Buying any pram is one of the most significant purchases you will make before your baby is born, and if you have set your heart on a travel system then read our advice to make sure you end up with one that suits your lifestyle and that both you and your baby are happy with.
Phil Taylor is head of design at Silver Cross, which has been making innovative, quality prams, pushchairs and nursery equipment for over 130 years. Here, Phil answers your questions on how to make sure you end up with the right travel system.
What are the benefits of a travel system?
Travel systems give you great flexibility in the early months of your baby’s life. The main benefit is that you can transfer your sleeping child from car to pushchair with minimal disturbance – although you shouldn’t keep your baby in a car seat for longer than two hours as a delicate developing baby’s back needs to be lying flat as much as possible. You can use the pram cot for long walks when you want to make sure your baby has the ultimate comfortable ride and is lying flat, and when the baby gets older and is interested in looking at the world around him, the cot converts to a pushchair.
What should I consider when looking at the different models on offer?
Probably one of the most important features is the size and or weight of the travel system. You need to think about whether it will be able to fit in the boot of your car, can be easily brought into your home if needed, or is easy to get on and off public transport if that is the way you will be getting around. All these factors are even more important if you have to consider an older toddler in tow.
You need to think about how easy it is to use. Can you fold it easily and quickly when you are in a rush? Can a car seat be attached simply? Does the seat have a good recline when in the pushchair mode and your child falls asleep? And importantly you also need to think about your lifestyle. If you are outdoor parents then it is important to consider a good brake and suspension system and large tyres for off road adventure.
Do all travel systems allow front and rearward facing when in the pushchair mode?
No not all travel systems do this. You can get an all in one travel system where the cot / seat unit is permanently attached to the frame and converts from one to the other with the pushchair mode facing forwards. These are usually, smaller, lighter and more compact. Or you can opt for the bigger travel systems which are made up of a separate chassis and body that allow you to remove the body and face the pushchair either towards you or away depending on what you or your baby prefers.
Can you match car seats and prams from different manufacturers to create your own travel system?
It depends on the make and model of your pram and car seat. Always ring and check with the respective companies before making your big investment! Also make sure that you try the car seat in your car/cars to check that it fits before choosing the travel system.
