Baby Travel Systems

baby stroller Baby travel systems are one way of buying everything all in one go for your baby. It normally has a car seat that integrates into the stroller base, accessories bag, foot muff, everything you need all rolled into one. You normally find though that actual space inside the baby travel system is quite small, so when baby starts to grow, they won't be able to move around alot. As baby reaches 12-18 months, you may find yourself looking to buy another stroller or pushchair.

Some parents much prefer the old style silver cross pram, or even a 3-in-1 that has a carry cot part and a separate pushchair part. These don't do much for space saving, but they do allow baby lots of comfort and plenty of room. The mattress base is normally hinged and the mattress can be highered slightly at the top end, so as baby gets older and doesn't need to lie flat, he can take in the view around him. The pushchair/stroller part will face either way, so if your baby would rather look at mum or dad, than see who else is walking towards him, You can keep it facing towards you.This is also important as babies go through a stage where if they can't see something or somebody, then they assume it's gone!

A few questions

Before buying a pram, baby travel system or a 3 in 1, there a few things to take into account. Ask yourself these questions before making a decision.

Do you want a conventional pram, or a system that has carry-cot and pushchair parts?
Do you need a stroller that incorporates a car seat?
Does it need to recline (newborns will often slump to the side in a sitting position)
How many reclining positions do you want it to have?
Does it need to be easy folding? How often will you need to fold it away?
How small do you want it to fold? When folded, will it fit into the boot of your car?
How heavy should it be? (if you're using public transport, then lightweight will be a better choice)
Do you want fixed or swivel wheels?

Buying second hand?

If you are buying second hand, then double check the safety aspects.

Are the wheels loose at all?
Does the foot brake (and handbrake if it has one) work ok?
Are the straps and safety clasps all ok?
If its a 3 in 1 or any type of stroller that has parts that come off and then re-attach, are all of the clasps and fitting all there, are they safe?

These may sound like silly questions, but you don't want to get it home and find that you can't strap baby in properly or that the foot brake isn't working! When I had Lauren I'd got my heart set on a 3 wheeler stroller. I had looked at baby travel systems, and prams weren't my style, I just really wanted this 3 wheeler! if I had done some research first I wouldn't have ended up with one that weighed a ton, and wouldn't fit into the boot of my car!It was big, bulky and hard to turn corners with because it didn't have a swivel wheel at the front.It looked great, but apart from that, it wasn't really alot of use to me.I bought it from e bay, it was brand new but I couldn't actually view it apart from the picture.

So I really think the best idea is to go and look at some prams, baby travel systems or whatever takes your fancy. Go to a store and get a feel of what you want, have a push around with it, feel the weight, see how small it folds, then if you want to, you can come home and get from an internet store or e bay. That way will save you alot of hassle and heartache, and you won't have you dream stroller shoved in a corner gathering dust!

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