Travel Systems

What is a Travel System?

A travel system is a complete set of stroller, child car seat and child carrier. It is designed to provide a one-stop solution for parents who are going to be on the move with their newborn alongside them. For a first time parent, travel systems seem like an attractive option, since they give you the choice of investing in a color-coordinated, eye pleasing carriage for your pretty baby. A Travel System consists of three components -

An Infant Car Seat, that can also be used as a child carrier;
A Car Seat Base, that you will install in your car to strap the seat on while traveling; and
A Stroller, to which you can attach the rear-facing car seat and push around.

Although your baby may outgrow the infant car seat, you can still continue to use the stroller for older children.

How is a Travel System Useful?

A travel system provides babies with a smooth transition from car rides to strollers, without disturbing them too much. You can simply detach the seat from the car seat base, and strap/snap it onto the stroller frame. This is a boon, especially when your baby is happily dozing while you travel. In a snapshot, it works like this-

If you are going out with your infant- With the handle of the car seat, you can carry the baby anywhere.
If you are driving, you can use seatbelt to secure the car seat base into your vehicle and snap the car seat into this base.
If you reach your destination, you can similarly strap the infant car seat into the stroller.

Why You Need a Travel System?

You will need a travel system, if-

You are going to be moving in and out of your vehicle multiple times while running errands. Imagine you need to drive to the bank to drop a check; stop by the grocery's to buy some milk, and then drop in at a friend's place to check in on her before finally heading home. With a travel system, you can go about all these without spending too much time in moving the child from a car seat to a stroller and back.
You are not inclined to spend on separate car seats and strollers.

Features List

Compiled here are some features you should look for when you buy a travel system. The 'Must Haves' point to the essential features, while the 'Good to Haves' are add-on features you may or may not choose to install.

Click the labels for more information.

Travel System - View Products

Must Haves

For an Infant Car Seat

Should fit your car seat tightly (see Child Car Seat Shopping Guide for more details).
A 5-point harness.

For Strollers

Front Wheel Brakes or all Wheel Brakes
Front Wheel Swivel.
Reclining Seat - Multiple reclining positions are a great help, as small children never stay in one position.
A 5-Point Safety Harness.
Compact Fold - For convenient storage.
Reversible Handle.
Storage Basket.

Good to Haves

For an Infant Car Seat

Ease of installation without car seat base⁵.

For Strollers

Cup holder
Toy Attachments - To keep your baby entertained.
One-hand Fold
Adjustable Canopy.
Water Resistant Fabric.
Washable Covers and Pads.
Bumper Bars/Armrests.

Reference:

5- http://www.orbitbaby.com/video

Pros and Cons of a Travel System

Know the advantages and disadvantages that come with a travel system, so you can make an informed buying decision.

Pros	Cons
A single system that satisfies both your stroller and car seat needs for your infant.	Bulky and difficult to maneuver.
Even after the child outgrows the car seat, you can still use the stroller till the child fits into it.	Locking and unlocking the car seat into the stroller might be challenging.
It is a one-time investment.	Will be difficult to fit into a small car or a hatchback car
Some manufacturers offer a travel system with rear-facing infant car seat plus a convertible toddler car seat as a bundle.	The infant will outgrow the rear-facing infant car seat soon, and then you will need to replace the entire system.
Travel systems are the best for long journeys by road or by air, as they provide a complete solution.	If you wish to use another car seat with the stroller, you need to check for compatibility.
	Some inexpensive travel systems come with a cheaper car seat, which has a rear-adjust harness. This means that every time you need to loosen the harness, you would need to look at the bottom or back of the car. This drastic reduction in convenience leads to some parents using the rear-adjust car seats incorrectly, which might again compromise the safety of the baby.

What to Look for in a Travel System?

Types of Prams and Strollers

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Dos and Don'ts

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Latch Adjuster

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