Buying a buggy can be daunting enough without there being any confusion over the right terminology. A surprising number of mums and mums to be aren’t entirely sure what a travel system is and how it differs from a pushchair or stroller. So, the aim of this post is to make clear exactly what a travel system does.
Simply put, a travel system offers an all-in-one car-seat and pushchair package. What this means is that the baby can be moved from car to pushchair and pushchair to car with little difficulty. Of course, within the ‘travel system’ sector itself, there are many varieties, lightweight, heavy, three-wheelers, lie-flats and three-in-ones (which have a removable carrycot) – so you will need to consider what best serves your needs.
Consider the following:
Is the car seat a good one and does it fit you vehicle? There is little point in buying a travel system and then having to spend another £100 or so on a reliable car seat. Is the car seat an ISOFIX (most newer models are). ISOFIX car seats perform well in ‘crash tests’ and are easier to fit. But, some older models of car do not have ISOFIX fixing points, do do check this.
How is the folding mechanism on the travel system? You are partly buying the unit on the basis that it is ‘easy in – easy out’ the car. You need 
to ensure you can manage the folding mechanism of the pushchair and also ensure that it fits in your boot!
What seat does the pushchair itself have? Ideally the seat will be roomy enough for when the baby becomes a toddler, but also reclines flat to support a newborn’s spine.
The usual pushchair considerations will also apply the same with your travel system. Is it light enough for you? Is the pushchair handle comfy and at a good height for you (your partner?). What wheels does the travel system have? Most ‘off road’ travel systems have large wheels, more urban models have swivel wheels perfect for shopping and scurrying around town.
What travel system to buy? That is not a question we can answer. It depends on your budget and exactly what it is you are looking for. If money is no object then consider the Concord Neo.
For better value then consider the Petite Star Kurvi4, the Bebe Confort Streety or the new Silver Cross Halo.
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