A baby travel system is generally a combination infant car seat, carrier and stroller in one color-coordinated package. The carrier acts as a car seat by snapping into a base positioned and secured in the back seat of the car. It can usually be removed with the press of a button and snapped into the stroller. The travel system can be an attractive alternative to buying each piece individually.
Advantages
One major advantage of an infant travel system is the convenience of not having to transfer your baby several times during a trip from car seat to carrier to stroller and back to car seat. For those who prefer to coordinate their baby products, the systems come in a wide variety of patterns to fit just about every style, and the pieces are designed to match or complement each other. The detachable carrier has the added convenience of providing a comfortable place to keep your baby during visits to restaurants or other places where a stroller is too bulky to fit.
Disadvantages
The car seat and carrier that come with infant travel systems are designed for babies up to 22 lb. About half of all babies reach this weight by age 15 months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth chart for the United States. Once your baby exceeds the weight limit, you will need to purchase a larger car seat. Some parents find it more cost-effective to purchase a convertible car seat to start with and forgo the advantages of a travel system. Additionally, the carrier itself can be heavy and uncomfortable to lug around during longer outings and is better suited to carrying for short periods of time.
Cost
Infant travel systems range in price based on brand name, model and features. Very basic systems come with the car seat base, carrier and stroller. Additional features include extra padding on the carrier, toys that can be attached to the stroller, and cup or bottle holders. Some systems also feature strollers specifically designed for jogging. Based on a PriceGrabber.com comparison, as of January 2010, the low-range systems average between $130 and $150, and higher-end systems can cost up to $600.
Alternatives
Although an infant travel system is a convenient way to purchase all the basic travel items for your baby in one package, separately purchased pieces can work just as well. Many strollers have a universal-fit design that can accept just about any baby carrier on the market, or they provide adequate comfort and support on their own without adding carriers.
Considerations
Regardless of which system you choose, it is important to make sure the pieces are in good working order and meet safety recommendations. Infants should always ride in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of a vehicle, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Be aware of recalls, and know the history of the seat if you are borrowing or buying it used, as even a minor accident can damage the car seat enough to make it unsafe.
