Travel System Buying Guide

Whether you are expecting your first child or your fifth child, the only thing that matches the joy of anticipation is the stress of preparation. It takes a lot of time getting all the needed supplies and gear ready for the arrival. One of the most important pieces of equipment to buy is the infant car seat, and, after that, the stroller. So, it makes sense that the two have been combined into what is commonly known as the travel system.

The travel system is an extremely popular purchase for new parents, given that they are usually stylish and color-coordinated, but they are also economical in that you are purchasing two essential items at a premium price.

When buying your baby's travel system, let the infant car seat take the lead. Make sure the car seat has a five-point harness. Also, look for car seats that can be installed with or without the travel system base. If you do not need the travel system base, you can switch your child from vehicle to vehicle quickly and easily.

There is only one pitfall (that can be easily avoided) when buying a travel system for your baby. A mistake commonly made by first-time parents when purchasing a travel system is selecting the wrong stroller. Oftentimes, the stroller is selected for cosmetic reasons or because it has the most features or the most additional storage space.

It is important to think about how you will use the stroller, not how you might use it. Sure, it's great to have stroller with the cargo capacity of a Hummer, but, if your only additional cargo is a Ziploc bag of cheerios and a stuffed animal, then you might not need it.

While it is great to have perfectly matching strollers and car seats for your child, it is always a good idea to consider function before form when buying your new travel system.