Travel systems are a great way to get everything you need for being an on-the-go parent without having to buy a stroller and infant car seat separately. The problem is that when you buy bundled packages of products some times part if not all of the package is poorly built and unsafe and this is particularly true with the strollers. Here are some tips and features to look for to find the best travel system stroller for you.
1) How Heavy is the Stroller?- If you do any kind of jogging with your baby you will want a lighter stroller. They sell strollers specifically for jogging that are under 20 pounds. If you plan on doing nothing more than normal walking with your baby the weight won't matter that much. On flat ground the wheels should handle just fine even for a bulkier stroller.
Chicco Cortina Travel System Stroller
2) Does it Have Height Adjustments?- If you are very tall or very short height adjustments will make your life a lot easier. It gets pretty uncomfortable pushing a stroller around when you have to stand awkwardly to do it. Luckily most modern travel system strollers come with built in height adjustments, just make sure the one that you are interested in does.
3) How Large is the Storage Basket? - Most strollers have a storage basket in the rear, but some are so small that you can't fit anything into them. This is a matter of convenience for you the parent. Unless you can juggle any and all items you may need to travel with while pushing a stroller, make sure the storage is at least big enough for a few diapers, baby wipes and any other items you may need along the way.
4) What kind of wheels does it have?- Travel system strollers come in a variety of wheel types and placements. There is the standard 4 wheel stroller or the 3 wheeler. Most of the three wheelers are the more lightweight jogging strollers. Are the wheels hard or inflated like the tires on a bike? Inflated tires roll much easier through rough terrain. Inflated wheels are not necessary, but if you live out in a rural area with a lot of wooded terrain to walk through it might be worth the investment.
5) How Easy is the Stroller to Use in General?- Do you need to play around with lots of buttons and levers to get your child out of the stroller or make adjustments? If so this could be a problem! The more mechanisms that are on a stroller the more things that can wear out and stop working properly. One handed release and one button locking mechanisms will last longer and are typically more dependable.
6) What is the maximum Weight Capacity?- Some strollers are only safety regulated for up to 23 pounds. That means that if you have a baby that grows fast you will have to upgrade to a new stroller quicker than you may want to. A travel system stroller that has a 30 pound capacity may make it the only stroller you have to buy.
7) How Much Does it Cost?- There is no need to buy the most expensive travel system on the market, but please keep in mind that with car seats and travel system strollers you definitely get what you pay for. You may have to spend a little more than bare minimum to get the all the features that you want, but remember that you are paying for convenience. Car seats and strollers get a lot of use and if something is wrong with it you will have a lot of time to be reminded of it.
You need a stroller to be able to still live an active life with your baby. Travel systems can be a really economical way to get a car seat and stroller in one purchase, but not all travel system strollers are as good as they could be. The next time you browse around for the ideal stroller for you and your baby keep these points in mind to make an educated purchase on a system that will make your life easier for as long as possible.