With budget driving plenty of new parents’ decisions when it comes to the big purchases, it’s easy to see why travel systems have become the stroller (or pram, or buggy) of choice.
The ‘3in1’ nature - offering a carrycot, car seat and toddler seat function - means they can be used from birth right up to the ages of 4-5 years old and offer a seamless transition from newborn pram to car seat to toddler stroller. That versatility and ease of use makes them sound purchases as your everyday stroller, and stand out in the search for the best baby strollers.
Table Of Contents
Our top three travel system strollers
Travel system features
Newborns start off in a lie-flat carrycot that resembles a moses basket on wheels. It’s often well-padded, with high sides and a sun canopy. They’ll be there for the first six months (or until they can sit up unaided).
Travel systems allow car seats to clip on and off the stroller for easy transition from car to stroller. Some will be able to clip straight onto the frame, while others will require car seat adapters.
Some strollers may only be compatible with the same brand (or a very specific brand) of car seat so be sure to check before you buy.
Experts recommend following the two-hour rule for car seats. Regardless of whether it's in the car or on the stroller, babies shouldn’t spend more than two-hours in a car seat at a time. There is research showing links between extended use of a car seat and breathing difficulties.
Once your baby is six months old (or can sit up unaided), they can leave the carrycot and move into the toddler seat. These are upright seats with a recline function, allowing you to lean them back for a snooze. These are typically forward-facing, however, an increasing number of brands are designing their toddler seats to switch between rear-facing and forward-facing.
The benefit of a rear-facing seat is that you can keep a closer eye on your little one in those first few months in the toddler seat. Those that don’t have a rear-facing seat will usually have a peekaboo window in the sun canopy that allows you to check in on them.
I knew what a foot muff was, but sitting down to try and explain it was an interesting experience. It’s like a large sock that attaches to the stroller to cover the bottom half of your child. They’re usually used to keep baby warm, and so are padded or sometimes quilted. However, there are some temperature regulating ones that can also be used to keep baby cool.
Unlike jogging strollers, travel systems don’t have a specialist use and are usually more ‘basic’ when it comes to wheels and suspension systems.
The vast majority of travel system strollers will have four wheels (or four sets of dual wheels) with standard hard rubber tyres. You might find some with air-inflated tyres but these are less common on travel systems.
Because they’re not as likely to be used on bumpy terrains than jogging strollers, travel systems are less likely to come with suspension systems. However, some of the more expensive strollers on the market do have them.
Like all strollers, travel systems have a parking brake usually operated by the foot near the back wheels. Because you’re unlikely to be jogging or running with them, there’s no need for a deceleration brake. But brands will occasionally put the parking brake on the handlebar.
Like any stroller, travel systems will either have two separate handles or one, arching, connected handlebar.
An essential consideration for taller dads, some but not all travel systems will have adjustable handlebars. Whereas jogging strollers tend to adjust the angle of the handlebars, travel systems usually allow you to extend the handlebar - meaning you can stay upright and avoid slouching or hunching over while you push your baby.Because travel systems have three different seating positions (carrycot, car seat and toddler seat), there are three different safety harnesses involved.
A carrycot has a three point safety harness, usually with two straps across the hips and one between the legs. These are sometimes connected via clips, however, some opt for velcro straps because they are used for newborns.
A car seat will also have a three-point harness. This time they’ll be two straps over the shoulders and one between the legs, and a clip buckle system.
The toddler seat needs to have a five-point harness because toddlers are bigger and able to start wriggling out of things. So, there will be two shoulder straps, two across the hips and the one between the legs.
The 10 best travel system strollers
Editor's Review
“The best choice I could make for the pram! Big wheels, easy and light to move around even in the most uncomfortable places. Comfy carrycot, comfy and spacious buggy, and an amazing & extra warm foot mat!! Very good car seat also. It’s just a great choice for your little ones.”
Our pick as the ‘Best Overall Travel System’, the Ocarro is a complete, premium travel system from Mamas & Papas, offering all of your travel essentials. The modern slate colour palettes and herringbone weaves make it easily one of the most stylish around, while the sheepskin liner adds a little extra quality and comfort. With dual suspension on all wheels and an ergonomic chassis, it tackles tricky terrains well for an everyday stroller.
It does start from £899 ($1,110) for the stroller alone, rising to £1,200 ($1,500) for a five-piece bundle with a carrycot. To get a car seat, you’re looking at one of the nine-piece bundles which include an ISOFIX base, a changing bag, foot muff, the skeepskin liner, car seat adapters, and cup holder, and costs £1,700 - 1,900 ($2,100 - 2,350).
If you’ve got a big budget and want the best available, the Ocarro is your best bet.
Suitable from - Birth to 22kg (4-5years)
Key features
Ergonomic chassis
Sheepskin liner
All-wheel dual suspension
One-hand folding mechanism
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“A truly universal travel system from newborn through toddler to pushchair. The quality overall is very good, and I’d say this is at least on a par with the top end iCandy system- which costs about $400 more. Very happy to recommend this travel system.”
The Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 is our pick as the ‘Best Lightweight Travel System’. It weighs just 7.1kg, making it feel nimble to steer and easy to move around, yet it also feels sturdy. It’s also one of the most stylish options with a nice range of fabric and frame colour choices. The All in One system does have a separate carrycot (like most), but also includes an ISOFIX base, changing bag and changing mat, car seat adapters, foot mutt, rain cover and car sunshades - making it excellent value for money.
- Wheels - Four puncture proof tyres
- Upright size - 95 x 61 x 104cm (37.4 x 24 x 40.9”)
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)
Key features
Multiple colour combination options
Double layer contrast-lined hood
Six accessories included
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“I recommend Kinderkraft as a brand regularly and this will definitely be added to the list of products I recommend to others.”
The 3-in-1 MOOV from KinderKraft is one of the cheapest travel systems on the market, costing less than £250 ($300). At that price, you also get a rain cover, foot muff, car seat adapters, changing bag and mosquito cover included as standard. It does have its downfalls - at 14kg it feels heavy to lift in and out of the car, and sluggish to move around. And the off-road ride isn’t great considering it has air-inflated tyres and all wheel suspension. But if your budget is tight, you’ll get excellent value from this one.
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)
Key features
Large storage basket
Compact fold
Adjustable handlebar
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“After doing a lot of research and using different brands, this has been by far the best travel system that I ever owned. Hands down! I am very impressed! Perfect quality!”
The Maxi Cosi Zelia² is already one of the best-selling travel systems on the market. Now, Maxi Cosi has collaborated with Disney to produce these two wonderfully stylish (and subtle) Mickey and Minnie branded travel systems. The carriage can be rear and forward-facing, while reclining to a fully flat position means there’s no separate carrycot. At just 5kg, it’s one of the lightest travel systems on the market, making it really to move around day-to-day. The PureCosi fabric provides plenty of padding and comfort for your little one without generating too much heat.
Suitable from: Birth to 14kg (3 years)
Key features
Subtle Disney design
PureCosi fabrics
Lie flat toddler seat replaces separate carrycot
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“While this stroller has plastic wheels, it still seems to be a very smooth riding stroller. I like that it has the ability to slide the seat up and down depending on what your needs are, and I like that the seat can face either towards me, or away from me.”
At just over £400 ($500), the Graco Modes Nest DLX is a great compact and versatile mid-range travel system. Rear and forward-facing, its Slide2Me feature means the rear-facing toddler seat can be adjusted to three different heights, bringing your baby closer to you in those first few months. The huge storage basket is also a huge hit. It comes with a ISOFIX base to accompany the Snugride Snuglock 35 DLX car seat and a handy cup holder.
Suitable from - Birth to 15kgs (3-4 years)
Key features
Slide2Me seat adjustment
Rear and forward-facing
Expandable storage basket
PROS
CONS
The Chicco Bravo Trio is one of the best rated travel systems on Amazon for its build quality, stylish design, smooth ride and super simple fold system. Unlike most travel systems, however, it doesn’t have a carrycot function meaning your baby will have to go in the car seat for the first six months or so. It does save you storing a separate carrycot after the first six months, but does limit your usage in the first few months.
If you want to save yourself $100, you can get the travel system without the ISOFIX, making the stroller and car seat $440 (£350).
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)
Key features
One hand smart fold
Parent cup holder and storage tray
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“This stroller is amazing, worth the money! I knew it would be since my sister owns this. But boy I love it even more using it for my baby. It steers so easily with one hand, and I can even tip it back to climb or descend a curb with one hand. It’s smooth, sturdy, and seems durable. I love that the car seat clicks in as well. Can’t imagine using another stroller.”
The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a much-loved Amazon’s Choice stroller at the premium end of the market. Starting around £800 ($1,000), it’s a stand out travel system with the ability to convert into a double stroller (with an expansion pack and additional seat), making it ideal for families that are planning to grow quite quickly. The bassinet has a perforated mattress pad offering breathability and temperature control that can be used at night time, too. It also comes with rain and bug covers for both the carrycot and toddler seats, and a useful carrycot storage bag.
However, it doesn’t come with a car seat, so you’ll need to source that elsewhere.
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)
Key features
Perforated mattress pad
Up to three children
Extendable canopy with UPF 50+ protection
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“A great option for parents looking for a safe and convenient [stroller]. The car seat is easy to install and clicks easily into the stroller frame. It's also very easy to manoeuvre, even with one hand."
At just £250 ($320), the Evenflo Pivot Modular is easily one of the cheapest and best value travel systems on the market, and is our pick as 'Best Budget Travel System'. It doesn’t come with a separate carrycot - instead the toddler seat can fully recline to a lie-flat position for newborns, meaning less bulky stuff for you to store. Each seating position can be rear and forward-facing (although we’re not sure why you’d want a forward-facing car seat position) for maximum flexibility. The SafeMax car seat has been tested to twice the required level of US federal safety standards, and it also comes with an ‘anti-rebound bar’ ISOFIX base, adding even more value for your money.
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)
Key features
Six modes of use
Car seat tested 2x above US federal crash test standards
Easy lie-flat conversion
PROS
CONS
The Hauck Pacific 3 is another option at the budget end of the market, costing less than £270 ($335). Like the Evenflo Pivot Modular, it has a fully reclining toddler seat to replace a separate carrycot. The toddler seat is also rear and forward-facing while the 3in1 boot cover can be used as an insert for the carrycot function and a padded footmuff later down the line. Unlike most everyday travel system strollers, it has three wheels but that doesn’t make it a brilliant off-roader despite the suspension.
It does have a lower weight limit than most of alternatives, and does look quite cheap in comparison to its budget rivals.
Suitable from: Birth to 15kg (3-4 years)
Key features
Carrycot to toddler seat conversion
Rear and forward-facing
3in1 boot cover
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“Love the fact that you can have baby facing you or out and that it can lay flat like a bassinet. Had no issues with the car seat and base like others. Great system for the price and you’re not paying an arm and leg like other brands for something they won’t use for long.”
Costing slightly over £200 ($250), the Safety 1st Deluxe Grow and Go Flex 8-in-1 is the cheapest travel system on this list. Like the Evenflo Pivot Modular and Hauck Pacific 3, it also has a carrycot-toddler seat conversion function, offering eight different seating positions - the carrycot, car seat, toddler seat, and ‘travel system’ (which Safety 1st describes as having the car seat attached while the carrycot/toddler seat is collapse at an angle), all forward and rear-facing. It also comes with an ISOFIX base.
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg (4-5 years)
Key features
8 seating positions
Drinks and storage trays
Step-up bar for toddlers to climb in
PROS
CONS
Things to consider when buying a travel system
Use
Travel systems are often used on a daily basis by parents, so they need to be suitable for as much of your life as possible, so you need to think about what you need it for most - is it small enough to fit into your car boot? Is it light enough to lift on and off public transport? Do you live on a small street where cars are usually parked on the pavement? Do you like going shopping and need something to easily weave around the shelves and rails?
Bundles
Many brands will bundle their travel systems together into one, single price. However, not all brands will make strollers and car seats. In that case, they’re usually made to be compatible with a certain brand of car seat or come with universal car seat adapters.
Naturally, the bundles are usually cheaper than buying each component separately. However, if you’re buying a stroller that doesn’t have its own car seat, and has universal adapters, you may be able to find a cheaper deal by shopping around.
Budget
We all know that budget is a huge factor for a lot of parents when it comes to purchasing decisions. And like most things, there are travel systems priced to meet almost every budget.
The cheapest travel systems tend to start at around £250 ($310), while the most premium options can cost more than £1,000 ($1,250).
Size and weight
Basic prams used to be notorious for being large and cumbersome, and that didn’t change in the early years of travel systems. The need to transform from carrycot to toddler seat, and hold a separate car seat, initially meant travel systems were also large and heavy.
However, innovations in design and materials used mean that many travel systems are lightweight yet sturdy enough to offer the required protection and safety for your baby.
More than one child?
There are double travel systems on the market, although they’re naturally bigger and heavier. Some options are designed specifically for twins, while others allow a great degree of flexibility if you have two children a year or two apart in age.
FAQs
How much does a travel system cost?
Like most products, there are options to suit every budget. The cheaper end of the market costs in the region of £200 - 350 ($250 - 430). Mid-range travel systems tend to cost £350-600 ($430 - 745), while the more premium choices tend to cost at least £700 ($870) and can rise as high as £2,000 ($2,500).
How long can my child use a travel system stroller?
Travel systems are designed for use from birth right up until the ages of 4-5, depending on your child’s size and weight (and if they still need/want to use it).
The carrycot (or carrycot function) should be used from birth until your baby is around six months old, or when they are able to sit up unaided. After that point, they can use the toddler seat in either the forward or rear-facing positions.
All brands use weight rather than age as the clearest indicator of when it’s time to stop using a travel system stroller. Most tend to go up to 22kg (50lbs) which is around the age of four or five.
Can travel systems be used off road?
The purpose of a travel system is to be your everyday stroller from birth to toddler and beyond, and so it needs to meet your everyday needs.
While they’re not designed specifically for off-road usage, they can still be used. Plenty of brands use suspension systems to make it easier to push off-road, and some will use air-inflated tyres.
Consider what your everyday needs are to help make your decision. If you live in the city and will only occasionally need to push the stroller off-road, suspension and air-inflated tyres shouldn’t be a huge factor. If you live in the countryside, however, and you’re regularly talking walks on gravel tracks and bumpy terrains, you might need to stump up for a more premium model with better suspension and off-road capabilities.
Which travel system is best for tall dads?
As a tall dad, there’s nothing worse than spending a couple of years hunched and slouched over the handlebars as you push your child around.
So finding a travel system stroller with adjustable or extendable handlebars is essential for you. At the top end, the Mamas & Papas Ocarro has brilliant handlebar adjustment, while at the other end the Kinderkraft 3-in-1 MOOV has a handy five-point adjustment. But there are plenty of alternatives out there with good handlebar adjustment.
