Travel system or car seat & stroller combo? That is the question. It’s one of the many considerations for new parents when they’re shopping for baby gear or putting together their registry ahead of a little one’s arrival. Your future holds many strolls around the neighborhood and drives to and from daycare, playdates and doctor’s appointments. It’s important to get the right gear for your lifestyle, but how do you know which one is right for you?
What is a Travel System?
You might be thinking, what is a travel system? A travel system is comprised of an infant car seat and a compatible stroller, sold together. Two major purchases in one? Score! A travel system takes the search for a car seat and stroller and turns it into one single purchase, giving you more time to focus on all the other things that need to be done before baby arrives. With a travel system, you know from the start that your car seat and stroller will work together without the need for any additional parts, like adapters. However, keep in mind that you will have to purchase a convertible car seat when your tot outgrows the infant car seat.
Travel System vs. Stroller
Of course, travel systems aren’t the end-all-be-all of child mobility gear. While travel systems are convenient and can save you a pretty penny, there isn’t as much variety when compared to the entirety of the stroller market. There are several different types of strollers, from lightweight strollers to double strollers and beyond. Travel systems typically include a stroller that fits the needs of the general public, so if you’re looking for a specific type of stroller, your best bet is to search for a winning infant or convertible car seat and stroller combo separately. If you choose a separate infant seat, just be sure to do your research on all the parts needed to make it compatible with your stroller of choice.
So, Which One?
There isn’t one right answer for everyone, but to figure out which option is best for you as a parent, we recommend thinking about it this way:
- If you’re planning on taking baby from car to stroller, stroller to car, but would rather avoid transferring them out of the car seat for every little trip, a travel system might be best for you.
- If your heart is set on starting out with a rear-facing convertible car seat, that grows with your baby through every stage, or if you fall in love with the features of a certain stroller or infant car seat, buying them separately is the way to go.
We aren't here to tell you what to do, but hopefully we were able to lay out the benefits of both options to help you on your shopping or registry-building journey.
Discover our selection of car seats, strollers and travel systems to see which is right for your lifestyle.
