Few purchases designed for newborns are as convenient as an all-in-one travel system. Not only do they offer a comfortable ride for your child, but they can also save you from costly car seats and carrycots.
But with so many brands and designs on the market, how can you tell which travel system is best for your needs?
Luckily, this is where we come in. With our insightful analysis of the travel systems market and in-depth look into the wide range of package deals, we can help you choose the right one for you.
See below to find out which travel systems we think are the best value for money in 2021!
What Is A Pushchair Travel System?
A pushchair travel system is a style of pushchair that is compatible with a range of travel accessories. Almost all designs are compatible with an infant car seat and can be connected to carrycots with minimal fuss.
You can quickly and easily attach or remove the car seat and carrycot from the pushchair using adapters found on most designs. This is particularly useful when you have a sleeping baby that you don't want to disturb.
Pushchair travel systems can be extremely handy and can be a great alternative to your typical stroller design.
Benefits Of A Great Travel System
The best travel system is one of the most important purchases you can make when expecting a newborn. They perfectly balance a car seat and a carrycot in an extremely mobile package offering everything you need to keep your infant cosy on the go.
Both car seats and carrycots can be incredibly expensive when bought separately. Thankfully, most travel systems are extremely affordable and offer you the benefits of both units. This means you don't need to worry about splashing out on an expensive seat unit.
The Best Pushchair Travel Systems
Venicci Tinum 3-In-1 Pushchair
One of the best travel systems currently on the market is the Venicci Tinum 3-in-1 pushchair. This fantastic 3-in-1 system offers everything you could need to take your baby with you on the go, so you don't need to worry about waking them up!
Folded in a flash with a push of a button, it is easy and quick to store. The Tinum features a modern design that is extremely beautiful - and this is without mentioning its high-quality construction.
In terms of the rest of the Venicci range, the Tinum is the lightest all-in-one travel system they currently have on sale. This adds a whole new layer of accessibility to this fantastic travel system and truly helps it stand out.
The fabrics used in this travel system are UV50+ and water-resistant, which works fantastically with the construction to create a durable seat unit. There is both rear and front suspension too, so you don't need to worry about taking your little one for a rough ride.
If you are on the market for a reliable and lightweight travel system, then the Venicci Tinum 3-In-1 Pushchair is exactly what you are looking for. With a 2 year warranty and a range of additional extras, there is truly no other travel system quite like this!
Key Specs
- Cot suitable from: Birth - 6 months
- Seat suitable from: Birth - 22 kg
- Chassis weight: 7.9 kg
- Cot weight: 4.4 kg
- Unfolded size: H 103cm x W 57cm
- Folded size: H 32cm x W 49cm x L 65cm
Pros
- Car seat included
- Features a lightweight and compact design
- Extremely easy to handle
- High-quality construction; This travel system is built to last!
Cons
- Not suitable for overnight use
- Carrycot is only suitable for babies up to 6 months old
egg2 Travel System Bundle
Next up on our pick for the best travel systems, we have the egg2 Travel bundle. This incredible selection of baby-friendly equipment covers everything you could need in baby travel systems and then some.
With a focus on style and accessibility, the egg2® offers parents a design inspired by the timeless tradition of 'Inspired Luxury Design'. With soft-touch marl tailoring and superb design engineering, this wonderful travel system offers an effortlessly smooth ride perfectly suited to a newborn.
The egg2 was designed to meet all your toddler's needs thanks to a 3-position recline seat that can be either positioned forward or backwards.
As your baby develops their speech, having them face you can significantly boost their learning thanks to constant interaction. On the other hand, the forward-facing position offers your child the freedom to explore and discover the world beyond their travel system.
Thankfully, ease-of-use has also been heavily considered by the designers, making this the perfect choice for first-time parents. Both the seat and the cot can be adjusted on the fly thanks to an innovative slider mechanism.
When it comes to premium designs, few infant travel systems can compare with the egg2 bundle. This all-encompassing package is easily one of the best car seat and carrycot systems on the market today!
Key Specs
- Cot suitable from: Birth - 9 kg
- Seat suitable from: 6 Months - 25 kg
- Chassis weight: 10.25 kg
- Cot weight: 5.25 kg
- Unfolded size: H 113 x W 59 x L 84.5 - 96cm
- Folded size: H69 x W 50 x D 30.5cm
Pros
- 3-position recline seat
- Easy-to-use slider mechanism
- Extremely compatible car seat adaptors
- Timeless soft-touch marl tailoring
Cons
- Quite expensive when compared to competitors
- Can be bulky even when folded
Silver Cross Wayfarer Bundle
Designed for the urban parent, the Silver Cross Wayfarer Bundle is an extremely modern take on an infant travel system. Effortless to push and lightweight, guiding your baby through the city streets has never been easier.
With a striking high-polish chassis complemented with stylish quilted details, coordinating leatherette handles and premium sheen fabrics, this elegant design won't disappoint.
The natural antibacterial bamboo lining ensures that your baby stays cool inside the carrycot, offering a temperature-regulating design. This reversible, multi-position pushchair seat can carry toddlers up to 22kg, which is just right for most infants.
Bad weather has also been considered as the Silver Cross carrycot and car seat system includes a rain cover. This can quickly be fastened with ease, protecting your child from any sudden or particularly heavy rainstorms.
You can even use this infant travel system as an overnight carrycot, which rounds out this already impressive package. If you want a product that perfectly balances a car seat and carrycot design, then be sure to keep this bundle in mind!
Key Specs
- Cot suitable from: Not specified
- Seat suitable from: Birth - 22 kg
- Chassis weight: 7 kg
- Cot weight: 2.7 kg
- Unfolded size: L82cm W54cm H93-107cm
- Folded size: L85cm W54cm H32cm
Pros
- Can double as a tandem stroller
- Extremely easy to push across a range of terrains
- Includes a super-resistant rain cover
- Bamboo lining offers temperature regulation
Cons
- Both the car seat and cot are sponge clean only
- Considerable length means it may be difficult to store
Infababy Ultimo 3-In-1 Travel System
Earning a gold 'Mother and Baby' award in 2020, the Infababy Ultimo 3-In-1 Travel System is a fantastic purchase. This all-terrain system is suitable for a range of environments, offering a smooth ride for your infant wherever you may be.
One of the main goals of the Infababy Ultimo is to offer a lightweight but secure travel system suitable for a range of parents - and they have achieved this with style. The solid chassis features a reflective design, ensuring you and your child are seen in low light environments.
The luxury chrome construction is extremely lightweight, so folding this system up and putting it in your car boot takes minutes. As well as security, your baby's comfort is also one of the most important aspects of the Ultimo's design.
A removable rain cover is provided alongside this travel package, which features a window so your baby can always see the parent pushing the trolley. When paired up with the Infatex breathable fabrics, this pushchair will keep your child feeling safe for years to come.
Available at such an affordable price and with a range of features you would expect from a product twice its cost, the Infababy Ultimo is an excellent choice for any soon-to-be parent!
Key Specs
- Cot suitable from: Birth - 13 kg
- Seat suitable from: Birth - 22 kg
- Chassis weight: 13.345 kg
- Cot weight: 13.345 kg
- Unfolded size: Not specified
- Folded size: H 57cm x W 56cm x L 87cm
Pros
- Incredibly affordable price
- Durable all-terrain wheels
- Extremely easy to clean thanks to removable covers
- Infatex breathable fabrics keep your baby warm and safe
Cons
- The maximum weight limit is lower than competitors
- Isofix car seat base is an additional purchase
While you're here why not check out our club page for amazing club offers and baby freebies?
Cybex Balios Lux Travel System
Coming in an extremely convenient package, the Cybex Balios Lux Travel System is a contender for the best all-in-one system on the market today. If you are looking for the perfect mix of cot and car seat, then this is the product for you.
The spacious Aton M I-size car seat is designed for a comfortable journey and utilises a reclining function to keep your baby relaxed. This works perfectly with the all-wheel suspension to negate bumpy and rough terrain.
In terms of convenience, this travel system can be folded using one hand. No more messing around with complicated dials and levers, simply flick a switch on the side of the cot and fold this up - Perfect for cupboard or car boot storage!
The weather has also been considered during this travel system's design as it comes with an XXL rain cover and a UPV50+ sun canopy. The mesh window found on the cover also enhances air circulation within the cot itself.
For such an amazing price, the Cybex Balios Lux is truly one of the greatest all-in-one systems out there. So if you don't want to spend a fortune but expect a premium product, this is the system for you!
Key Specs
- Cot suitable from: Birth - 18 months
- Seat suitable from: Birth - 22 kg
- Chassis weight: 11.7 kg
- Cot weight: Not specified
- Unfolded size: H 110cm x W 60cm x L 87cm
- Folded size: H 41cm x W 60cm x L 75cm
Pros
- All-wheel suspension
- Breathable rain and sun canopy
- The one-hand folding system is extremely convenient
- Spacious Aton M I-Size car seat
Cons
- Lack of colour options
- Sells out frequently due to popularity
Ocarro Essential Travel Bundle
Available in a range of colour and material options and including everything you have come to love in travel systems, it's no wonder the Occaro Essential won the gold Mother & Baby Award in 2021!
This fantastic 6-piece bundle covers all the essentials for your newborn or toddler. The lie-back seat naturally reclines to support your baby's sleep schedule. In addition, you can expect your baby to rest easy thanks to the additional head hugger, and padded chest pads found on the seat unit.
One thing that helps this system stand out is its easy access shopping basket. The 5kg basket helps ensure that parents don't need to lug heavy shopping bags around them after their trip into town, which any parent can benefit from.
In terms of aesthetics, Ocarro has included a range of designs, so finding the right one for your tastes is incredibly easy. Do you opt for an executive woven grey or lean more towards a stylish teal? The choice is yours.
So whether you are looking for a convenient travel system, or you are a fan of eye-catching aesthetics, the Ocarro Essential offers everything you could need - and then some!
Key Specs
- Cot suitable from: Birth - 9 kg
- Seat suitable from: Birth - 22 kg
- Chassis weight: 13.7 kg
- Cot weight: 5.2 kg
- Unfolded size: H 101cm x W 59cm x L 101cm
- Folded size: H 40cm x W 59cm x L 78cm
Pros
- Comes in a range of aesthetic options
- Easily accessible 5kg shopping basket
- The Lie-back seat supports your child's natural sleep pattern
- Padded chest pads and head hugger offer incredible comfort
Cons
- Can be quite expensive when compared with competitors
- The i-size car seat is an additional purchase
Bababing! Raffi 3-In-1 System
Complete packages can truly be a boon for newborn parents, and few systems include as much as the Bababing! Raffi 12 piece bundle. Including everything your child could ever need, this cot and seat unit is extremely easy to recommend.
Any eco-conscious parents will instantly fall in love with the Bababing! Raffi's design. It has been handmade using 100% recycled materials, which offers your baby superb levels of comfort suited for long journeys out.
If you need to switch from the cot to the car seat, folding the travel system itself is incredibly easy. Bababing! have included a one-hand folding mechanism, perfect for the convenience lovers amongst us.
In terms of outside travel, the Raffi has been designed with all terrains in mind. So whether you live in a remote town or the centre of a city, this system has got you covered.
With a 4.9 star out of 5 rating on a range of review sites, the Bababing! Raffi is, without a doubt, one of the finest options out there!
Key Specs
- Cot suitable from: Birth - 6 months
- Seat suitable from: Birth - 15 kg
- Chassis weight: 12.5 kg
- Cot weight: Not specified
- Unfolded size: H 52cm x W 60cm x L 98cm
- Folded size: H 29cm x W 60cm x L 70cm
Pros
- Crafted from 100% recycled materials
- Single hand folding mechanism
- Designed for a range of terrain types
- 12 piece bundle covers all your needs
Cons
- The maximum weight limit could be higher
- Low availability due to extreme popularity
Nuna Mixx Travel System
With four riding modes and a unique folding system, the Nuna Mixx Travel System is an extremely modern take on a traditional product.
Thanks to a sleek seat, the levels of comfort provided by this travel system is truly like no other. This works perfectly with the Pipa car seat to offer your infant a cosy experience perfect for almost any terrain.
Regardless of which way the seat is facing, it can be folded as easily and quickly as possible. The trolley even has a quick-click fold and function that can be automatically operated and opened with just one hand.
With the five-position recliner, your child will be comfortable and relaxed. As a bonus, the extendable canopy and integrated mesh ventilation panel will keep your baby protected from a range of weather types.
When you're next looking to upgrade your current travel system, or you are just preparing for a newborn, be sure to keep the Nuna Mixx in mind!
Key Specs
- Cot suitable from: Birth - 13 kg
- Seat suitable from: Birth - 22 kg
- Chassis weight: 13.7 kg
- Cot weight: 5.2 kg
- Unfolded size: H 112.5cm x W 59.4cm x L 90.9cm
- Folded size: H 40.6cm x W 59.9cm x L 85cm
Pros
- Water-proof and UPF resistant canopy
- Quick fold and lock system
- Comes with a 3-year guarantee
- Four unique riding modes
Cons
- Lack of aesthetic choices
- Folded size could be slightly smaller
Looking for prams too? Check out our other related article on the best prams of 2022.
How To Choose The Best Travel System For You
Size & weight limits
One of the most important aspects of a carrycot or car seat is the size of your chosen travel system. This, of course, will depend on the size of your baby. However, you will also want to consider growing room, so you don't invest in a product that quickly becomes obsolete.
Your typical travel system will feature a specific size and weight limit for both the car seat and the carrycot. These are almost always measured in a maximum kg allowance, and most will state whether or not they can be used from birth
A great target to aim for when deciding which car seat travel system to choose is to look for a weight limit between 20 to 25kg. This will cover most infants and will usually offer extra growing room, so your child doesn't outgrow the travel system too quickly.
The cost of your travel system shouldn't increase too much depending on the size and weight limit, so it's always a great idea to find the right one for your infant. As long as the car seat and cot are the right sizes for your child, you shouldn't need to worry too much about this!
Car seat options
Infant car seats can be costly, which is why a well-made travel system can truly be a wonderful investment. A large part of any infant all-in-one system is the car seat, so it's only right that you consider what you expect from it before you make a purchase.
Luckily, most child car seats are incredibly similar, so you won't need to look far for one that covers all bases. An alternative to a regular car seat is the Aton M I-size style, which offers a premium seat suited for any newborn or infant.
Always check the weight and size limits of your chosen travel system car seat to ensure it is suitable for your child. You may also want to consider growing room, so your product lasts as long as possible!
Cot options
As travel systems are usually a combination of a car seat, a cot and a pushchair, you will want to heavily consider the design of the cot. Most newborns will spend a lot of their time resting in a carrycot, especially if you frequently travel.
This means you will want to make sure that the cot offers high levels of comfort and is suitable for your child's size. You can generally find the cot's specifications listed on the product page, so you won't need to look too far to find what you are looking for.
Typically, the travel system is worth investing in as long as the cot is the right size and features a comfortable design.
Accessories
Accessories can make or break a travel system bundle, depending on what you are looking for. However, most accessories will slightly hike up the price of your chosen bundle. Ideally, you will only want to purchase a bundle that features accessories you will truly need.
Some of the best accessories in the world of all-in-one systems are a drink holder, shopping basket and a removable weather-protection canopy. Before you settle on a bundle, always double-check what accessories are included.
It may be possible to save yourself a substantial amount of money if you take the time to decide what accessories you need.
Folding system
When expecting a newborn, you will generally want to stock up on a range of essential purchases such as nappies, bottles and a cot. However, all of these purchases can quickly pile up, meaning you may run out of storage space in no time.
Thankfully, almost all travel systems will feature a folding system giving you the means to store it away without it clogging up too much room. There are many folding systems out there, so choosing the right one for your car boot or storage area is important.
A sliding folding system is one of the best as it is incredibly easy to use, meaning you don't have to faff around with complicated mechanisms. It also shouldn't hike up the price of your car seat cot combo too much.
You will also want to consider the size and weight of the system once it has been folded. Most systems will feature an idea of the measurements in their specs, and you can almost always remove the car seat separately to reduce the size.
Price
As with almost any purchase, you will need to consider the overall cost. A great way to ensure you don't spend too much on a travel system is to set yourself a budget before you start browsing the many fantastic options out there.
When deciding on a budget, you will want to consider every aspect of your system as most will have some form of impact on the price. Things to consider are the quality of the car seat, the folding mechanism and the materials used to construct your chosen travel system.
An average travel system should set you back anywhere between £750 to £1250 depending on its design and the manufacturer. Models that are more expensive than this tend to be premium options and should only be considered if you want the best for your infant.
Most travel systems should include everything you need, such as a car seat, cot and a range of additions. This means you can happily choose a budget option without worrying too much about missing out on necessary features!
FAQs
Do all travel systems come with car seat adaptors?
One of the biggest selling points of travel systems is that they are designed to offer a combination of both a cot and a car seat. This means you can expect almost all designs to feature car seat clamps, saving you an additional purchase.
What's the best travel system brand?
There is a range of fantastic travel system brands out there, each offering a range of designs that any parent can appreciate. We find Venicci and Ocarro offer some of the best options on the market, but almost all brands will offer at least one impressive travel system.
Are the cot and car seat bundles worth the extra money?
Both car seats and cots can be costly if bought separately, making a combined bundle an excellent purchase. It is almost always worth the extra money to find a travel system that includes both!
How heavy should the seat unit be in a pram?
This depends on what you are comfortable pushing and the size of your infant. Ideally, you don't want the seat to weigh much more than 8 - 10kg, as a heavy seat can quickly become cumbersome.