Pram Or Travel System: Which One Should You Choose?

If you're a new parent, you may be wondering whether to buy a pram or a travel system. A pram is a mode of transport best suited to a baby's first six months. A travel system, on the other hand, is a pushchair that can be used with a baby car seat. Travel systems are convenient for parents who do lots of driving and walking with their babies. They allow you to simply detach the seat from the stroller and attach it to the passenger seat of the car. They also reduce the risk of waking up a sleeping baby as you don't have to transfer them between seats. However, travel systems are quite a big investment and may not be suitable if you need a lightweight and compact stroller. So, should you buy a pram or a travel system? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Travel systems are convenient for parents who drive and walk with their babies

Travel systems are a convenient option for parents who drive and walk with their babies. They are designed to make transportation easier for parents and more comfortable for babies. A travel system is a pushchair that can be used with a baby car seat and, in some cases, a carrycot. The car seat attaches to the pushchair, allowing parents to move their baby from the car to the pushchair without unclipping them from the car seat. This is especially useful for saving time and effort and for keeping a sleeping baby undisturbed.

The convenience of a travel system is also evident when it comes to storage. Instead of having to make space in the car for a stroller and a separate car seat, parents can simply detach the seat from the stroller and attach it to the passenger seat of the car, then fold the pushchair base down for storage in the boot. This makes travel systems a good option for parents who regularly get lifts or take taxis, as a car seat is always readily available.

Travel systems often include additional features such as folding hoods, footmuffs and carry bags, and they can also be more cost-effective than buying a stroller, car seat and carrycot separately. They provide a stylish, matching set for parents and can offer good value for money, especially when the system includes additional accessories.

However, travel systems can be a big investment, and it may be more financially sensible for parents to buy each item individually as and when it is needed. It is worth noting that, while convenient, car seats are not designed for babies to sleep in for long periods, and The Lullaby Trust recommends that babies do not remain in car seats for longer than two hours at a time.

Travel systems are a big investment

When deciding whether to invest in a travel system, it's crucial to evaluate your lifestyle and needs. If you frequently drive and walk with your baby, a travel system offers unmatched convenience. You can detach the seat from the stroller and attach it to the car seat, eliminating the need to transfer your baby between seats and reducing the risk of disturbing their sleep. Additionally, travel systems often include a carrycot, which is essential for newborns up to six months old, as it provides a flat and comfortable sleeping space.

While travel systems offer the convenience of a one-time purchase decision, it's important to remember that they are a significant financial commitment. For some parents, it may be more financially sensible to buy items individually as needed, allowing for the possibility of purchasing second-hand items and saving money. However, it's generally recommended to avoid buying a second-hand car seat due to potential safety concerns.

Before investing in a travel system, consider the weight and size of the car seat and stroller. If you have a small car, ensure that the folded chassis will fit in your boot, and if you need to carry the stroller up and down stairs, opt for a lightweight option. Additionally, keep in mind the ease of fitting the car seat into your car, as some systems may require additional adaptors, adding to the overall cost.

Overall, while travel systems offer convenience and often work out cheaper than buying individual items, they do represent a substantial investment. It's essential to carefully consider your needs, budget, and lifestyle before making this significant purchase.

Travel systems are bulkier than prams

While travel systems are convenient for parents who drive and walk with their babies, they are bulkier than prams. This is because travel systems have additional features such as one-hand folding, storage space, and reclining seats. All these features make the stroller more versatile but add weight.

If you need to carry the stroller up and down the stairs or require it to fold up very small when not in use, a travel system might not be the best option.

Before purchasing a travel system, it is important to consider the size of your car boot. Some travel systems are so bulky that you have to remove the wheels to fit them in the boot. If space is an issue, consider a compact model or a travel buggy for everyday use.

Additionally, the weight of the car seat is an important consideration. Car seats range in weight from a few kilograms to up to 14kg, and this is without the weight of the baby. If you plan to be taking the car seat in and out of the car frequently, choose a lightweight option and an easy-fit system.

In summary, while travel systems offer convenience and versatility, they are bulkier than prams and may not be suitable for those who need a lightweight and compact option.

Travel systems are ideal for sleeping babies

A travel system is a pushchair that allows you to remove the seat unit and replace it with a car seat. This means you can move your baby from the car to the pushchair without having to unclip them from their car seat. This is ideal if you're in and out of the car a lot and want to avoid waking your baby every time you need to get them into the pushchair.

Travel systems usually have three attachments: a carry cot or bassinet for newborns and younger babies; a buggy or stroller attachment for older babies who don't need to be completely reclined; and a car seat that fits onto the wheels. The carry cot is a traditional pram cot that ensures babies can sleep comfortably while on the go without being restricted by safety harnesses. The car seat attachment means you can pop your sleeping baby and their car seat out of the car together and click them onto the wheels to go into the supermarket or for shorter trips.

If you're planning on purchasing both a pushchair and a car seat, it makes sense to buy a travel system, as this combines both items in one go and ensures they are compatible.

Travel systems are not suitable for long periods

The carrycot aspect of a travel system is only suitable for newborns up to around 3-4 months or 15kg. The pushchair aspect is suitable from 6 months onwards, or when the baby can sit up unaided.

The car seat of a travel system is also only suitable for a limited time. The Group 0+ car seat that comes with most travel systems is only suitable for babies up to 15 months old. After this, you will need to upgrade to a car seat suitable for older children.

Therefore, travel systems are not a long-term solution and parents may find themselves needing to purchase additional pushchairs or prams as their child grows. This can be a waste of money, especially if a more expensive travel system is purchased.

One parent commented that they "wasted over £1000 on a pram/carry cot / travel system thing [which was the] biggest waste of money ever [and they] wish [they'd] just spent £300".

Another parent agreed that travel systems are not needed for long, stating that:

> "Babies can't spend that long in a car seat at first, but it is handy to be able to stick the car seat on the frame for quick trips to the shops."

Therefore, while travel systems can be useful in the early months, they are not a long-term solution and parents may find themselves needing to purchase additional pushchairs or prams as their child grows.

Frequently asked questions