In Baby world, there are many things that we are grateful for their invention (because really, you need all the help and gadget you can get in raising a little human being!) and one such invention is the Travel system stroller. They essentially make life so much more easier and convenient!
1. What Is, & Do You Need A Travel Stroller System?
A travel stroller system is basically the best baby car seat and stroller combo - a 2-in-1 prepackaged system of a car seat and a matching stroller which you can clip the former onto easily.
If you're thinking why on earth would you need a travel system as such, how about if you try to picture this - your baby has just fallen soundly asleep in his/her car seat and you've reached your destination, do you:
- risk waking baby up when you transfer him/her out from the car seat onto the stroller? or
- continue to sit in the car and wait patiently until baby wakes up?
Precisely why you would need a travel system in such a scenario. It allows you to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without waking him/her up. You know how hard it can get trying to put a baby to sleep!
Another reason why we think you should be getting a travel system stroller is that generally, babies can only sit upright unassisted when they hit 6 months old (some older). If you're to bring them out at newborn or infant age, your options would be pretty much limited - it's either an infant baby stroller (with bassinet) which baby will outgrow very soon, or a baby carrier.
Of course, you can always get a stroller that allows infant car seats to be attached, but you will have to check if the stroller can fit your brand of car seat (or vice versa), and you will need to buy an adapter separately to attach the car seat onto the stroller. To save the hassle, many parents opt to buy a travel system once and for all to rid themselves of all the troubles.
2. Best Travel System Strollers
We will now review what are the top rated travel system strollers the market has to offer. Be it you are looking for the most lightweight travel system, or one that you can go jog about with ease and comfort, there is bound to be one best baby stroller travel system for you!
1. Best Lightweight Travel System
Heads off, a travel system will not be as light as umbrella strollers or lightweight strollers because it is after all, a 2-in-1 package, however, the Peg Perego Booklet Travel System truly is a pleasant surprise!
Weighing less than 20 pounds (19.62 lbs to be exact), you cannot find any travel system lighter than this. This lightweight travel system has a frame that is composed of lacquered aluminium, which is very solid, yet lightweight enough to be easily manoeuvred and carried. It has a unique 'book-like' folding mechanism (hence its name) in that it folds inward to ensure the upholstery is always protected and clean, and once closed, it stands on its own and is compact enough to be stowed anywhere.
An automatic locking system keeps the stroller closed for easy transport when folded. The streamlined design of the booklet allows it to be manoeuvred with ease through heavy sidewalk traffic, narrow aisles and crowded elevators. The hood has an extendable UPF 50+ protecting visor, which helps shield little ones from the sun's UV rays and wheels with ball bearings and suspension let the stroller be pushed effortlessly, while easily overcoming bumps and uneven surfaces.
Enough with the frame, let's talk about the matching car seat - the Primo Viaggio 4-35. It attaches directly onto the seat without the need of additional adapters if you recline the stroller backrest and place the car seat on the built-in, retractable anchors.
What's worth mentioning is that the Primo Viaggio 4-35 has a Side Impact Protection (SIP) that can be adjusted in six different positions with no re-threading required. Energy absorbing EPS foam is used throughout the shell while EPP foam is employed in the headrest to enhance protection and is perforated to guarantee maximum air circulation. If that is not enough assurance, the innovative Dual Stage Cushion System will ensure even the smallest of babies are properly positioned and supported.
With all these amazing features and at such enviable weight, plus the fact that is wholly made in Italy, the Peg Perego Booklet Travel System does not come cheap. However, if you have the budget, this lightweight stroller travel system is definitely one of the best stroller travel system that we'd highly recommend.
2. Best Infant Travel System
The best 3 in 1 travel system definitely goes to the Pivot Modular Travel System from Evenflo. This full-size luxury travel system features 6 modes of use - a reversible carriage mode offers 2 options, Frame Stroller, Travel system, and Toddler Stroller.
Put simply, this 3 in 1 stroller travel system can be used in 3 modes - (1) carriage/bassinet, (2) frame stroller with infant car seat and (3) toddler stroller - with each mode reversible so baby can face in or out, depending on your preference.This also means it can accommodate infant and children from 4 - 50 pounds, maximum.
As one of the best infant car seat and stroller combo, the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System features the SafeMax Infant Car Seat and the SafeZone base which allow you to move the car seat from base to stroller with one secure click. The new Cruiser Tires provide baby with a smooth ride, while also making the stroller effortless to push with its ergonomic handles.
Other features include a full coverage canopy, convenient in-seat fold, large storage basket, Flex-Hold parent cup holder and ergonomic handle as well as adjustable 3 or 5 point harness to keep both baby and parent comfortable. Best of all, the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System has a very reasonable price point, which explains why it is among the top travel system strollers rated by so many parents.
3. Best Jogger Travel System
If you'd read our lightweight stroller reviews or double stroller reviews, you will not be unfamiliar with the Baby Trend Expedition model, this time, it's the brand's Jogger Travel System.
This is the best jogging stroller travel system - it combines the Expedition Baby Trend 3 Wheel Jogging Stroller and the Baby Trend Flex Lock infant car seat with lock in car base (both of which are bestsellers in their own right) in one unit. The 3 wheel stroller frame is one of the best bike trailer jogging stroller as its designed to handle even the roughest terrain, thanks to the use of all-terrain wheels and a lockable front swivel wheel for jogging. The swivel allows for easy manoeuvrability even in the narrowest lane or alley so for those living in busy cities, this is perfect (we think it is one of the best stroller for nyc)!
In terms of the matching car seat that forms a travel system with the stroller, the Baby Trend Flex-Lock perhaps need no further introduction- this is one of the best travel car seat that parents will buy separately if not in this travel system style.
It accommodates 5-30 pounds and heights up to 30 inches tall, which means you can bring your little one out as young as newborn stage. The 5-point safety harness and EPS energy-absorbing foam for superior side impact head protection ensure baby is tucked in securely. The Flex Lock Infant Car Seat easily removes from car seat base to allow a quick and easy click in attachment to stroller to make the Travel System, with the large smooth carrying handle allow for easy transport of child and seat.
Bear in mind though, when you're using it as a baby jogger travel system, you should only walk and not run for safety purpose. The jogging function will only work when your child is in the stroller seat only. Nonetheless, use according to the instruction and weight limitation, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System is one jogger travel system that you will certainly love (and it's very affordable, too)!
4. Best Cheap Travel System
There are many cheap travel system strollers but many are of questionable quality. This is why we never recommend strollers with prices that sound to good to be true. Nonetheless, the Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System is one that we'd highly recommend if you are looking for an affordable travel system stroller.
This stroller has everything you need and none of the hassles other strollers are known for. Further, it has agile wheels to provide maximum manoeuvrability around tight and narrow corners (really, we're amazing at the high quality of this aspect!) and the flip-flop friendly brakes make it simple to put your stroller into park. Yes, it's that easy you can even do it in your flip-flops!
When you're done for the day, there's no struggling to fold the stroller thanks to the lift-to-fold design. It's as simple as: Lift. Fold. Done. Best of all? It stands on its own when folded, so you have both hands free to manage your other stuffs first before packing it in your car.
The canopy provides super-sized coverage and includes a special flip out visor when you want to give your child some additional protection. It also features a large peek-a-boo window that gives you an easy view during the stroll and provides your little one with better airflow as they enjoy the ride. Both you and your child will have room for everything you need along the way. The parent and child trays are perfect for smaller items you'll want to keep close by, and larger items will fit easily into the extra-large storage basket.
In terms of the onBoard 35LT infant car seat that is included, the QuickClick lets you attach it to the stroller securely with one simple click so there's no need to fumble around with what seem like a thousand buttons and straps to put together your travel system. It also provides baby with a superior fit for ultimate safety, thanks to the 4-harness heights spaced right to give your child a better fit all the way from 4-35 pounds. The buckle adjusts in two ways so that you can customize not only the length, but also the buckle's position on your child. The seat has also been designed for a better reclined body position to give your baby a safer ride.
At such a price, there really isn't many that live up to the quality as that of the Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System's. This is one affordable travel system stroller that you will definitely not regret buying!
