Travel Systems Buying Guide

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Summary

A travel system offers you a complete way of travelling from birth, as it includes a car seat for your car travel and a carrycot that allows for newborn babies to lay flat in their pushchair.

What is a travel system?

A travel system can be purchased as a package (aka a ‘bundle’) or the different components can be purchased individually. Travel systems are sold in ‘bundles’ of varying components. At Mamas & Papas we sell 3-piece bundles right through to 9-piece bundles. Usually purchasing more of the better value for money.

A travel system consists of a pushchair frame, upon which other parts can be fitted. This includes a carrycot and a car seat. This offers you a complete way of travelling from birth.

Why would I choose a travel system?

Generally a travel system is good value for money too, allowing you to purchase various components for less.

Because a travel system offers you a complete way of travelling with your baby from birth, it’s a handy way to cover all your travel needs in one go. Generally a travel system is good value for money too, allowing you to purchase various components for less.

What’s the difference between a pushchair and a travel system?

The main difference is that a travel system is car seat compatible and carrycot compatible. This means that both a car seat and a carrycot can be fixed directly into your pushchair. These both offer different benefits, so keep reading.

Car seat compatibility

Car seat compatibility means that your pushchair can be fitted with a car seat. This is a handy feature when you don’t want to transfer your baby out of their car seat to put them into their pushchair. This could be because they are asleep and you don’t want to disturb them. Or because you’re popping quickly from the car and back again and don’t want to take your baby in and out of their car seat.*

Often a pushchair is compatible with a particular make or model of car seat. However usually ‘adaptors’ can be used to make a pushchair compatible with a different car seat model. Each pushchair and each car seat will differ in terms of compatibility, as will adaptors, so this is something to ask about when choosing your travel system.

Shop All Travel Systems

For more information on car seats read our Car Seat Buying Guide.

Or book your complimentary Let’s Talk Car Seats appointment with one of our IOSH-accredited car seat experts in-store.

Book a Car Seat Consultation

Table of contents

Buggy:  

Another word for pushchair, often used interchangeably.

Carrycot:  

A separate cot-like unit where baby can lie-flat. It attaches to the pushchair frame. Some pushchairs include a carrycot, others have it as an optional add-on.

Car seat compatible:  

This refers to a pushchair that can be fitted with a car seat. It allows you to click your car seat into your pushchair with baby inside it, so you don’t need to disturb them by removing them from their car seat. It’s useful when you want to pop in and out of the car. Or if your baby is napping and you don’t want to wake them. Not every pushchair is car seat compatible with every car seat, so you’ll need to check. Often adaptors can be used to make a pushchair compatible with a car seat, but again this will depend on the model of pushchair and car seat, so always check. And remember being in their car seat for extended periods isn’t advised- check the NHS guidance for more information.

Lie-flat seat:

A pushchair seat that reclines to a 180-degree position, to create a flat enough surface to be suitable for newborns.

Parent-facing mode:

Otherwise known as ‘rear-facing.’ This is when they’re pushchair faces the parent pushing them, allowing you to keep an eye on your little one. It helps them to feel safe, facing a familiar face. A lovely way to bond. First-stage pushchairs are usually in this mode, or you’ll have the option to be in this mode.

Pram:

This is another word for pushchair, often used as a term for a newborn pushchair with carrycot.

Pushchair:

The overarching term for prams, strollers and modes of transport for little ones! This tends to cover all the categories and types on the market.

Stroller:

An American term for lighter more compact pushchairs, often used after the age of 6 months.

Travel System:

A travel system consists of a pushchair frame, upon which other parts can be fitted. These parts include carrycot, seat unit and car seat. These are all purchased together as a package or ‘bundle’ meaning they’re good value for money. For more info read our Travel Systems Buying Guide.

World-facing mode:

Also known as ‘forward-facing’ mode. Most first-stage pushchairs give you the option to move into this mode when you’re ready. As your baby develops and becomes inquisitive, you might want to swap to world-facing mode so they can watch the world around them. It’s advised to make this transition gradually- try an hour at a time - so they won’t feel too overwhelmed by their new view.