On testTravel Systems on Test
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Graco Quattro Tour
£229.99 |
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Consumer Editor says
A travel system is a pushchair that allows you to attach a Group 0 (or rear facing) car seat to the frame. The main benefit is that you can transfer your sleeping child from car to pushchair with minimal disturbance but the multitude of design-combos can make choosing a model a tricky and time consuming experience.
Here we explain the points you need to be aware of before buying.
We tested for
- Ease of use
- Portability
- Design features
- Comfort
- Quality
- Value for money
Points to consider
Size/weight : Think practically about what type of model will suit your lifestyle. How big is your car boot? Do you have lots of stairs to climb? Will you be using it on public transport? If you're clear about your needs, you're more likely to make a sound investment that will last your baby from birth to toddlerdom without any additional expenses.
According to our panel, size and weight is 'essential - particularly if you're going to be out and about on your own or with an older toddler in tow'. They found the Silver Cross 3D a 'neatly compact and fuss-free option that's easy to push and fold' whilst the Recaro Young is 'a good lightweight option for space-saving parents'.
Ease of Use: Smooth mechanisms and functional design features are worth investing in, especially if you want your travel system to last a few years. Look for fuss-free folds, a good recline and a high quality car seat that clicks into place with ease. Most infant car seats can be seat belt routed but many now come with isofix fittings for premium in-car safety. An alternative option is an autobase - both the Graco Quattro Tour and Inglesina Otutto Combo are equipped with great autobase car seats that save you bother of seatbelt routing.
Portability: Probably the most important aspect if you want to navigate the great outdoors with ease, a portable travel system is likely to have lockable, swivel wheels with a good suspension that ensures a comfortable ride on all kinds of terrain. If you're a keen walker, a good brakes system and large pneumatic tyres (for off-road adventures) are also worth looking out for, especially if you embark on regular outings over rough ground.
Versatility: If sleeping on the go is a priority, you may want to consider an additional carrycot. The Bugaboo Gecko , Silver Cross 3D and Inglesina Otutto Combo all come with a carrycot option that you can use from birth to around 6 months, though most of the other systems tested offer a full recline that's 'perfectly sufficient for younger babies'.
Our panel felt the most versatile systems were those that offered plenty of space for a growing child with an adaptable seat unit that can face front or rearwards - the benefit being that you can keep your eye on them when they're a newborn and give them a better view of the world as they get older.
Design: Designs vary massively and you really need to think about what style will suit you best. Three wheelers might not be the best option for city life but if you do a lot of off-road walking then a model like the Britax Vigour is certainly worth considering. Similarly if you are a regular user of public transport, a model you can lift, collapse and fold in the nick of time like the Inglesina Otutto Combo will serve you well.
Additional features such as an adjustable handle height, removable seat unit and washable seat materials are practical for everyday use, particularly if your other half is considerably taller/shorter than you.
Storage & Accessories: You can store a fair amount of baby clobber in a nappy bag, but there's nothing quite like having lots of hooks, pockets and a spacious storage basket to pack your essentials. If you're going to be using your travel system for shopping, days out and weekends away, look for models that offer generous storage facilities like the Britax Vigour or Graco Quattro Tour . Accessories usually consist of rain cover, hood and cosy toes but some, like the Silver cross 3D and Quattro Tour are generously equipped with an additional hood and bag.
Awards - which products won
Our panel gave the Best Buy award to the Silver Cross 3D whilst the Britax Vigour scored tops for Best Value. These awards were given after months of intensive testing by each of our six mums, but you may find that some of the other models on test are more suited to your particular requirements. To find out more about each product, make sure you read the full test results.
Where to next?
