What Is a Travel System Stroller? Do You Need It or Not? 

Have you ever thought of getting an upgrade on your current regular stroller? What if you can take the stroller seat with you without waking your baby up? 

Seems fun and kind of impossible, right? Well, your desire comes reality when you meet the travel system stroller. 

If you are thinking it’s a new kind of ‘Thing’, it was first introduced in the 1990s. Now it has become the choice of 2 out of 5 parents in the U.S. Let’s get into more detail about What Is A Travel System Stroller, it’s different from the regular stroller and it is even worth considering.

What Is a Travel System Stroller?

If I ask you What Is a Travel System Stroller, what comes to your mind? 

Your answer might be, you can go and travel in this stroller. Well, your answer is halfway there. Except for the part, that you can use it as a regular stroller too.

A travel system combines three products in one. A stroller, a car seat, and a car seat base. It not only gives convenience but also gives maximum comfort when traveling.

A travel system consists of a stroller, a car seat, and a car seat base

According to Arizton, travel system strollers are the fastest growing stroller in the stroller market. Why, you ask?

Convenience is king. You can transition your baby from car to stroller (and vice versa) without disturbing their sleep.

Baby Jogger has taken the concept of a travel system to the next step. Ever since the City Mini GT2 Travel System came out, it has taken the stroller market to storm. Its patented one-hand fold design is something you can find in very few travel system strollers.

There are more brands of travel systems that add practical features. More on that later.  

Benefits of a Travel System Stroller

I have given you the notion of what is travel stroller. But is it even practical? Let’s see the benefits of it.

  • A travel system stroller allows you to move your baby from the car to the stroller and back without waking them up. 
  • It provides maximum comfort for your baby and for you. 
  • The safety is top-notch in a travel system stroller.
  • It comes in different colors and sizes.
  • To withstand a long period of time, it is made with high-quality materials and technology. 
  • It is designed to reduce the environmental impact of traveling with your baby. 
Travel system strollers let you transfer sleeping babies from the car to the stroller

Key Features to Look For in a Travel System Stroller

If you are here then I assume you are into a travel system stroller. So, what are the key features that make up the travel system stroller? 

Spoiler alert: They are almost similar to a jogging stroller.

Let’s see the feature to look for if you are looking for an online or offline travel system stroller.

Size and weight

What is the most prominent thing we look for when we buy a stroller? It is their size and weight.

Look for a travel system stroller that should be compact and lightweight enough to fit in your car trunk and carry around. Don’t ignore the car seat and car seat base too. You will use them separately. So consider their size and weight too. 

To give you an idea, the average weight of a travel system stroller is about 30 pounds, but some models can weigh up to 50 pounds or more.

Ease of use

An easy-to-operate stroller is so much fun to use. But what makes a travel system stroller easy to use? 

Attaching and detaching the infant car seat from the stroller and the car seat base with one hand and one click, folding and unfolding the stroller with ease and without bending over. 

The average time it takes to fold or unfold a travel system stroller is about 10 seconds to 30 seconds or more.

Compatibility

A travel system stroller should be compatible with your car and your lifestyle. Check if the car seat base fits in your car seat. You should also check if the stroller fits in your doorways, elevators, and public transportation. 

The average width of a travel system stroller is about 24 inches to 30 inches or more.

Look for a LIGHTWEIGHT, easy to use, and most compatible stroller

Versatility

A travel system stroller should be versatile and adaptable. You should be able to adjust the height of the handlebar, the angle of the seat, the position of the footrest, and the direction of the canopy. 

Technology

In 2023, it is obvious that you look for technology even in a stroller. A travel system stroller is no different. You can find features such as LED lights, speakers, USB ports, thermometers, and sensors that make your travel system stroller experience more fun and useful.

For advanced knowledge and nitpicking your stroller, knowing different parts of the stroller will help you.

Top Travel System Stroller Brands

When we buy a product we put our full trust in a well-known brand. Many stroller brands are making the travel system stroller. Let’s go through some of the best stroller brands and their best-selling travel system strollers.

Baby Jogger: Known for their versatile and high-quality strollers. Their “City Mini GT2” travel system is a fan favorite for its all-terrain wheels.

Graco: Graco is one of the most trusted and popular brands in the baby industry. Their affordable and highly rated travel systems, like the “Modes Click Connect,” are a hit among parents.

UPPAbaby: The “Vista” is well-loved for its luxurious design and ability to expand to a double stroller.

Britax: Britax has been making superior and innovative products for over 70 years. Its travel system strollers like B-Lively & B-Safe 35 are known for their safety features and easy maneuverability.

Evenflo: Evenflo is a value brand in the baby industry. Its travel system strollers are known for their simplicity, functionality, and practicality, and Evenflo Pivot, the Evenflo Folio, and the Evenflo Sibby are some of them.

Nuna: Nuna travel system is one of the most known brands. Their Nuna Mixx Next + PIPA Lite RX Travel System has been the best-selling stroller several times.

Is a Travel System Worth It?

There are so many benefits to a travel system stroller. It does the job of 2 things in one body. But is a travel system worth it? 

Yes. From my personal experience, I can say it is worth the money. Let me tell you why-

It Saves You Money

A travel system is cheaper than buying a stroller, an infant car seat, and a car seat base separately. You can save up to 30% by buying a travel system instead of individual products. 

It Saves You Space

A travel system is more compact than having multiple products that take up more room in your car and in your home. You can store the travel system easily in your car trunk or in your closet. 

It Saves You Time

A travel system is more convenient than having to switch between different products. You can attach and detach the infant car seat from the stroller and the car seat base with one hand and one click. 

ravel system stroller saves you money, space and time

It Enhances Your Experience

A travel system is more comfortable and safe than having separate products that might not match or work well together. A travel system comes with an adjustable height handlebar, the angle of the seat, and the direction of the canopy which you might find handy. 

Regular Stroller Vs Travel System Stroller

The travel system stroller is great for outdoor and also indoor if you use the car seat. But how does it stand against the regular stroller? This table will clear up your confusion.

FeaturesRegular StrollerTravel System Stroller
PriceMore affordableMore expensive
Size and WeightLighter, more compactHeavier, larger
Car Seat CompatibilityMay require adapterThe transition from Car to Stroller
LongevityLimited to age/weightUse from infancy to toddlerhood
VersatilityHigh (Various designs)Lower (Limited designs)
StorageVaries by modelOften more spacious
Ease of UseSimple functionalityComprehensive functionality
All-in-One SolutionNoYes
Travel FriendlyYes, due to lighter weightLess so, due to size/weight
Transition from Car to StrollerCould wake babySeamless, no need to wake baby
Included AccessoriesMay not include many accessoriesOften includes cup holders, storage basket
Technological featuresHas no or few technological featuresHas smart and innovative technological features

Common Misconceptions About Travel System Strollers

I have seen some parent possess misconceptions about travel system strollers which refrains them from buying one. If you have one of these misconceptions and not buying it, I am telling you, you are missing a great experience.

Common MISCONCEPTIONS  with travel system stroller is they are expensive, bulky, complicated

They are too expensive: Some people think that travel system strollers are too expensive and not worth the money. The truth is the exact opposite. Travel system strollers are cheaper than buying separate products, as you can save up to 30% by buying a travel system stroller instead of individual products.

They are too complicated: Some people think that travel system strollers are like dealing with three products in one and they are too complicated. But they are surprisingly easy to use and operate. You can attach and detach the infant car seat from the stroller and the car seat base with one hand and one click.

They are too heavy: Some people think that travel system strollers are too heavy and bulky to carry around. They are not too heavy. They can weigh between 15-30 lbs. They are compact and lightweight enough to fit in your car trunk and carry around. Storing them is also a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Makes a Stroller a Travel System?

A travel system is a stroller that is designed to be compatible with an infant car seat. It typically includes a stroller frame, an infant car seat, and often a car seat base. 

2. Why Choose a Travel System?

A travel system offers convenience and versatility for parents on the go. It provides a seamless transition between the car and the stroller, saving time and effort.

3. Is a Travel System Stroller Necessary for My Baby?

A travel system stroller is particularly useful for parents on the go. It offers convenience and ease as you don’t need to disturb a sleeping baby during transitions. It’s not a ‘necessity’ per se, but its benefits often make it a worthy investment.

4. Can I Attach a Different Brand’s Car Seat to My Stroller?

Most travel systems are designed to work with a specific brand’s car seat. However, some brands offer “universal” adapters that might allow you to use a different car seat. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure compatibility.

5. Can I Use a Travel System Stroller for Jogging or Running?

While some travel systems may be capable of handling a light jog, they’re not typically designed for serious running. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you might want to consider a dedicated jogging stroller.

Wrapping Up

This is all you need to know on “What Is A Travel System Stroller.” The travel system gives you the convenience of three devices in just one. It saves you time, effort, and space. 

The travel system stroller is also a versatile device that fits all your needs. Though it is a little bit bulky and heavier than a regular stroller, the value it brings is simply outstanding.

More Resources

What Is A Wagon Stroller And Why You Might Need One

Tandem Strollers 101: Everything You Need To Know

What Is An Umbrella Stroller?

What Does All Terrain Mean For Stroller

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