How to choose the best travel system for your baby

A travel system is essentially a pushchair that can be used with a baby car seat. Some travel systems can take a carrycot as well. 

They make it easier to transport sleeping babies without disturbing them too much. But bear in mind you shouldn't leave a very young baby in a car seat for too long at one sitting.   

Read on to find out which travel system features to look out for, and how much you can expect to pay. Our experts have also pulled together questions to consider when choosing the right model, plus links to popular online retailers that sell travel systems.

Alternatively, head straight to our travel system pushchair reviews and join Which? to find out the models we've named as Best Buys

Types of travel systems

We'd always advise that you choose a car seat you're happy with before choosing your travel system, as a car seat is an essential piece of baby safety kit.  

Travel system and car seat package 

Some travel systems come with a car seat included as part of a package. 

If it does, it’s vital to check before you buy whether it’s a Don’t Buy car seat we’ve reviewed.

Apart from the car seat, your travel system will also come with a seat unit to transport your baby when you don’t want to use the car seat on the chassis. 

See how we rate popular models with our expert car seat reviews

Travel system where you buy the car seat separately

Some systems won’t come with a car seat, but will say which car seats they are compatible with, so you can go and buy one.  

Buying your travel system with the car seat separately, rather than as a package, often works out more expensive, but it does mean you get time to choose a car seat you’re confident can transport your baby safely, which is key.  

We would recommend always choosing your car seat first before you buy your travel system. 

See our list of the best baby and child car seats

Travel system for twins 

This is a travel system where two car seats and/or two carrycots can be attached to the pushchair chassis at the same time.

For this, you'll need to buy a double pushchair. See all of our double pushchair reviews

Travel system for baby and toddler 

This is a pushchair where you can attach one baby car seat / carrycot and one ordinary pushchair seat. 

It's also possible to buy convertible pushchair which is one that can swap from a single pushchair to a double - and back again. This could help future-proof yourself for an expanding family close in age.

Compare all of our travel system reviews

How much do I need to pay for a good travel system?

Travel-system-compatible pushchairs can be costly, but you'll be pleased to know there's plenty of choice for almost every budget – from around £100 up to £1,000 for a top-of-the-range, premium travel-system-compatible pushchair. Bear in mind you will need to add the cost for a compatible car seat and/or carrycot, too. 

Generally speaking, pricier travel systems offer useful extras including adjustable handlebars (good for parents of different heights), easy-fold mechanisms and a canopy that will effectively shield your little ones from the sun.

But remember, a higher price isn't a guarantee of quality – we've found Best Buys available for less than £200 and flawed Don't Buy models for more than £800.

Parents looking for affordable options should check our travel system reviews and use the Great Value filter

Best travel system features to look for

Travel systems can come equipped with quite a wide range of accessories. Here's a few that you'll really need: 

• Ability to convert to a double Planning a bigger family in the future? Check if the travel system you want can convert to a double should you need to.
• Adjustable handles Important if more than one of you is going to be pushing it and you’re different heights.
• Reversible seats If you want the option of having your baby parent-facing or world-facing.
• Car seat adaptors Some car seats slot onto the pushchair chassis; others need adaptors to make the car seat fit. These adaptors aren't always included in the price, so double-check before you buy. Adaptors can cost as much as £30, sometimes even more.  
• Rain cover An essential accessory. Try to get one specifically made for your travel system to ensure the best fit. If it doesn't come with one, you can buy one for around £30.
• Shopping basket Vital for storing shopping or nappy bags. They can usually carry up to 2kg of everyday shopping items, while the biggest ones can carry up to 5kg.
• Hood This should help protect your child from drizzle, bright sunlight shining in their eyes or blustery wind.

Four things to consider when choosing a travel system

1. What travel system fits in my car?

If you have a smaller car, such as a Ford Ka or Mini, you need to make sure the chassis is going to fit into the boot once your little one and the car seat are safely in the car. 

Measure the size of your boot carefully and check against the folded size of the travel system in the Tech Specs of our reviews to make sure it’s going to fit.

2. How heavy is the car seat?

Baby car seats range in weight from just a few kilograms upwards, so make sure you’re able to move it easily and it's not too heavy or cumbersome.

3. How easy is it to fit the car seat?

Car seats attach into a car using either the car seatbelt or an Isofix base. 

Isofix, which typically costs more, fixes the seat in the car without using seatbelts. We always recommend you get your car seat professionally fitted, then practise over and over to make sure you can do it yourself.

4. Which is the easiest travel system to fold?

When we review a pushchair, one of the things we check is how easy it is to fold. You don’t want to be struggling to collapse the chair every time you get it out of the boot or take it on public transport.

We've rounded up all of the high-scoring pushchairs from our lab tests – see our guide to the best pushchairs and prams

Best travel systems we've tested

Where to buy a travel system

Whether you choose to go for a Bugaboo, Graco, Chicco, iCandy, Oyster or Britax, most travel systems are available from high street stores or online from outlets. Pay attention to the shop's returns policy, in case you're unhappy with the purchase.

We would always advise you try out a travel system before you buy so you know it's right for you.

Popular online retailers that stock travel systems include:

• Argos stocks travel systems from big-name brands including Cosatto, Ickle Bubba and Cybex. Expect to spend at least £160 on a basic model.
• Mamas & Papas has a selection of travel systems and lets you filter models according to the age of your child. Prices start at around £80 and rise as high as £1,900 for some product bundles. 
• John Lewis sells travel systems, the majority of which are made by Cybex, Joie Baby and Maxi-Cosi. Like Mamas & Papas, it offers bundles for parents that include strollers, carrycots and car seats.
• Boots stocks more than 100 travel systems in total, many of which are available for less than £300.

Find out the retailers Which? members really rate, with our expert guide on the best and worst baby equipment shops.

Read our guide on how to fit a baby or child car seat and watch our car seat fitting videos for extra help when you get home

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