car to buggy against the potential safety risks of keeping them in a car seat for prolonged periods.

Lifestyle factors, such as frequency of driving and walking

When considering whether to buy a travel system, it's important to reflect on your lifestyle and daily routines. If you frequently drive and walk with your baby, a travel system can offer several benefits.

One advantage of travel systems is their convenience. They allow you to easily detach the seat from the stroller and attach it to the car seat, eliminating the need to transfer your baby between seats. This is especially useful if your baby tends to fall asleep in the car, as you can move them without disturbing their sleep. Additionally, with a travel system, you don't need to make space in your car for a separate stroller and car seat, making it a good option if your car has limited space.

However, travel systems might not be ideal if you live in a city or need to navigate stairs and tight spaces frequently. They tend to be larger and bulkier, which can make them cumbersome in such environments. In these cases, a separate car seat and a compact stroller might be more suitable.

Another factor to consider is cost. Travel systems can be more affordable overall compared to buying a stroller, car seat, and carrycot separately. However, they are a significant investment upfront. If you're on a tight budget, buying individual items as needed might be more financially sensible, although you may end up spending more in the long run.

Ultimately, the decision to buy a travel system depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you drive frequently and want a convenient option for transporting your baby, a travel system could be a good choice. However, if you live in a city or prefer a more compact setup, separate pieces of baby gear might be a better fit.

Storage and portability, including the weight and bulkiness of the system

When deciding whether to buy a travel system, storage and portability are important factors to consider. Travel systems can be bulky and heavy, especially when you need to push around both the car seat and the stroller. This can be a challenge if you frequently encounter stairs or have limited trunk space in your car.

The weight and bulkiness of the travel system's car seat are also worth considering. Car seats can vary significantly in weight, ranging from featherlight options (around 4 kg) to heavier models (up to 14 kg)—and that's before you even add the weight of your baby! If you plan to carry your car seat or frequently move it between vehicles, a lighter option may be preferable.

Additionally, the ease of fitting the car seat into your vehicle is crucial. Some car seats can be challenging to install and remove, so if you anticipate doing this often, look for an easy-fit system or one that uses the ISOFIX method, which secures the seat without belts. Keep in mind that ISOFIX bases may cost extra.

When it comes to the stroller, consider the size of your car boot. Some strollers are quite bulky and may require you to remove the wheels to fit them into your car. If you have limited storage space, look for strollers with a compact fold or consider a more lightweight option.

Another aspect to think about is the basket size of the stroller. If you plan to use the stroller for shopping or carrying additional items, ensure the basket is spacious enough to accommodate your needs.

Frequently asked questions