Get the best baby travel systems for easy days out!

best baby travel systems

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

Whether you’re heading out for a stroll in the woods or a quick trip into town, having the best baby travel system makes getting around with your little one a breeze. By easily attaching the car seat to the pushchair frame, you can seamlessly move your baby from the car to the pushchair and back again without any fuss. Filine Verhagen, Product Marketing Manager for Joolz, highlights key features to consider when choosing a travel system: “Look for options that are lightweight and portable, cabin approved for travel, easy to operate (like one-handed folding), highly manoeuvrable, and spacious enough for your child.”

In general, a travel system consists of a pushchair that is compatible with a Group 0+ car seat, suitable from birth to the age of 12 months. You can easily attach or detach it from the frame, and it will either clip on top of the pushchair seat component or attach directly to the chassis with the seat component removed.

Travel systems for babies often also come with a carrycot attachment, so you can use the pushchair as a lie-flat pram. It's vital when choosing a pushchair for your baby that they can lie flat in it until they're six months old to support the healthy development of their spine and lungs.

Let's face it, having a baby is one of the most expensive periods of your life, so grabbing good deals for pushchairs and car seats can be a huge help. A travel system can be a good, valuable way to get everything you need to take your baby out and about in one bundle.

Best travel systems at a glance:

Best overall baby travel system overall: Joie Finiti With Sprint - Buy now on John Lewis
Best baby travel system for on-the-go: Mamas and Papas Ocarro - Buy now on Very
Best for a bundle: Ickle Bubba Stomp Luxe - Buy now on Amazon UK
Best baby travel system for assemble: Nuna TRIV Next - Buy now on John Lewis

How Mother&Baby selected the best travel systems

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, our testing process is also supported by consulting experts who specialise in travel systems to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.

 Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe also often hold great insights as to which products mums really like best and why, helping us highlight the products that meet what you really want.

For the essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested, and you can find full reviews from our mum testers provided on the product page. The winners and runners-up for each category then will appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.

Testing the best travel systems

When it comes to testing travel systems, we considered various aspects of each product including how portable each product was, if it was easy to fold, how impressed we were with the design and the ease of assembly, how convenient it was to clean and how comfortable our tots found it, as well as considering how it handled different terrains, if it was lightweight, the age range it was suitable for, including seat recline, and accessories and the shopping basket included. In terms of combining a great swivel car seat and a durable pushchair, we really found the Joie Finiti with Sprint to be a standout product for us. Having said that, the canopy, while providing UV protection, could provide better coverage, like the Kinderkraft Everyday travel system, which has a sun shade that can even clip to the bassinet, providing excellent coverage.

And although more pricey models like the Mamas & Papas Ocarro impressed us with their wide choice of colours and dual suspension, we also found that some of the more budget options like the Maxi-Cosi Oxford were great too, and the Oxford is particularly good for small spaces, and city living.

As with all products, safety and durability are paramount, which is why testers were so impressed with the Ickle Bubba Stomp, which they felt was safe and stable on all terrains and was incredibly sturdy, although some found it hard to fold. For a great, easy-to-fold travel system, parents loved the Nuna Triv Next, which has a one-handed fold and is quick and easy to assemble.

The best baby travel systems 2024

Best overall baby travel system

Joie Baby Finiti Pushchair with Sprint©MOTHER&BABY

The Joie Finiti with Sprint bundle is suitable from birth up to 22kg, and includes a pushchair and i-size car seat with a base. Our tester loved that it was quick and easy to fold and unfold, and the harness on both items was also really easy to use. Our mum tester, Lauren, said, "The pram is very portable as it can be folded down with the hood removed; it easily fits into the back of my car. The swivel seat was easy to clip and move between the pram frame and the car, with a large plastic handle which enabled easy carrying."

With an extendable UPF50+ canopy, the Joie Finiti pushchair has three backrest positions which allows for a lie-flat position, it can also be folded up with just one hand, which is very useful when you're a busy parent with your hands full. Our mum tester said, "It took around 5 minutes of going through the manual with some trial and error to work out how to fold it. Once I figured it out, I was easily able to fold the pram so it could be compact and allow for easy travel."

The Sprint car seat can swivel, which, although useful, makes assembly slightly tricky, with our mum tester commenting, "As a first-time mum, I’ve never used car seats or Isofix systems before, and I found the Swivel seat something of a challenge! It came readily assembled, so there was no need to attach different parts, but I struggled with fixing the seat to my car’s Isofix system. The instruction manual that came with the seat was only a couple of diagrams, so to get to the full manual, you needed to follow the QR code to their website." That said, she was impressed with its quality. "The swivel seat has 360 movement enabling back facing fit, which is the recommended safest position to protect in accidents, it’s very secure when fitted and I don’t doubt it could hold it’s function and be very safe inthe worst case scenario of an impact."

The travel system is convenient for travelling, or just when out and about day to day, as our mum tester found. She thinks it is durable and will last well, noting, "The build quality of the pram and car seat is high quality, and the materials used are great; it feels like it would last a long time with little damage. The tyres are strong and would easily withstand the wear from rough road surfaces.

Pros

  • Lightweight to push
  • Ample under-seat storage
  • Durable suspension
  • One hand fold

Cons

  • The canopy doesn't completely cover the seat when fully reclined
Suitable from: Birth-four years old (or 22kg)
Harness: Five-point system
Easy to put together:Yes
Recline: 3
  • Two colour choices
  • Five-point harness system
  • Lockable swivel wheels
  • Extra large storage basket

Best baby travel system for on the go

Expert rating:
3.5
Mamas & Papas Ocarro©MOTHER&BABY
Price: £1269.99

www.very.co.uk

If the grandparents-to-be are chipping in, or if you've saved hard for a top-of-the-range travel system, we think every penny is well spent on this Mamas and Papas Ocarro travel system. We love the puncture-proof off-road tyres – perfect for rural adventures in style, plus the reversible, lie-flat pushchair seat ensures maximum comfort during snoozes on the move. Our tester said, "I must admit I do love this pram!"

It is easy to use, even when carrying a baby, and our mum tester said, "I love the fact that you can put it up and down using just one hand, which did make my life easier (especially when caught in the rain)! I like the fact the hood comes down quite far, but there's a zip to let some air in and a flap to check on your baby as you're pushing (my previous pushchair didn't have this), which does put your mind at ease, especially the first time you put your baby forward facing! Also, the fact that you can fold the pushchair down with the stroller seat on, and it folds down just as neatly as it would without the seat, is an added bonus as it saves time when out and about in the car! All in all these little features do make a huge difference!" However, she did note that the basket is not very easy to access, especially if you put larger items in it.

Overall, this is a stylish travel system with some great features. It is easy to use with a one-hand fold, and it is also suitable for all terrains that we love. Reviewers commented that it is "extremely well built, unlike the cheaper options. Easy to manoeuvre and good range of accessories."

Read our full Mamas&Papas Ocarro review.

Pros

  • Choice of colours for all tastes
  • One-hand fold for convenience
  • Easy to carry when folded making it portable
  • Dual suspension for every terrain

Cons

  • The basket can be difficult to access with larger item
Suitable from:Birth to 22kg
Harness: Five-point
Easy to put together: Yes
Weight:13.7kg
  • Lie-back seat
  • Large extendable hood
  • Puncture-proof tyres
  • Reflective wheel rims
  • Large easy-to-access basket

Best for a bundle

Ickle Bubba Stomp Luxe©MOTHER&BABY/Nicolle Palmowski

This is a great travel bundle with everything you need from day one with your little one. Our mum tester, Nicolle, said she was "immediately impressed by its neat and tidy appearance, as well as the number of accessories included for its reasonable price point." We love how you can choose the colour way and fabric, to really customise your design. One reviewer, Debbie, said, "We love it; it comes with everything you need and looks really lovely, great value for the price. I would highly recommend it; it is fantastic for first-time mums." Although one reviewer commented, "love the colour combinations and all the accessories that come with it but it's not the same tone and material as the picture. It's actually more of a darker khaki green colour, and the material is lighter and thinner than the one shown in the picture, but it still appears durable."

Featuring puncture-proof rear wheels, this travel system is meant to withstand most terrains and has lockable swivel front wheels. Our mum tester, Nicolle, commented, "The pram's frame and wheels provide a smooth ride that feels safe, stable, and easy to steer. The height-adjustable handlebar is a welcome feature, catering to different user heights. I am particularly fond of the large, puncture-proof wheels, which make navigating various terrains hassle-free." Suitable from birth, it also offers the option of a carry cot and seat unit which can be easily zipped on and off of the pushchair frame. Plus a UPF 50+ hood will protect your little one when the sun is out.

We also really liked the adjustable handlebars, the stylish leatherette handle and bumper bar, and the large shopping basket, which were perfect for carrying all you need on days out. While it isn't particularly lightweight or compact, reviewers liked how durable and sturdy it feels, saying it "feels really sturdy and great quality! You get lots of extras for the price, and I feel really happy as a first-time mum that my baby will be safe in this! The car seat is just the same, really safe and sturdy and the Isofix base is really easy to install, to my surprise." However, our mum tester also noted, "The carrycot is not particularly spacious, so parents with longer babies may need to transition to the infant seat sooner than the intended six-month usage period," which is something to bear in mind.

Pros

  • UPF 50+ hood to protect baby from the sun
  • Choice of colours and fabric, plus leatherette handle for style
  • Includes infant car seat with ISOFIX base

Cons

  • Some reviewers didn't think the colours were the same as advertised
Suitable from:Birth to 22kg
Harness type: Five-point
Easy to put together:Yes
Weight:7.1kg
  • Includes: Pushchair apron, foot warmer, seat liner and rain cover
  • Forward or rear-facing
  • Puncture proof tyres
  • Adjustable handle height

Best baby travel system for assemble

Expert rating:
4.0
Mother&Baby

The Nuna TRIV Next was awarded Gold for Best Travel System at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Another travel system that really looks and handles well, the Nuna TRIV Next, was a hit with our tester, who found it easy to assemble and was impressed at how simple it was to change the positions. She commented, "The assembly process of the pushchair was so easy. I was able to assemble the pushchair alone at 40+2 weeks pregnant. I also tried out a few of the different seat positions and changing to the collapsible carrycot the first time I set it up, and I was really impressed with how simple that was to do."

We love that the all-season seat keeps your baby warm in winter and converts to breathable mesh in summer, while the rain cover provides extra protection no matter the weather. This travel system is also compact when folded and will stay standing by itself, which is a huge bonus to many. Our mum tester said, "The one-hand fold and unfold has to be my favourite feature as it makes life so much easier when collapsing the pushchair in car parks to put away in the boot or for storing at home."I have two pushchairs, and I find I use this one more as my 'grab-and-go' pram as it's much lighter." Testers were also impressed with the carrycot, noting, "I also love that the carrycot is collapsible, it makes it great for storing in the house or car."

It is important to note that our tester thought it was a good "pushchair for someone who is living in a city and not in the countryside as the suspension isn't good enough for the country." Plus, she "did find the cover of the carrycot hard to get zipped up; it was very stiff, and I was concerned that the jolting would wake baby up if they were asleep inside."

This is a great travel system for travelling because it is lightweight and compact and it also works well for city life. Our tester thought, "It all felt very good quality, especially the stylish colour scheme of black, really set off by the brown leatherette handle and front bar."

Read our full Nuna TRIV Next review

Pros

  • Lightweight and compact for travelling
  • Easy to use and simple to assemble
  • Looks stylish and feels great quality

Cons

  • Suspension isn't great, especially for rough terrain
  • The cover of the carrycot is stiff to zip up
Recommended use:Suitable from birth to 22 kg
Weight:8.72 kg
Dimensions:L 85 x W 57.5 x H 105.5 cm
Folded:L 31.5 x W 57.5 x H 69 cm
  • Compact fold: Folds up quickly with one hand and stands on its own, making it simple to use out-and-about as well as store away.
  • All-wheel suspension: Spring suspension seat technology, all-wheel suspension, and large tough, foam-filled rear wheels mean you're ready for smooth rides.
  • Travel system compatible: simply attach any infant carrier to the included post adapter and customise the tilt to the baby's needs. It also easily converts to a pram with the included post adapter, compatible with the TRIV series carry cot.

17% OFF

Best baby travel system for quick interchanges

Expert rating:
4.5
Venicci-Upline-3in1-1.png©MOTHER&BABY

The Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System was awarded Silver for Best Travel System at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

If you're looking for a travel system to use in towns or cities, then the Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System could be what you're looking for. Our tester thought it was easy to use and folded down really small, even fitting into a small car with room to spare; she commented, "It was really easy to put together with clear instructions, and it’s easy and quick to interchange the different components. The pushchair and bassinet are great, folding down nice and small so that they fit easily even in a small car such as a Fiesta, with a bit of room to spare!"

This product has a long lifespan, lasting from birth to four years, and comes with a carrycot, seat unit, car seat (with adapters), changing bag, footmuff, insect netting and rain covers. Our mum tester commented, "One of the real bonuses for us of this Venicci Upline Travel System is that the seat of the pushchair can be used from the newborn age. It is also really handy that the car seat has ISOFIX incorporated into it so that the car seat can be securely fitted into many vehicles without the need for a base."

There are so many features that we love about this travel system. However, the basket is a bit too small. Our tester noted that the "basket isn’t huge but big enough for a change bag and a couple of coats." Overall, this is a stylish travel system that is ideal for everyday use, mainly in urban areas; however, our tester commented that "the travel system seems to have large wheels which would make it good for lots of terrains although I have yet to try this."

Overall, our mum tester thought, "I really like the look and quality of this travel system. It looks upmarket compared to many other brands and has some unique features, e.g. attachable nappy bag and flap under the stroller that you can put down when putting items in, then lift up to secure them in place. Both the bassinet and stroller attachments are sturdy, and the car seat is comfortable and safe."

Read our full Venicci Upline 3in1 + Isofix Base Travel System review.

Pros

  • Modern design and luxurious finish
  • Water-repellent fabric
  • Large with solid wheels
  • Cozy footmuff included
  • Adjustable footrest

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Seat unit can be folded in rear and forward-facing position when attached to the frame.
  • Cozy footmuff included
  • Adjustable footrest
  • Carrycot suitable for overnight sleeping
  • Quick, one-hand fold
  • Additional suspension
  • Compact size and lightweight

Best baby travel system for simplicity

Venice Claro travel system©MOTHER&BABY/Carly Duffy

The Venicci Clara 3in1 travel system is a ten-piece bundle which includes a frame, seat unit, carrycot, Engo car seat, Engo ISOFIX base, footmuff, changing bag, changing mat, and rain cover. We love the stylish look of the pram, which is suitable from birth up to 22kg. Our mum tester, Carly, said, "Looking at it, I knew I was in love." It is incredibly simple and designed to ensure that going out and about with your little one is stress-free. One mum said, "Beautiful pram looks elegant, easy to manoeuvre, and not that heavy. I would highly recommend it!"

Ideal for city living with an extremely lightweight frame and stylish design, it is easy to fold and compact. Even better, it features gel wheels, which allow the travel system to provide a smooth, comfortable terrain even over rough ground. Safety is also considered, with reflectors on the seat unit and the carrycot, and an iSize car seat and ISOFIX base are included with the travel system.

It is very lightweight to steer through busy urban streets, and although some reviewers found it hard to attach the car seat, we love the simplicity of this pram for busy parents. Our mum tester loves how it is to fold, saying, "The carrycot is so, so easy to take on and off, and the thing that absolutely sells it for me is how easy it is to fold it down. It’s the simplest thing with just a click of a button, but after my friend and I once spent a good 20 minutes trying to figure out how to get her stroller down, I was ready for a tough time, but it took under 30 seconds!" 

Do be aware that while it is to us one assembled, it can be tricky to assemble at the start, as our mum tester, Carly, found. "I built it solo, putting on the wheels, getting the body of the pram in place and securing it so I could put my newborn carrycot onto it. I was so impressed with myself for how quickly I got it up until it came to the carrycot. For me, the instructions just were not clear enough for how to get it to stand up in place – I googled, looked on YouTube, TikTok and FaceTimed a friend, but none of us could figure it out. Luckily, after I gave up following an hour of attempts, my husband arrived home the next day and put far more force than I ever would have into the silver bars and got it working."

Pros

  • One-handed folding for easy use
  • Looks stylish and is comfortable for your little one
  • Gel wheels for a smooth ride

Cons

  • It can be difficult to assemble
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg
Harness:Five-point system
Easy to put together:Most of the time
Weight: 11kg
  • UV 50+ protective fabric
  • Water repellant fabric
  • Three-position adjustable footrest
  • Gel wheels for all terrains

8% OFF

Best baby travel system for easy use

Expert rating:
4.5

Award: Won Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2022

Kinderkraft EVERYDAY is a multifunctional 3-in-1 baby stroller with a large carrycot (with a handle) and a soft mattress; it has bamboo viscose fibres in the cover for good ventilation and antibacterial properties. Our reviewer loved that it has good suspension and is easy to use on different terrains. Together with the Kiddy Evoluna car seat, this makes a comprehensive travel system, and the car seat lies flat, both inside and outside the car. Our mum tester commented, "This is a great pram to use as the bassinet sits higher up than others. This means it is easier to see the baby and also lift them in and out. It has good suspension and is relatively easy to use on different terrains."

The sunshade is excellent and clips onto the hood and base of the bassinet, meaning it is a good shade cover. Plus, our mum tester, Charlotte, added, "I loved the design feature of the window in the hood of the stroller so I could see the baby at all times." Reviewers also loved the added features, commenting, "There is a useful cupholder and also storage pocket within the bassinet for keys/phones, etc."

In terms of usability, our reviewers thought this was a comfortable pushchair, and our mum tester, Charlotte, said, "The 360-degree wheels made the pushchair really easy to manoeuvre on all terrains, including muddy ones!" Mum tester Louise also agreed, saying, "The wheels are a good size, and it is easy to manoeuvre on different terrains. The wheels are lockable if desired."

Although this travel system is easy to fold, unfortunately, it does not stay folded. Our mum tester noted, "Once folded, there is no way of keeping the whole system together in a tight, compact way. Instead, it opens out when trying to lift it to get in the boot of the car. This makes it extremely difficult to move due to the size and weight of the stroller."

However, overall mums were pleased with this travel system and felt it was good value for money. One mum tester said, "The Everyday 3-in-1 stroller is amazing value for money. For the price, you get so much, all at a great quality. This product sees your little one from birth through to toddler. I loved that the stroller also came with every accessory you could need including a changing bag for mum complete with changing mat, cup holder and bag hooks for the pushchair."

Read our full EVERYDAY 3-in-1 Pushchair review.

Pros

  • Easy to use and adjust
  • Spacious basket for shopping
  • Good suspension for different terrains

Cons

  • Quite heavy
  • Doesn't come with anything to hold the stroller in place once folded to keep it compact
Suitable from:Birth to 22kg
Harness:Five-point
Easy to put together: Yes
Weight: Seat: 4.5kg, Frame: 9.8kg, Carrycot: 5.9kg
Award: Gold
  • AUTO-LOCK after folding
  • All-wheel suspension
  • Telescopic handle with 3-step adjustment
  • Central foot brake

Reduced to clear...

Best baby travel system for all terrains

Expert rating:
4.0
©MOTHER&BABY
Price: £1099 (was £1,410)

www.johnlewis.com

The Silver Cross Reef pushchair is a multi-terrain travel system which is suitable for newborns to 22kg. Our reviewer thought the system was well-designed and sturdy and loved the one-hand fold, but one downside is its weight. This might be an issue for those who have had a c-section or struggle moving heavier objects out of a car boot. However, the car seat is very sturdy and comfortable and was a hit with the tester's baby. Our tester said, "If you find that you are comfortable with the weight, then you would be hard-pressed to find a better travel system out there. It is very well designed, intuitive to use, safe, sturdy, secure, user-friendly and very good to look at."

The travel system is great for all weathers. Or tester, Dad Ashley, said, "Having a winter baby, one of my main concerns was with insulation and making sure my Princess stays warm in the subzero temperatures. I'm happy to say that the padding of the mattress and the quilting of the wall lining in the cot makes for an extremely cosy interior that stays toasty warm." However, he also added that the carrycot will "cater for the warmest of summer months as well. On the front and back of the cot are little ventilation flaps that can be opened and closed. These give a flow of air through the pram and will keep it cool in the summer. All these features in a cot that is approved for overnight use."

Read our full Silver Cross Reef pushchair review.

Pros

  • Feels safe and sturdy
  • Looks and feels luxurious
  • Well-designed and user-friendly

Cons

  • Heavy
Suitable from: Newborn to 22kg (approx. 4 years)
Easy to put together: Yes
Weight:Chassis: 8kg Seat: 4.5kg
  • Features the Genius™ harness system with magnetic buckle
  • Sustainable outer fabrics
  • Vegan leather handle
  • Large, easy-to-access basket with a 5kg capacity
  • One-handed fold

15% OFF

Best lightweight baby travel system

Expert rating:
4.5
©MOTHER&BABY

If you're looking for something that uses sustainable products, then the Bugaboo Fox 5 could be the right travel system for you. It is a versatile and stylish solution for parents seeking a premium pushchair.

Our tester loved its lightweight design, and it seamlessly transitions between a comfortable carrycot for infants and a reversible seat for older children. The Bugaboo Fox 5 features a robust chassis, all-terrain wheels, and adjustable suspension for a smooth ride.

Its modular design and high-quality materials make it a top choice for modern, active parents. Our tester, Ashley, said, "It is impeccably well-designed, managing to be both totally functional and stylish. The fact that sustainable products have been used to manufacture it is a huge plus point in this modern age. The suspension system makes the ride silky smooth, and coupled with the lightness and quality steering make it very easy to push and manoeuvre."

While it is a sturdy and safe pram, our reviewers found it tricky to put together at first, and it took a bit of patience. Our tester also found the brake pedal was a bit small, saying, "If I had one wish, it would be that the brake pedal is ever so slightly bigger, but this may simply be down to my clumsy clown shoes."

Overall, though, our tester liked the travel system, commenting, "The Fox 5 is a brilliant all-rounder with very few drawbacks and definitely value for money."

Read our full Bugaboo Fox 5 review.

Pros

  • Stylish appearance
  • Lightweight but strong
  • Brilliant steering and handling
  • Fits into the boot without removing the seat

Cons

  • It can be difficult to first put together
Pushchair weight:10.4 - 12.2 kg
Age range:From birth to approx. 4 years old (max. 22 kg/50 lbs)
Wheels:Front wheels: 22 cm/8.5 in - Rear wheels: 30 cm/12 in
Handlebar height:92 - 108 cm
Seat:Width: 39 cm - Length: 50 cm (extendable by 10 cm with the canopy and footrest)
Seat capacity:22 kg/50 lbs
Basket:10 kg
Two-piece compact fold:89 x 53 x 34 cm
One-piece self-standing fold:44 x 60 x 90 cm
Unfolded dimensions:93 x 60 x 105 cm
  • One-hand fold with a self-standing design
  • The reversible seat can extend by 10 cm
  • Large puncture-proof wheels & advanced suspension
  • Sturdy yet lightweight

29% OFF

Best baby travel system for vibrant design

One thing about Cosatto products is you can never call them boring. Their fun designs are perfectly eye-catching for parents and kiddies too, and this travel system, the Cosatto Giggle 3in1 Travel System & Accessories Bundle, is no different. The bundle includes the chassis, convertible pram to seat unit, car seat (with adaptors) and raincover. Our tester thought it was brilliant for the price, but would have liked a larger basket and felt the rails scratched too easily. She said, "I am very pleased with my pram. It looks amazing, and it is easy to drive."

While it is stylish for life in town, it can handle the rough terrain of the countryside, too. Our tester commented, "I have tried it so far on the pavement but went off-road too." Design is a major plus point for Cosatto, and our reviewer said, "My little one loves to observe cute foxes inside." However, she did add that the "rails are a little too easy to scratch and the basket could be bigger. "

Overall, it is an easy-to-manoeuvre pram with a great design. Our tester said, "I highly recommend this pram, you can't get a better design at this price. Love it!"

Pros

  • Fun design
  • Three wheels for easy manoeuvrability
  • Lightweight chassis
  • UPF100+ protection sunshade hood

Cons

  • Storage basket could be bigger
Suitable from:Birth to 13kg/29lbs
Harness:Five-point
Easy to put together:May take some getting used to
Weight:15.6kg
  • Multi-recline duo-directional seat
  • Flat-folding lightweight chassis
  • Stitched leatherette handle
  • Quick-release removable wheels
  • 4 position recline

Best baby travel system for excellent storage

Expert rating:
2.5
Joie versatraxMother&Baby

The Joie Versatrax is another stylish travel system that is free-standing when folded. Appealing to those who are eco-conscious, this travel system is made from 153 recycled bottles. It comprises a carrycot, infant carrier, and stroller, and it was easy to push, according to our tester. Along with the travel system, you'll get a raincover, bumper bar, cupholder and adapters. Our reviewer said, "I found it really easy to push and liked the colour and materials used, it felt really stylish."

Comfort is a big plus for this pram, and our mum tester said, "My son found this buggy really comfortable and had no problems falling and staying asleep in it." Reviewers were also really impressed with the size of the basket, commenting, "The basket is really nice and big, so I can fit all of my shopping bags in there when I go to the supermarket. This is a great advantage as I don't always have to use the car, which means I can do more shopping in one trip rather than having to go every day. We often like to take picnics, a blanket, football, etc, when we go for days out, so the big basket is very useful once again."

Reviewers did find that the pram quite hard to adjust, and mum tester Laura said, "The opening and closing of the pram could be better, easier and less fiddly." They also thought it was quite large, which can be problematic when out and about, noting, "the pram is quite wide, and a little tricky to manoeuvre through narrow doorways."

Overall, mum tester Hannah was impressed and said, "The pram keeps on surprising and surpassing me - super smooth wheels, huge canopy for extra ventilation, lots comes included - rain cover, cup holder, hidden zip and pocket storage in a huge basket! A super elegant black matt frame with brown leatherette and a stylish grey flannel all-encompassed seat makes this so trendy and good-looking. The handlebar swivels, so there is no need to remove it. Easy usability from birth to preschool."

Read our full Joie Versatrax review.

Pros

  • Comfortable for baby
  • Large basket for shopping
  • Excellent foldability for quick folding
  • Carry handle included

Cons

  • Not as easy to adjust compared to other prams
  • Quite big in size
Suitable from:Birth to 22kg
Harness type:Five-point
Easy to put together:Yes
Weight:11.7kg
  • Rearward and forward-facing seat
  • One-hand, instant flash fold mechanism
  • Extendable UPF50+ and water-repellent canopy
  • Adjustable calf support
  • All-wheel suspension with fake air tyres

Best stream-lined baby travel system

Maxi-Cosi Oxford pushchairJohn Lewis

The Maxi-Cosi Oxford pushchair is the perfect travel bundle for cool, relaxed city living. This travel system can fit into a small flat without compromising your baby's comfort and is suitable for newborns to 4 years; plus, it includes the R129-approved pebble car seat. One reviewer thought, "this would be an ideal pushchair for grandparents or other carers who are not using it all the time" believing it is more suited to a city environment.

Despite not feeling as sturdy as other prams, our testers thought it was comfortable to push commenting, "It was lovely to steer and push and easy to slot into place." Plus, it is suitable for a wide range of ages with one mum saying, "I like that I have the option to use it if I were to have another child with the Pebble Plus car seat."

We love that it offers a lie-flat recline option, making it suitable for newborns. Plus, the UPF 50+ canopy is extendable, adding extra protection and making it great to use for nap times while out and about. The 10kg storage basket is brilliant for storing everything you need when out for the day, or popping to the shops. Reviewers liked how compact it is, saying, "It is a very comfortable, manageable, and beautiful chair. Easy and compact folding. I would buy it again without a doubt."

Pros

  • Good value for money
  • Comfy and cosy for all ages
  • A great option as a second pram and city living

Cons

  • It could be sturdier, especially on rough terrain
Suitable from:Birth to four-years
Harness type:Five-point
Easy to put together:Yes
Weight:11.5kg
  • Lie flat recline for newborn
  • One-hand fold
  • Large basket
  • Baby car seat adapters are included

29% OFF

Best all-in-one baby travel system

Ickle Bubba Altima©MOTHER&BABY/Clare Mulhooly

Another travel system with a one-hand fold, loved by our reviewers, is the Ickle Bubba Altima. Our mum tester, Clare, thought this was a great travel system, saying, "it’s packed full of useful features, like lots of breathable air flow mesh which will keep baby cool, and the unique selling point of being able to fold the pram with the seat unit still in place, in a simple, one-handed action. " Although she did add that it takes a while to get the knack of the one-handed fold.

Suitable from birth up until 22kg, this is a great travel system for longevity and our mum tester commented: "It’s clear that the Altima travel system is centred around functionality, comfort and style. I love the fact that I won’t be forking out for a new model when she outgrows the newborn carrycot, but instead, I’ll change to the seat unit. From easily switching between parent-facing and world-facing positions to coming with a cosy, padded seat liner, the seat unit has so many great features. Then with its side impact protection, pop-out impact panels and a supportive newborn liner, I felt happy knowing that my newborn baby would be safe in the car seat while on the move. The car seat and ISOFIX base meet all the necessary standards for car seat installation."

Mum tester Clare notes that "with all its useful features at a reasonable price, it feels like the Altima is a great investment." She also adds, "It’s compact and easy to store, which will be a great space saver when parked up in our front room, or while putting it in the car boot."

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
  • Compact when folded
  • Great for longevity from birth to toddler

Cons

  • Initially tricky to get to grips with one-hand fold
Suitable from:Birth to 22kg
Harness: Five-point
Easy to put together:  Yes
Weight: 9kg (chassis with wheels)
  • One handed fold
  • Compact
  • Suitable up to 22kg
  • Includes cup holder and rain cover

Best travel system for newborns

Joie Finiti with Calmi©John Lewis

Award: Won Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023

This is a great travel system for parents with newborns. The Calmi car seat, which comes with the travel system, allows parents to easily transfer their little one from a lie-flat position in the pushchair to lie flat in the car. Our mum tester, Kellie, says, it is "quick and easy to use when out and about - don't need to take lots of different attachments or adapters as the 4-in-1 options allow me to choose the best set up for me and my baby in the moment. It is easy to switch from the seat to the Calmi without the need for adapters." However, some mum testers were disappointed with the Calmi because they could not easily fit it in their cars. One mum said, "The Calmi is such a good idea that would make my life easier as a mum. However, I could not get it to fit in my car as I have another car seat in the back, which I was a bit gutted about, to be honest."

With a one-handed fold, the Finiti pushchair makes life really simple when you're out and about. Our mum tester, Rachel, commented, "The one-handed fold to a compact is easy and great too. Being on my own was made much easier with this feature and has given me more confidence going out and about." We also really like the seat recline options, which make it suitable for newborns until toddlers. One mum said, "My baby is very comfortable in the pram and loves being able to see what’s going on around him, which is made better by being able to sit up."

The Joie Finiti with Calmi travel system is lightweight but still sturdy and stable on all terrains. Mum Cate says, "Baby slept easily through walks with this pram despite our local pavements not being the most even, and then it was lightweight and easy to get in and out of car boot and reassemble when we were out and about." However, one mum wasn't keen on the size of the handlebar, saying, "I found the handlebar too thick and struggled to get my hand around it and hold on to the pushchair properly."

Read our full Joie Finiti with Calmi review

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to fold
  • Allows newborn to stay lying flat in the car
  • One-handed fold is convenient

Cons

  • The car seat is not compatible with all cars
Suitable from:Birth to 22kg
Harness type:Five-point
Easy to put together:Yes
Weight: 11kg
Recline positions: 4
  • Easy one-handed folding
  • Lie flat car with R129 rating
  • 4 recline positions
  • Easy to assemble
  • Suitable for all terrains

Best baby travel system for a compact fold

Expert rating:
3.5
My Babiie Rose Gold Travel System©MOTHER&BABY/Geraldine Bauer

Award: Won Bronze in the Mother&Baby Award2022

The Rose Gold Marble Belgravia Travel System was designed by Celeb Mum Dani Dyer as part of her Cherish range. Its design adapts as your family grows and includes a bassinet which can attach to the stroller frame for family strolls and fresh air, eventually progressing to the reversible seat. Our mum tester said, "This travel system is amazing. It's so easy to put up and fold with one hand, and switch between seat styles, which is everything you need In a travel system. The fact is that it all comes as a package, and you don't need to worry about finding the correct accessories anywhere else; the box has it all."

Like the Ickle Bubba, it comes with a built-in buggy board for tots, which we love, and detachable wheels for compact storage at home or on the go. It is also really well-priced for such a versatile product and folds down to a compact size, perfect when you have a lot to fit in your boot! Plus, our mum tester was impressed with the shopping basket, saying, "The shopping basket being large with zips is a godsend."

However, some reviewers thought it was tricky to assemble, commenting, "I would change the design of the frame to make it more sturdy and easier to unfold (give clearer instructions in the manual if not). This would save even more time when setting up." Our mum tester, Geraldine, commented, "The buggy was tricky for me to fold initially; it took a few goes to understand how the release worked. It’s quite a unique system where you have to put a specific pressure on the handles to fold it. Once I had mastered it, folding it down was a doddle." While many loved the design, saying, "I would choose this travel system above any other because I love the boldness of the design", others felt that it was limiting, adding, " I would choose the pattern to make more gender neutral as I did have a lot of comments when putting my newborn baby boy in the bassinet." Our mum tester also added, "the cover felt plasticky for my liking and was really shiny as opposed to matt-look. An advantage of that was that it was easy to wipe down and clean."

However, it is a practical choice for travel with mum Joanna-Belle, noting, "the fact it folds up so small, means that travelling with a child of any age with all their accessories, is the biggest selling point for me, it can fit in the smallest of car boots with zero effort." Our mum tester, Geraldine, agreed, saying, "The size is perfect for our family because it folds down to be really small and compact. When using it in the city, it is comfortable to push around busy streets and doesn’t take up much space on the bus."

Read our full Dani Dyer Rose Gold Marble Belgravia Travel System review.

Pros

  • Compact fold, great for small cars
  • Larger seat for prolonged use
  • In-built buggy board

Cons

  • Tricky to assemble
  • Some parents didn't consider it gender-neutral in design
Suitable from: Birth to 22kg
Harness: Five-point
Weight:18kg
Award:Bronze
  • Height adjustable push handle
  • Multi-position reclining seat with 5-point harness
  • 2-position adjustable and extendable leg rest
  • 3 position, extendable canopy with viewing window

What to look for in the best travel system

Convenience is the main benefit, as you can transfer your baby to and from a pushchair without removing them from their car seat. This is less disruptive for your child and saves time and stress. A travel system is often more expensive and sometimes bulkier than a standard pushchair, so it's only worthwhile if a car is your main form of transport.

It's important to keep in mind that different travel systems are compatible with different car seats, although there is some crossover. The most important thing about buying the best travel system is to make sure it will fit in your car.

Here are some things to look out for when considering your purchase.

Shopping basket

A big basket is essential! It should be large enough to hold everything you need when you're out with your baby, including the rain cover and your baby changing bag. The basket should be accessible, even when the carrycot is attached, or the pushchair seat is fully reclined.

Seat recline

The recommended sleeping position for babies is flat on their back, so a pushchair seat that reclines fully flat is a must for naps in the pushchair. It should be easy (and quiet!) to adjust with your baby in the seat.

Handles

A height-adjustable handlebar ensures the pushchair is comfortable for you, your partner or anyone else who might use it regularly. Check that it's easy to adjust and comfortable to hold.

Car seat

Is the car seat included in the price, or do you have to buy it separately? Factor in the price of the base, too, and don't forget car-seat adaptors to attach it to the chassis.

Carrycot

Babies shouldn't sit in car seats for more than two hours at a time - we've looked at the research into how long a baby should stay in a car seat - including when it's attached to a pushchair chassis. Choose a travel system with a comfy lie-flat carrycot. Your baby will outgrow it by six months old, so check how bulky it is to store – some are cleverly designed to convert to an upright seat.

Baby travel system
©Getty Images

Seat direction

A travel system with a reversible seat unit means you can choose which way your baby faces. A parent-facing seat encourages your baby's communication skills, but an inquisitive toddler might prefer to face where they're going. There are regulations and advice on how to keep your baby rear-facing for longer.

Accessories

Some travel systems come with coordinating accessories such as a footmuff or change bag. Think about which ones you actually need and whether they're included in the price.

Fold mechanism

A travel system will be in and out of your car boot. Choose one that's compact and easy to fold, leaving room for shopping or luggage.

Brake

The brake should be comfortably positioned and easy to operate without the risk of applying it by accident or scuffing your shoes. Check how reliable it feels and whether it's easy to release.

Wheels

All-terrain wheels make for easy manoeuvrability on muddy walks. Smaller, solid wheels make light work of city pavements and shiny shop floors. If you're likely to switch between different types of terrain, go for lockable, swivel wheels. Filine says, "All wheels can be pushed through different terrains." But she adds, "There is a HUGE difference in “all-terrain” perception. But of the parents we know, their top concern is how comfy this is for their child (wobbly, bouncy). The key then is to look for wheel size, materials of the tyres and, crucially, suspension. However, the padding used in the seat liner should also be considered. Secondly, how does the stroller feel when pushing it? Again wheels and suspension. But mostly “how it is made”. The materials used in the design of the stroller (e.g. % plastic or aluminium) and how joints and the chassis are handled in the design," will impact how a pram deals with different terrains.

Do I need a baby travel system?

A baby travel system can be convenient as it comes with all the travel essentials you need for your baby. They are often good value; however, if you buy an ISOFIX car seat to stay in your car, you won't need a travel system that comes with a car seat.

What other things do I need to consider when buying a baby travel system?

Not all infant car seats can be attached to all pushchairs, and you may need to buy adaptors. If you'd prefer an i-Size car seat, which sits your baby in the safer rear-facing position until they are at least 15 months old, you'll need to choose a pushchair frame that's compatible. If you want to keep your child rear-facing in the car beyond 15 months, you'll need an extended rear-facing car seat. However, these are designed to stay in your car, so a travel system isn't an option.

The car seat will either clip on top of the pushchair's seat component or attach directly to the chassis with the seat component removed. Adapters are sometimes required to fix the car seat onto the pushchair or chassis. Check if these are included. If they aren't, find out what the additional cost will be. Filine notes that it is important to "check the materials of the seat (fabric/plastics) and size of the seat (is it growth proof?) and with regards the bassinet, check the size & mattress/liner." She also adds you should check the following:

• Can the canopy provide enough shade/protection?

•Support of legs/feet: leg rest or footrest

•The recline of the seat: if they are napping / full flat is most comfortable and ergonomic (mimicking their crib/bed)

•Wheels & Suspension

Mum with baby travel system
©Getty

What about the pushchair?

A travel system often has a seat component that enables it to be used as a 'normal' pushchair. Many mums use the car seat clipped into the frame when their baby is very young, using the larger seat component as their little one grows. If you intend to keep your newborn in the pushchair for long periods, you will need a travel system with a fully reclining seat component.

Newborns should only remain in car seats for a few hours at a time, as lying horizontally is better for their breathing and healthy spine development. Some travel systems also offer the option of a pram-style carrycot. While this can add expense, the carrycot can double as a Moses basket and portable travel cot. Filine says, "With a newborn or child less than 6 months, it is best to push them around in full flat (most ergonomic to not restrain them in their movements or position them sitting, while they cannot sit)."

Can you use a travel system for toddlers?

Only Group 0+ car seats will fit on the travel system. These will be outgrown at around 12-15 months. Most mums will continue to use the travel system with the seat component fitted after that.

For toddlers, a seat that reclines for naps is useful, but it doesn't have to be fully horizontal. Some pushchair seats are reversible, so your baby can face you, to begin with, but face outwards to get a better view of the world as they get older. For older children, you may want to look into the best car seat for 4-year-olds.

How easy is it to fold?

All travel systems fold up so that they can be stowed in a car boot. Try out the folding mechanism in the shop – your 'tricky' might be another person's 'easy'. Consider that you may sometimes need to hold your baby while you fold and unfold the chassis. You'll also have to lift the folded pushchair chassis in and out of the car boot, so consider its weight – anything over 10kg could be a struggle.

How big is your car boot?

Travel systems are more compact than ever, but some models are still pretty bulky to allow for all the extra functionality they offer. Before you buy one, check to see if it fits in your car boot. You can always remove the carrycot or seat unit from the chassis and store it on your back seat. Although, this will limit space in your car for other passengers.

Can I use a second-hand travel system?

While it can be perfectly fine to use a second-hand travel system, it is not advised to use a second-hand car seat unless you are absolutely sure that it has never been in an accident.

It would be advisable to only use second-hand if it's from a very close relative or friend.

What is the difference between a 2in1 and 3in1 travel system?

A 3in1 travel system includes a car seat, carrycot and a pushchair all on the same frame, whereas a 2in1 would only include the car seat and pushchair.

The bonus to both is that they are interchangeable with a car seat, which can be handy when you're out of the house and don't want to disturb your baby if they fall asleep.

About the expert

Filine Verhagen is the Product Marketing Manager for Joolz. Joolz is a premium stroller brand committed to supporting the next generation of parents. Parents are determined to create a better world for their kids. Joolz gives them the right support by creating smart and conscious products designed for "real life" parenting so that they stay balanced, comfortable and in control of their life.

Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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