Travel Systems For Babies: Choosing The Best Option

A travel system for babies is a combination of an infant carrier, base, and a compatible stroller. It allows for a seamless transition from a vehicle to the sidewalk without disturbing your baby. When choosing a travel system, it is important to consider your budget, brand preferences, and certain features such as ease of assembly, vehicle installation, stroller installation, design, manoeuvrability, ease of cleaning, and value. Here are some of the best travel systems for babies:

- UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller: This travel system is easy to use, with a sleek, full-grain leather handlebar and an adjustable seatback. It is lightweight and manoeuvres well on all terrains.

- Britax Grove Modular Stroller: This stroller is almost effortless to use, with a less-than-10-minute installation and comfort features like a lumbar cushion. It takes turns like a compact stroller and handles different surfaces with ease.

- NUNA RX Car Seat Travel System: This lightweight travel system has a sleek and aesthetically pleasing design. It comes fully assembled and has a UPF 50+ canopy that is water-repellent and provides sun protection.

- Graco Modes Pramette Travel System: This is one of the most inexpensive travel systems on the market. It offers a smooth ride and plenty of storage space. It is lightweight and manoeuvres well on various terrains.

- Doona Convertible Infant Car Seat Stroller System: This is a one-piece stroller and car seat. It is ideal for people who use ride-shares or public transportation frequently. It is small, narrow, and easy to navigate in crowded spaces.

- Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System: This travel system has a sleek design and convenient extra features. It is easy to manoeuvre on almost any terrain and has a simple one-handed fold.

- BOB Gear Wayfinder Pack: This travel system is ideal for joggers and runners, with features such as a hand brake, wrist strap, and a mesh peekaboo window. It is easy to manoeuvre, even with the front swivel wheel locked.

- Bugaboo Fox 3 Bassinet and Stroller: This travel system is lightweight yet sturdy and has just the right amount of storage space. It is easy to manoeuvre and can turn on a dime on all terrains.

- Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System: This three-in-one travel system has an expandable cargo area, cup holders, and a snack tray. It glides smoothly over different terrains and is easy to lift up stairs.

- Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System: This travel system has excellent reviews on Amazon, with 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 15,000 ratings. It is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, with a compact fold for easy storage.

- Baby Trend EZ Ride 35 Travel System: This travel system is highly rated on Amazon, with 4.7 out of 5 stars from nearly 20,000 ratings. It is affordable and easy to use, making it a great option for quick in-and-out trips.

- Chicco Bravo 3-in-1 Trio Travel System: This travel system has excellent reviews on Amazon, with 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 3,000 ratings. It has a quick-fold design and is easy to manoeuvre, making it a convenient option for busy parents.

- Joie Finiti With Sprint: This travel system is suitable from birth up to 22kg and includes a pushchair and i-size car seat with a base. It has an easy one-hand fold and a comfortable harness.

- Mamas and Papas Ocarro: This travel system is perfect for grandparents or carers who are not using it all the time. It has puncture-proof off-road tyres and a reversible, lie-flat pushchair seat. It is easy to use and has a one-hand fold.

- Ickle Bubba Stomp Luxe: This travel system comes with everything you need from day one, including a pushchair, infant carrier, and stroller. It has puncture-proof rear wheels and lockable swivel front wheels. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a large shopping basket.

- Nuna TRIV Next: This travel system is easy to assemble and simple to change between different positions. It has an all-season seat and a rain cover for all weather conditions. It has a compact fold and stands on its own, making it convenient for storage and travel.

- Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System: This travel system is ideal for use in towns or cities. It is easy to use and has a long lifespan, lasting from birth to four years. It comes with a carrycot, seat unit, car seat, changing bag, footmuff, insect netting, and rain covers.

- Venicci Claro 3-in-1 Plus Travel System: This ten-piece bundle includes a frame, seat unit, carrycot, car seat, ISOFIX base, footmuff, changing bag, changing mat, and rain cover. It is incredibly simple and easy to fold, making it stress-free for busy parents. It has gel wheels that provide a smooth and comfortable ride over rough terrain.

- Kinderkraft EVERYDAY Travel System: This travel system has good suspension and is easy to use on different terrains. It comes with a large carrycot and a soft mattress, with bamboo viscose fibres in the cover for ventilation and antibacterial properties. It has excellent storage space and is comfortable for your baby.

- Silver Cross Reef Pushchair: This multi-terrain travel system is suitable for newborns to 22kg. It has a sturdy and comfortable car seat and a one-hand fold. However, it is quite heavy, which may be an issue for some.

- Bugaboo Fox 5: This travel system is versatile and stylish, with a lightweight design and seamless transitions between a carrycot and reversible seat. It has a robust chassis, all-terrain wheels, and adjustable suspension for a smooth ride.

- Cosatto Giggle 3in1 Travel System and Accessories Bundle: This travel system stands out with its fun and eye-catching designs. It is easy to manoeuvre and can handle both city streets and rough terrain. It comes with a chassis, convertible pram, car seat, adapters, and a raincover.

- Joie Versatrax Travel System: This stylish travel system is made from 153 recycled bottles

Car seat and stroller combinations

When choosing a car seat and stroller combination, it's important to consider your budget, the ease of assembly and installation, the weight, age and size limits, the stroller's size and portability, its manoeuvrability, and the inclusion of safety features. Here are some of the best car seat and stroller combinations on the market:

UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller

The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 stroller is a sleek and user-friendly option that comes almost fully assembled. It features an adjustable full-grain leather handlebar and seatback, a large cargo area, and a high weight capacity, allowing it to grow with your child. The car seat attaches seamlessly to the base and stroller, and the stroller is lightweight and easy to push on all terrains. However, it may be difficult to carry up steps due to its large tires. The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 is priced at $750, but it offers excellent value with its ease of use and additional accessories, including a rain canopy and a mesh canopy.

Britax Grove Modular Stroller

The Britax Grove Modular stroller is a medium-sized option that provides a smooth and effortless pushing experience, handling turf and concrete with ease. It features a lumbar cushion and a one-handed fold mechanism. The car seat base has Britax ClickTight technology, making installation a breeze. However, the stroller has two separate brakes that need to be pressed to keep it in place. The Britax Grove is usually priced at $560 but is currently on sale for $426.

NUNA RX Car Seat Travel System

The NUNA RX Car Seat Travel System offers a sleek and aesthetically pleasing design, with a lightweight and durable construction. It comes fully assembled and features a leather carrying handle, magnetic buckle holders, an adjustable handlebar, and no-rethread harnesses. The stroller has excellent manoeuvrability due to its suspension system and rubber wheels, and it folds easily with the toddler seat attached. The car seat is impressively light at just over 7 pounds, making it easy to carry and move between the base and stroller. However, installing the car seat base can be tricky and time-consuming. The NUNA RX Travel System is priced at $950.

Graco Modes Pramette Travel System

The Graco Modes Pramette Travel System is one of the most affordable options on the market, usually priced at $300 but currently on sale for $240. It offers a smooth ride and ample storage space, with extra features like a phone holder, cup holder, reclining toddler seat, and adjustable canopy. The lightweight stroller glides smoothly over various terrains and is easy to lift over curbs. However, assembling the stroller and detaching the toddler seat can be challenging, and the handlebar doesn't adjust.

Doona Convertible Infant Car Seat Stroller System

The Doona Convertible is a unique option as it combines the car seat and stroller into one piece of equipment. It is convenient and space-saving, making it ideal for those who use ride-shares or public transportation frequently. Despite its weight of 17 pounds, the Doona manoeuvres easily and offers a gentle glide on most terrains. However, it does not have a storage basket or cup holder, and the seat does not recline. The Doona Convertible is priced at $550.

Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System

The Chicco Corso LE is a stylish and functional travel system that boasts a sleek design and convenient features, such as a parent cup holder, a removable handlebar for kids, and an extendable canopy. The stroller has excellent manoeuvrability and can be easily folded with one hand. The car seat base is easy to install using the LATCH system, and attaching and detaching the car seat is a seamless process. However, a separate piece is required to click the car seat into the stroller, and it needs to be done with two hands. The Chicco Corso LE is usually priced at $600.

Ease of assembly

When it comes to travel systems for babies, ease of assembly is a key consideration. Here are some options that offer straightforward setup and installation:

Nuna Triv Next

The Nuna Triv Next is known for its ease of assembly and simple position changes. It was awarded Gold for Best Travel System at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024. This travel system is lightweight, compact, and ideal for city life and travelling. It features a one-hand fold and unfold function, making it convenient for parents on the go. The carrycot is collapsible, which is useful for storing at home or in the car. However, the suspension may not be adequate for rough terrain.

Bugaboo Fox 5

The Bugaboo Fox 5 is a versatile and stylish travel system that includes a robust chassis, all-terrain wheels, and adjustable suspension. While it may be initially tricky to assemble, it offers a lightweight design and seamless transitions between a carrycot and reversible seat. It was designed with active parents in mind and provides excellent steering and handling.

Graco Travel Systems

Graco offers a range of travel systems that are generally easy to assemble and use. The Graco Modes Pramette Travel System provides a smooth ride and ample storage space. It is also one of the most affordable options on the market. The Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System is another good choice, featuring an expandable cargo area and useful accessories like cup holders. However, it can be challenging to assemble and detach the toddler seat.

Chicco Travel Systems

Chicco travel systems, such as the Chicco Bravo Trio and the Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System, are popular choices that offer ease of assembly and use. The Chicco Bravo Trio features a one-hand fold and is known for its smooth manoeuvring on various terrains. The Chicco Corso LE has a sleek design and convenient features, including a parent cup holder and a removable handlebar for kids.

Doona

The Doona is an all-in-one stroller and car seat system. It is easy to convert between the two and is ideal for those who frequently use ride-sharing or public transportation. However, it lacks storage space and does not have a seat recline feature.

Other Options

Other travel systems that are worth considering for their ease of assembly and use include the Britax Grove Modular Stroller, which offers a less-than-10-minute installation, and the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller, which arrives nearly assembled, requiring only wheel attachment.

Vehicle installation

When it comes to vehicle installation, there are several factors to consider when choosing a travel system for your baby. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Ease of Installation: Look for a travel system that is easy to install in your vehicle. Some options may come with a base that you can leave in your car, making it simpler to attach and detach the car seat. The installation process should be straightforward and preferably allow for one-handed operation, so you can secure your baby safely without too much hassle.
• Safety: Always ensure that your car seat base is installed securely, following the manufacturer's instructions and your country's safety guidelines. Check that the car seat is tightly secured and allows for zero wiggle room. Remember that infants should ride in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible.
• Compatibility: Not all car seats are compatible with all vehicles, so it's important to check that the travel system you choose will fit properly in your car. Consider the size of your car and the space available for the car seat and base.
• LATCH System: Many modern vehicles are equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, which provides an easy and secure way to install car seats. Look for travel systems that are compatible with the LATCH system, as this can simplify the installation process and enhance safety.
• Seat Belt Installation: If your vehicle does not have the LATCH system, you may need to install the car seat using the seat belt. Ensure that the travel system you choose provides clear instructions and guidelines for safe seat belt installation.
• Indicators: Some travel systems have level indicators that turn green when the base is correctly levelled, giving you peace of mind that your baby's seat is secure. Others may have audible indicators, such as a clicking sound, to let you know when the car seat is properly attached.
• Weight and Size: Consider the weight and size of the car seat and base. Bulky and heavy car seats can be challenging to carry and install, especially if you have limited space in your vehicle. Look for lightweight options that are easy to manoeuvre and fit in your car.
• Convertibility: Some travel systems offer convertible car seats that can accommodate your child as they grow. Look for options that allow for rear-facing installation for infants and can be converted to forward-facing installation for toddlers.
• Additional Features: Some car seats come with additional features like adjustable headrests, recline positions, and breathable fabrics to enhance your baby's comfort and safety.

Stroller installation

When installing a stroller, it is important to ensure that your baby is safe and secure. Here is a step-by-step guide to installing a baby car seat in a stroller:

• Place the baby seat on a flat surface with the straps facing down.
• Line up the stroller frame with the car's seat belt and buckle it in place, ensuring you use the correct strap for your car type.
• Slip one end of each side bar into the slots at the top of the handlebars.
• Thread the strap from the car seat belt buckle through the bottom of each side bar.
• Pull the strap tight to secure the seat, and adjust it until it is level with the handlebars.

Some strollers may have slight variations in the installation process, so it is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Choose the right car seat for your child's size and age.
• Keep the stroller within reach at all times and never leave your child unattended while they are in it.
• If your child is an infant, you may want to attach their car seat to the stroller, or you can place them in the stroller seat, ensuring they are securely buckled.
• For toddlers, it is recommended to seat them towards the back to provide more room for their legs.
• Ensure that any parts of the stroller touching your child, such as handles, do not restrict their movement.
• When installing the baby car seat into the stroller, position it upright to support your baby's head and neck.
• Do not place anything underneath your child's legs to lift them higher in the seat, as this can be dangerous in the event of sudden breaks.

Additionally, when considering the best travel systems for babies, there are several factors to keep in mind. Firstly, look for systems that offer a seamless transition from your vehicle to the sidewalk, allowing you to move your newborn without disturbing their sleep. The infant car seat should attach directly to the stroller without the need for additional accessories. Some travel systems are even designed as one unit, where the car seat converts directly into a stroller.

• UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller: This system received high marks for its ease of use. It arrives almost fully assembled, with only the wheels needing to be attached. It is lightweight and manoeuvrable, with adjustable handlebars and a large cargo area.
• Britax Grove Modular Stroller: This stroller is noted for its ease of installation, taking less than 10 minutes to set up. It is medium-sized but takes turns like a compact stroller, and it has generous wheels that handle different terrains with ease.
• NUNA RX Car Seat Travel System: This system offers a sleek and aesthetically pleasing design, with soft and comfortable fabrics. It comes fully assembled and is lightweight, making it easy to manoeuvre. It has an adjustable handlebar, a UPF 50+ canopy, and a one-touch brake.
• Graco Modes Pramette Travel System: This is one of the most affordable travel systems on the market, offering a smooth ride and ample storage space. It is lightweight and easy to lift, with a reclining toddler seat and adjustable canopy.
• Doona Convertible Infant Car Seat Stroller System: The Doona is a unique system where the car seat converts into a stroller in seconds. It is ideal for those who use ride-shares or public transportation, or for quick in-and-out trips. It is narrow and easy to manoeuvre, but it does not have a storage basket or cup holder, and the seat does not recline.
• Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System: This travel system stands out for its sleek design and convenient features. It manoeuvres easily on almost any terrain and has a simple one-handed fold. It comes with a parent cup holder, a removable handlebar for kids, and an extendable canopy.

Remember to consider your specific needs, budget, and brand preferences when choosing a travel system. Additionally, factors such as stroller size, portability, manoeuvrability, and safety features should be taken into account.

Design

When it comes to choosing a travel system for your baby, there are several factors to consider in terms of design. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Portability and Lightweight Construction: Look for travel systems that are lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry and manoeuvre. This feature is especially important if you need to lift the stroller up and down stairs or public transport.
• One-Handed Folding Mechanism: Many travel systems offer a one-handed fold, which is incredibly useful when you're holding your baby or have your hands full. This feature allows you to quickly and easily fold the stroller with just one hand, making it convenient for on-the-go parents.
• Compact Folding: Choose a travel system that folds compactly so that it can fit easily into your car boot or trunk. This is crucial if you have limited storage space or need to transport multiple items.
• Adjustability: Look for strollers with adjustable features such as reclining seats, adjustable handlebars, and extendable canopies. These adjustments allow you to customise the stroller to your baby's comfort and your own preferences.
• Spacious Storage Basket: A large storage basket underneath the stroller is essential for holding all your baby essentials, shopping bags, and other items. Ensure that the basket is easily accessible, even when the stroller seat is fully reclined or the carrycot is attached.
• Safety Features: Prioritise safety when selecting a travel system. Look for features such as a five-point harness, brakes, UV canopies, and sturdy construction. Additionally, ensure that the car seat meets the required safety standards and has been properly installed.
• Ease of Assembly: Opt for travel systems that are easy to assemble and require minimal effort to attach and detach the car seat from the stroller. This will save you time and hassle, especially when you're in a hurry.
• Maneuverability: Choose a travel system with good maneuverability, featuring durable tyres or wheels suitable for different terrains. Large, all-terrain wheels are ideal for rough surfaces, while smaller wheels work well for city pavements and smooth surfaces.
• Comfort and Ergonomics: Ensure that the travel system provides a comfortable ride for your baby. Look for features such as suspension, padded seats, and adjustable calf support. Additionally, consider your own comfort by choosing a stroller with an adjustable handlebar that suits your height.
• Aesthetic Design: While design is a matter of personal preference, you may want to choose a travel system that appeals to your sense of style. Opt for colours, patterns, or sleek designs that match your taste.
• Additional Accessories: Some travel systems come with coordinating accessories like footmuffs, change bags, cup holders, and rain covers. Consider which accessories you may need and whether they are included in the price or need to be purchased separately.

Frequently asked questions