Introduction to Baby Travel Systems

A baby travel system is a one stop shop for parents who are shopping for an infant car seat and a stroller. For one price, parents can purchase both together as a matching set. One benefit of purchasing baby travel systems is that parents have the guarantee not only that the pair will coordinate, but they will also fit and work together as one system. With so many different options for infant car seats and strollers on the market, buying these two components together can save a lot of shopping around.

The first element of the baby travel system is the infant car seat, which may also be referred to as an infant carrier, or rear facing infant car seat. This reclining seat is designed for newborns and typically used for the first year of life, or until the baby is around 22 pounds (10 kg). The seat has an arm that attaches to the sides of the carrier for ease of transport outside of the car. Also included with the infant car seat is a base which is strapped into the car, using either the car’s lap and/or shoulder belt, or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. The infant car seat is then locked into the base in the rear facing position. The base is often advertised as the third component of baby travel systems.

The stroller that is included as part of all baby travel systems is often the most scrutinized of the combo. It will most likely have the most features and extras that parents will be interested in. First and foremost, the stroller included in the travel system will serve as a base for the infant car seat, or carrier, when in use. It will have a feature that allows the infant carrier to lock into place in a rear facing position, which is convenient for parents. This is especially important, as infant carriers and strollers made by different manufacturers, or even different product lines made by the same manufacturer, may not fit together safely. The parents can also opt to use the stroller for the infant with the seat in a reclining or semi-reclining position, and once the infant carrier is outgrown, the stroller can be used as a stand-alone component of the baby travel system.

Strollers may have cupholders, one-hand steering, storage compartments and trays, attached toys, sun visors, rain covers and extra comfortable suspensions. Material and fabrics come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Baby travel systems are also popular because parents like that their stroller and infant carriers coordinate, which they may not if purchased separately.

Baby travel systems are one of the most popular items registered for by new parents, and are available at most stores that carry infant gear. They range in price from $100 to well over $300 US Dollars.