Which is the best car seat travel bag – a shopping guide
How to carry a car seat on a plane trip is a big question for anxious parents travelling with a baby for the first time.
A car seat storage bag that is protective and easy to carry is an awesome tool for happy and calm holidaying with a young family. Here are our top picks and recommendations for the best car seat bags for air travel.
Why is a travel easy car seat bag a good idea?
A car seat backpack is a wonderful way to make travelling with babies and toddlers a little less stressful.
Babies will sleep better and be more settled if they are in their car seat during a flight.
Taking your child’s car seat on a trip will be comforting for them and give you the reassurance of using the car seat you trust in a hired car.
Carrying a car seat on your back or over a shoulder will leave your hands free to push a pushchair or chase after an excitable two-year-old.
Car seats are expensive and protecting it with a durable cover while it is travelling through airports and in the hold of the plane is important. No-one wants to arrive at a beautiful beach resort to find that the car seat is damaged and unusable. A Maxi-Cosi car seat travel bag may save you from having to replace a £250 car seat!
Insurance claims, especially those against airlines and airports, are an almighty faff!
The bag will hold other useful items that you wouldn’t normally have room for.
Many airlines insist that a car seat travels in an approved case.
Features to look for in car seat travel covers
Lockable zips – for peace of mind and security.
The colour – a bright colour will make it stand out on the luggage belt.
Easy to fold up and stash in an overhead locker if you’re using the seat during the flight. Padded car seat covers can be cumbersome so keep this in mind when choosing.
Wheels – a great option if you would struggle to physically carry the bag and are not on your own with your child.
Adjustable straps – make sure you and your partner will both find carrying it easy and pleasant.
Backpack style – choose a backpack car seat bag for the ability to carry it on your back.
A comfortable fit – look for padded straps and cushioning in the places where it will sit on your body.
Airline approved sizes, straps and zips.
Airline rules and regulations
Airline approved car seat covers and car seats are usually listed on their main website. Here’s a list of the usual guidelines but never assume, if in doubt, check!
For use during the flight:
The car seat must not be larger than the dimensions of the aeroplane seat.
The lap belt must be enough to secure the car seat to the plane seat.
It must have a five-point harness to keep the child safe.
You will need to keep it in place throughout the flight.
For placement in the hold:
The straps should either tuck away or be removable.
Be within the size guidelines for the individual airline.
Sun tents for babies are a vital part of any family beach holiday or gorgeous day in the garden. They provide shade for playing and snoozing and protection against the sun’s damaging rays.
A shopping guide to the best UV tent for baby
The best baby sun tent for you is here in this comprehensive list. Each baby UV tent has been tried, tested and positively reviewed by lots of delighted parents. So, choose a pop-up tent baby will love, splash some cash and start getting excited for beautiful sunny days with your little one.
Protecting your baby from the sun
In a 50+ UV sun tent baby will have maximum protection from sun’s rays but when they are paddling or playing on the swings extra measures are needed. So, what else other than a UV baby tent should you invest in?
UV fabric protection from the sun
A sun tent for babies is only one way to use fabric to protect delicate skin. It sounds basic, but clothes should be the first! A 100% cotton t shirt is ideal for paddling as it will dry quickly on the roof of your baby beach shade.
Sun cream
Even in a baby beach tent there’s a need for the regular application of a high factor sunscreen. There are lots of options that are suitable for very young and sensitive skin. We love organic and natural brands as they usually smell delicious and are non-greasy.
Sun hat
A beach tent for babies will create a safe little haven of shade but when your tint tot ventures out to explore a wide brimmed sun hat is an easy way to shield delicate heads from the sunshine.
Avoid the midday sun
In a UV beach tent baby will be able to have an afternoon nap away from the glare of the sun when it is at the most strong and dangerous.
Hydration
Ensuring your baby has lots of cool water to drink is a great way to keep them hydrated during an afternoon in a sunny park. As well as skin protection, UV tents for babies will also provide a space to keep picnics cool.
What makes a great baby tent for the beach?
Here are the features that will make the ultimate beach tent for baby!
A baby tent for beach use needs to be constructed from a high-quality UV fabric
A baby UV sun needs to have an SPF value of at least 50+. Check the seams and zips for durability and send back any item that you don’t believe will stand up to vigorous multi-child use.
A pop-up beach tent for baby is simple and quick set up option
A UV pop up tent for baby should live up to its name. Once out of its case a pop-up baby tent should be on the sand and pegged into the ground in less than a minute.
Your UV protection tent should be easy to fold
A pop-up baby beach tent that unfolds by itself is a piece of engineering genius. However, it’s pointless if the folding up of that tent takes two hours and several people to achieve, we’ve been there and it’s hideous! If you can, ask for a demonstration, watch You Tube videos of the product and scrutinise reviews!
Stability
Baby tents may be smaller than a family anti-UV tent, but it still needs to have stability against the wind and people brushing past it. Choose a baby beach shelter than can be secured with strong pegs or sand pockets.
Beach tents for babies need to be lightweight and portable
A sun tent for babies is a fantastic way to keep days out and holidays safe and stress-free. Make your life even easier by picking a low weight tent that packs down into a portable carry bag.
Features to look for in a pop-up baby sun tent for the garden
Space for baby to play and relax
A baby garden shade doesn’t have to travel as far so can be bigger than a beach tent. Lots of room for toys and stretching out for naps will make a useful addition to your garden furniture. If your baby has older siblings consider a family tent so everyone can get out of the sunshine for a little while.
Easy to store – a baby beach tent must too!
A baby sunshade tent should fit easily into a shed, garage or utility room. Ideally, once folded it will be kept in it’s carry case and be thin enough to hang off a door or sit on a shelf.
A pop-up UV tent should be robust and weather-proof
In the U.K a baby garden sunshade will need to withstand our unpredictable weather! During the summer it is helpful to have a tent that can be left out in the garden over a few days. Wind and shower proof fabric with strong seams will have the most resistance.
Learning that you are expecting twins can be a huge shock. It’s undeniably a joy and a blessing to be the parent of multiples, but it is also a drain on your budget, energy and organisational skills.
The best prams for twins are the ones which suit your family, maximum spend and lifestyle. There’s lots of choice and it’s difficult to know where to begin.
Some twin prams suitable from birth are expensive but are they value for money? The best pushchair for twins could be the luxury one with snuggly carry cots or it might be the lightweight stroller that folds up easily into your car.
So, before you choose your new-born twin prams, grab a cup of herbal tea and read our comprehensive guide to how to choose your twin pushchair and our best buys.
Best tandem pram – one in front the other
Best twin pram -side by side
Best ‘from birth’ twin pushchair
Best cheap Twin Strollers
Cheap twin prams are often a vital purchase when you are expecting multiples. There’s so much to buy! It doesn’t mean you won’t find some great cheaper options.
Things to consider when choosing a double pram
Age of the children
Double prams for new-born twins will recline flat and/or come with a carry cot. A double buggy for older babies will only have one or two back positions.
Terrain
Some twin pushchairs will navigate beautifully on country paths but feel heavy and hard to handle in city centre shops. Twin baby prams are an investment so not many new parents can afford to buy more than one. Make your decision based on where you will use your twin pram the most.
Your house
Do you have the space for storage? Double prams from birth can take up A LOT of room in your home.
Your car
Boot space, car seats and how often you use your car all need consideration. A twin baby pushchair that would be easy to transport is possible, they are available if you do your research.
Budget and value
Twin prams for new-borns can cost anywhere from £99 – £2500. The range is huge and ‘building’ a travel system is complicated. Start shopping early so you have time to suss it all out.
Features to look for in a double pushchair
Carry cots
A twin carrycot pram is the best option for new babies as they are cosy and flat.
Be aware that double pram from birth often doesn’t come with the carry cot included.
Travel system with car seat
The makers of travel systems for twins suitable from birth will offer the chance to buy adaptors for a range of car seats. Twin pushchairs from birth with car seat included are rare so keep that in mind when working out the total price.
Wheels
A baby born twin pram needs swivel wheels at the front and bigger fixed wheel at the back, those are essentials. Size and material choice will depend on the terrain.
Weight
The best pram for new-born twins is one which can be lifted into cars, onto buses and up kerbs without a struggle.
Twin buggies for new-born and toddler ages will be lighter than travel systems.
Comfort
Twin buggies from birth need to be soft, padded and suitable for the age of the babies.
A new-born twin pram should have a baby nest, rain cover and sunshade.
Forward or parent facing
A parent facing double pushchair offers maximum comfort and reassurance for you and baby. Some side by side twin pram systems have useful, easily reversible seats.
As exciting as a trip away can be, we all know that the planning is incredibly stressful.
From working out how you are travelling, all the necessities you need to pack, where you are going to stay… the list feels like it is never-ending!
Here is a guide to the best travel insurance companies that covers pregnancy.
Best travel insurance for pregnancy
Here is a list of some of the top-rated travel insurance companies that cover pregnancy.
Is it safe to fly during pregnancy?
It is safe to fly up until 36 weeks into your pregnancy, after which it is not recommended due to the possibility of going into labour. Many women also prefer not to fly within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy due to feeling nauseous or morning sickness. Also, after 28 weeks your airline may need a letter from your midwife or doctor confirming your due date and whether you are at risk of any complications.
Does travel insurance cover pregnancy? Is pregnancy a medical condition for travel insurance?
Often, pregnancy is not classed as a pre-existing medical condition so it may not be covered in your standard travel insurance. You will have to check with your insurance company whether they will cover pregnancy. If not, you may have to find an alternate company that will cover you.
Why may you need travel insurance in pregnancy?
Travel insurance during pregnancy, in general, will cover the same as any other travel insurance, including medical expenses, personal liability, lost and stolen luggage and flight cancellation.
A good travel insurance for pregnancy may cover, pregnancy-related complications, early births, medical care during labour, emergency caesarean section and extra expenses if you give birth abroad and need to delay your return.
What to consider when you are looking for pregnancy travel insurance?
There is a lot to take into account when purchasing insurance, always be sure to read all small print to avoid being stung by unexpected fees or other potential problems with your cover.
How far into your pregnancy you can fly:
Each airline and insurer has different policies on how far into your pregnancy you are allowed to travel. Always check this first.
What the insurer’s policy covers:
You need to check exactly what the insurance company covers in their policy about pregnancy travel insurance. The policy must cover any pregnancy-related complications and medical expenses while you are abroad, and cancellation cover in case you are too unwell to fly or have been advised against it by a health professional.
Documents that may be needed:
Some insurers may need a document from your doctor or midwife stating your due date and whether you are at high risk of any pregnancy-related complications.
Also, when travelling make sure to take any of your maternity notes with you, travel insurance documents and if travelling within the EU get a European health insurance card (EHIC) which you can get for free from the link provided. Please note, this is not an alternative to travel insurance.
Make sure the insurance policy you take out is affordable to you, including the excess. For example, if you lose your luggage with a value of £2000 and your excess is £500. You will have to pay the £500 out of your pocket and the insurance company will pay the remaining £1500.
In case of lost luggage, the insurer may ask for receipts and proof of purchase, try and find a company that does not require this.
Overseas day and destination:
Always check how long you are covered for while outside of the UK and whether the country you are travelling to is covered. A good policy will cover you for 120+ days.
Company Reviews:
Customer reviews are extremely important, they are the best way to tell whether a particular company is safe to take out a policy with. More often than not the reviews are brutally honest and will tell you what the company does not want to tell you. You will probably never find a company that does not have at least one bad review as you cannot please everyone. Ensure that you read both negative and positive reviews, and ideally take out a policy with a travel insurance company that has at least a 4 out of 5-star rating. Always check reviews from an outside source instead of the direct website.
I recommend always getting travel insurance when you are planning on travelling. As stated above, each insurance company will have the odd negative review, when looking for travel insurance make sure it is tailored to suit your needs and requirements and ALWAYS read the small print. There are many fantastic insurance companies out there who will keep you covered completely and safe for your peace of mind in case any problems may arise.
It can be daunting considering taking your child on holiday when you are a single parent. There is a lot to consider. Single parent holidays in the UK are quite popular, with a wide range of options such as Butlins, Pontins, caravan holidays… all budgets can be catered for, for a low cost single parent holiday. Single parent holidays abroad can be more of a minefield, when having to choose airports, destinations, accommodation and many other factors. Family holidays as a single parent can create a lot of memories, whether you choose to stay in the UK or venture further afield.
We have done a few UK holidays, and I find them relatively straight forward to book and prepare for compared to going abroad for a holiday as a single parent.
Finding child friendly locations abroad, and an airline that will give you enough baggage allowance to take everything that seems ‘essential’ can be a minefield. I have taken my son abroad a few times, for short and long flights and I can honestly say they are some of my favourite memories.
First things first: where to go?
I couldn’t find a good site to find single parent abroad holidays, so I looked at major travel companies such as Virgin, British Airways and Tui.
The first big decision was which airport to fly from. For our first ever holiday abroad, I opted for the closest airport which was only a 15 minute drive away from home. Then choosing a holiday destination was the next big step. I spent hours (probably days) scrolling through thousands of holiday resorts, hotels, packages…
My son was only 20 months old so I didn’t want too long a flight time as I wasn’t sure whether he would settle for the flight, or be trying to run up and down the aisle! I chose Majorca based on it being a reasonably short flight, child friendly swimming pool and the beach just a stone’s throw away.
Other things to consider: transport when you reach your location, how child friendly is the venue and what is local i.e. restaurants and entertainment. If you need a passport for your chosen location (i.e. going outside the UK, I would advise doing this before booking anything).
Travel agents make the process less stressful (just remember they make money on it, so prices will be slightly higher than if you organise and book it all yourself).
Passports:
Getting a passport for my son will be a breeze…. I thought naively….
The actual process took a lot longer than I anticipated. I had to get his dad to complete and sign a section (he is on the birth certificate and still see’s our son), we had to include our parents details on the form (dates of birth, when married etc) and then get a passport photo done. This in itself was a challenge.
I found a shop that offered ‘guaranteed passport approved photos’ including ones for young children. It was quite expensive (£15) but after 3 failed attempts using a photobooth, I considered it an investment.
They are less strict on the requirements of a young childs photograph, and I can honestly say that my son looked nothing like his photograph on his last holiday using that passport! I wish they still had children listed on their parent/guardians passport, that seemed like a much easier process than trying to get a 1 year old to look at a camera without pulling a face or blinking.
Next step: permission from the other parent
Consent to take your child abroad as a single parent is a bit of a grey area. A lot of it depends on whether the other parent plays a role in your child’s life or is absent.
My son sees his dad regularly, so I had to make him aware of our travel plans and I gained his consent.
I read very mixed information on this, as some research said I did not need consent for under 14 days and other sites said if I left the country then I needed consent. So consent was obtained, in written form and I photocopied our son’s birth certificate to prove I was his legal parent (he has his dad’s surname).
I would advise doing your own research in this area and seeking legal advice if you are in any doubt as to what consent you need, if any. I did get questioned by customs when leaving and entering both countries as to who the child was with me, and asked to confirm my relationship with him.
Budget: low cost single parent holidays
For us, cost played a big factor for the holiday. I kept upfront costs down by choosing a self catering apartment and taking some food items with such (we took food that travels easily such as crisps, biscuits, cakes, squash) this also meant I could buy an extra item or two with my weekly food shop and not notice the extra expense in one big hit.
We had breakfast and lunch in the apartment every day and went out for dinner. For the entire 7 days, we spent £165 on food including the shopping from the supermarket. That is the same as 5 weeks food shopping for the pair of us back at home!
What entertainment are you looking for from your holiday?
We were happy to play in the pool during the day or walk the 5 minutes to the beach. In an evening, we had a walk along the promenade to find a small restaurant or café for dinner and most places had some form of live entertainment such as a singer or a musician.
To save money, take things like nappies and sun tan lotion with you. I found nappies were expensive in Majorca from the local convenience stores and there wasn’t a bigger shop within walking distance.
The ‘essentials’: what do you really need to take?
I packed far too much for my son. I think I had prepared for every possible scenario! Three outfit changes a day incase of accidents, ice cream chaos, nappy leaks…. Half of it came back unworn. I took a vast array of his toys with us, most of which never left the suitcase as we were too busy playing in the pool or building sandcastles. I took his pram with me, because I thought it would be good for his naps.
The best item I took with us was his Snooze Shade for the pram, it meant he could have a nap without me worrying about him getting sunburnt. It also meant he wasn’t at risk of overheating after I had read all those stories of how hot it gets if you use a blanket over the pram to protect them from the sun.
I got our Snooze Shade off the internet after a friend recommended it https://www.snoozeshade.com/ it was lightweight and easy to pack. It also has a zip opening, so you can easily check on them whilst they are sleeping without disturbing them.
I also should have taken out shares in wet wipes before we left, as I got through about half a pack a day! They were essential for everything from wiping hands before an ice cream, to mopping up said ice cream, to wiping over tables before eating dinner.
I took my sons child-sized cutlery with us, which was an essential pack as I didn’t find any restaurants with smaller cutlery for children to use. We used the Tommy Tippee 3 piece set from Amazon. Just make sure they don’t take them away when they clear the table. I used to wipe them with a wet wipe then give them a proper wash back at our apartment.
Surviving the flight: hints and tips
The flight was less stressful than I imagined but I think that was pure luck rather than anything else. Because of his age, my son didn’t require his own seat so the airline gave me an attachment to attach to my seatbelt.
It was tricky getting a 20 month old to stay still for take off and landing, especially when I couldn’t distract him using an app on my phone which usually works well when we have to sit still for a short period. However, once in the air and he could have a little bit of a walk and a snack, he was content and didn’t appear bothered by the new environment around him.
Other parents were less fortunate, and experienced tears for the majority of the flight, despite their best attempts at comforting and distracting their child.
A great tip that I read online, that my son did really like was the bag of surprises. Our bag contained 5 individually wrapped items that my son hadn’t seen before. They were just items from our local PoundShop – a new toy car, a drawing board, a soft toy that vibrated when you pulled the cord, a glitter ball where the glitter moved when you shook it, and a small wind up toy, but the novelty of them being new kept him entertained for a while.
I have since used this tactic on flights with my son now he is older but used items such as colouring books and magazines. It still works just as well 6 years on!
I would recommend going to the toilet before boarding your flight. Trying to squeeze into the toilet on the plane, with your child, is not an experience I would wish upon anyone. Also, if necessary, change their nappy right before you board the plane. The nappy changing facilities on the plane are very space limited, which is not ideal if you have an energetic child who doesn’t like lying still for nappy changes.
Photographs: you can never take too many!
Remember to take lots of photos during your holiday, especially if your little one is too young to remember lots of it. I must have taken 500 photos that week, the best of which I have had printed and they are in our holiday photo album. Ask other people to get photos of you as well, so that you are actually in some photos and not just selfies. Some great family photos are always a necessity.
As ever, we’re here to take the graft out of finding the best baby cot to travel with and we’ve put together a list of the best compact cots out there. You’re welcome!
Best travel cots for toddlers
The recommendations above are amazing choices for toddlers. However if you’re looking to save some pennies and don’t need the bassinet function, here are our recommended travel cot that double as playpen for toddlers
Best travel bassinets and cribs
Looking for a bassinet to travel with? Here are a few options that makes travelling with a newborn much easier
Why do I need a travel cot?
You will be visiting family and friends, EVERYONE will want to meet the gorgeous new addition to your family. Sadly, not everyone will be able to travel to you…or maybe that’s a good thing?! Whichever, you will need a travel cot from birth if you have relatives to visit regularly.
Planning a holiday? Yes, I know that a trip away from home feels like an impossible task right now. So much stuff you’d need to take! A potentially disastrous change of routine! Ugh.
Well at some point in the years that your child will need a crib or portable cot to sleep in, you’re going to want to go away. A family wedding, Christmas at the in-laws or a weekend break to the seaside. The brave and adventurous amongst you might even go abroad, if you do, a lightweight travel cot for flying will be needed.
A portable cot can be used as a secure playpen for older babies who can crawl at what feels like 100 miles an hour. When my daughter was tiny, she could go from kicking her little legs happily in the air on the floor to wedged underneath the coffee table in seconds. Don’t judge, she was chasing the cat and I’d had the audacity to take my eyes off her to close a window.
Travel cot accessories you might need
A compact cot mattress is essential. Most baby travel cots will come with a mattress, but they aren’t often particularly comfy. A luxury travel cot might have a mattress with a softer feel, but many will have a polyester texture that ‘rustles’ as the child moves around. In my experience, that noise, right next to their tiny ears, wakes them up, not good!
A travel cot with changing table is a great idea, especially if it will be used often. Having somewhere to change your baby and/or store changing bits and pieces is so useful and it will save your back aching from leaning over.
A travelling cot that comes with a travel cot bassinet is the perfect choice for parents of newborn babies. Imagine leaning deep into a travel cot to lift your precious bundle, it would be awkward and not at all good for your back.
A bassinet travel cot will be slightly less portable (they tend not to ‘fold in’ with the rest of the travelling cot) but it will be worth it for the comfort and convenience for both you and baby.
Planning on using your travel cot bed as a playpen for an older baby or toddler? Maybe you simply need a safe space to put your baby down while you get some life admin done? Yep, us too! A travel cot mobile is a fun way to entertain your child.
Bedding. A soft fitted sheet in travel cot size is essential. Most travel cot beds will be too wide even for standard cot bed sheets.
Potential safety issues
A travel cot, when it is used within its guidelines is safe from birth to the age at which your child becomes able to climb out of the cot or reaches the weight limit of that model of cot.
A travel cot with adjustable height. Make sure you are following the guidelines and lower the level of the cot as your child grows, becomes able to sit, reaches the standing stage and (horror!) the climbing out and waking the parents at 5am stage.
A travel carry cot or portable baby cot should NOT be moved with the child in it.
Follow sleep safety guidelines. Choose bedding of the appropriate size and season.
Can it be used as a playpen too?
Travel cots make great playpens for older babies and young toddlers. They offer a safe, comfortable space which they can happily play in and you know that they can’t escape from.
Choose an extra-large travel cot for maximum longevity. The travel cot size you choose will ideally still be large enough for a 2-3-year old to play in.
A travel cot and playpen combined must be cleared of all toys before being used as a sleeping space.
Hope this article helped you find the perfect travel system for your little one. Talking about travelling, you might be interested in reading more about travel gear:
Proudly taking my two-day old baby out for a walk in her pram is one of my favourite memories. Most women, and men too, have practised for this lovely moment since they were toddlers playing with dolls and toy pushchairs.
On that momentous first outing, myself and my Mum took my daughter to the local fish and chip restaurant in a travel system that was as big and heavy as a tank. There was nowhere to park it without getting in the way. When I look at the glorious array of baby travel systems available to parents today, I’m very jealous!
So, what is a travel system?
It’s a 3-in-1 travel system, baby pram and pushchair with car seat combo! That’s a wordy description but as baby travel system reviews will reveal, it can be a complicated piece of kit.
There are three elements to consider:
A newborn carrycot (included or bought separately) on wheels or a pushchair that is suitable from birth.
A car seat option (included or bought separately)
A pushchair or buggy element that is suitable for older babies and toddlers.
The best travel system for babies will very much depend on your lifestyle, car and home. Here’s a list of the features and benefits that I would be searching for if I were expecting.
The Best Travel Systems
After reading travel system reviews and testing them out these are our choices for best travel system strollers in the UK.
A pram and car seat combo would be a fantastic choice if you regularly travel by car. Imagine the joy of easily placing a car seat with an undisturbed sleeping baby snuggled up inside onto a set of wheels and wandering happily into town for shopping or lunch.
Forward or parent facing?
The best pushchair travel systems come with a seat that can be converted into both forward facing and parent facing. Some only come with one option and the suitability of that depends on the individual parent and baby.
Carry cot or not
A newborn travel system usually comes with a carry cot available to purchase extra or as part of the package. The Kinderkraft Moov travel system is a which is available in the UK is a great example of a 3-in-1 that comes with all you would need.
Positives: the best travel system option for baby in the first weeks as it will be suitable from birth, some carry cots can be used as a day bed, cosy, great for winter, a traditional look.
Negatives: usually obsolete after four months, heavy, difficult to store in both house and car. A pushchair travel system with a seat that is suitable from birth is an alternative option.
Weight
In each of these scenarios, you will be eternally grateful for a lightweight travel system.
Going up kerbs
Carrying it up stairs
Lifting it into the car
Turning with one hand while holding toddler reins
Struggling after a C-section.
Storage
If you live in a mansion and have a car with a massive boot then lucky you! Storage of your pram with car seat and carrycot won’t be an issue.
For the rest of us, a compact travel system or a small travel system might make life a lot easier. Travel system pushchairs will eventually become the only piece of the bundle you use. Having that fold-down small pram will be useful on trains, buses, planes and in a car full of holiday suitcases.
Foldability
Baby travel systems reviews in the UK are full of parents who have been left frustrated and enraged by a pushchair that won’t fold up easily. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY and take your partner. When I worked in a well-known retailer what was an easy fold for one person was impossible for another, so don’t rely solely on the reviews of others. The best of what is the best travel system to fold is very subjective.
Versatility
The best newborn travel system will allow your tiny bundle to lie flat and cosy. It should ideally eventually convert into a great all-in-one pushchair for a boisterous toddler who wants to see the world. When deciding which baby travel system to buy, think about all the stages it will be used at.
Safety
Car seat
Comfort and compatibility with a base and/or your car are the main decisions to make. Ask an expert to check the car seat in your car, with and without a base and ask them for a comprehensive demonstration of how to fit the equipment yourself. In the UK John Lewis, Mothercare and Halfords all offer this service.
Car seat bases
Do you think you may want a car seat base? These are the types available;
ISOFIX
i-Size
ClickFit
Belted
Research this piece of equipment thoroughly and check your car’s suitability for each type.
Choose a travel system that works with Isofix base compatible car seats if that’s what you have decided on. Make sure your pram car seat combo and base work efficiently together.
Harnesses
Look for a sturdy, padded five-point harness on your all-in-one travel system’s pushchair and car seat. It should be easy to fasten without trapping your fingers or any part of your baby.
A good brake system
Make sure the brake is robust and easy to take off and on. Some travel systems come with a wrist strap on the handle too. If you have an unpredictable toddler (is there any other type?), a dog that pulls or if you live in a hilly location, the brake is an important feature.
Hope this article helped you find the perfect travel system for your little one. Talking about travelling, you might be interested in reading more about travel gear:
