How to Choose the Right Travel System for You and Your Baby’s Needs!

When it comes to getting out and about with little people we know that small things can be a big deal. Whether it’s making your every day run more smoothly or more safely, we know the little things make all the difference and there are many factors to consider with pram and stroller options. And, that is why we know that exploring the world is great, but exploring together—that’s where fun really starts!

Your choice of pram or stroller will vary depending on a whole range of factors. These include the age of the child, the climate that you live in, what time of the year your baby is born, and the need for portability and general lifestyle. Other important considerations include the following:

Number of children

The type of stroller you need largely depends on how many children you need to carry. Some strollers are designed for only one child, whereas other strollers are designed to carry two or more children either side-by-side or one in front of the either. Some strollers feature up to 10 configuration options (including attachments for infant carrier, second seat and bassinet) for maximum flexibility to suit your lifestyle.

Location and lifestyle

Different strollers are designed for different lifestyles and mobility preferences. Consider how you choose to live family life. Whether you are a city dweller navigating curbs and public transport, or a suburban parent driving regularly, these activities influence what you need your stroller to do. By thinking about where you will take your stroller and the activities you might be doing, you can define the features you will need. Consider smoothness of ride and what will be your everyday activities and not-so-everyday adventures. With the right travel system anything is possible – including minimising disturbance to your sleeping bub when getting in and out of the car and into the stroller.

Features

There are a range of stroller features that relate to your own specific needs and preferences. These could include:

• Modular Construction: Where you can fit your infant carrier directly onto the stroller chassis—hassle- free travel. This option is ideal for parents on-the-go. Look for a stroller that enables your baby to face you—promoting that intimate bond and newborn closeness. Similarly, traveling in the car is made simple with the base of the car seat remaining in the car allowing you to simply click in and travel with minimal disturbance to bub – very important if they are sleeping!
• Reversible Seat/Handle: Younger babies need eye contact with their parents to interact and connect with you. With a reversible seat or handle you can let them look at the world ahead especially for when they’re older.
• Folding: Packing away any stroller should be intuitive and easy but, above all, quick.
• Weight: Consider this carefully as you will be lifting this in and out of the car pretty much every day. A stroller may look great but if it’s too heavy you will end up back at the shop looking for a lighter one.
• Handles: Many strollers feature a soft-grip handle, but look out for height-adjustable handles for a perfect and comfort fit.
• Reclining Options: Adjusting your child’s position for sleep or stimulation ensures they’re comfortable and happy. Babies should lie reclined for the first few months of their lives to help develop a healthy spine and respiratory system.
• Wheels: Look for front wheels that can be locked or allowed to swivel; swivelling makes cornering easier, while locked wheels provide stability on uneven ground. Larger wheels work better on sand and dirt but smaller wheels allow for a smaller folded stroller size. And, with quick-release wheels you’ll find storage in the home or car even easier.
• Travel System Compatibility: Your choice of infant carrier will impact your options for a compatible stroller. Make sure to check that your infant carrier is compatible with your stroller before purchasing. You are able to check whether an adapter is available from the stroller’s manufacture.

Did you know?...

At Britax, the testing we apply to Steelcraft vastly exceed the industry requirements and are specifically designed to put strollers through the same punishment as parents will… they have been pushed through the equivalent of mud and sand for 16 hours, pushed over 400km of bumpy potholes and brakes turned on and off 6,000 times. #whywouldyoutrustanyoneelse