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Transferring a sleeping or fussy baby from car seat to stroller can be a minefield. One wrong move and you'll have a screaming infant on your hands. A Britax travel system can make this transition far easier. A travel system consists of two parts: a standard stroller and an infant car seat. The car seat attaches to the stroller (using Click & Go Connectors, in the case of Britax models) so you can push your baby around without actually removing her or him from the car seat.
There's plenty to consider when choosing a Britax travel system. Effectively, you're purchasing a bundle of two separate items, so you'll need to consider each independently of the other. You should weigh the safety features of the car seat along with the stroller’s practicality, such as its maneuverability and ease of folding. Read on through our buying guide and ponder our favorite Britax travel systems to help you decide which model is right for you.
It's important to look at the safety features of the car seat that's included in your Britax travel system. Depending on the model you choose, it may include features such as a steel frame for durability, side-impact protection, a shock-absorbing base, and a five-point harness. Some models also have stitching that releases in stages in the event of an impact, which slows any forward momentum and prevents jarring.
Your Britax stroller may have three or four wheels. You're probably already familiar with four-wheeled strollers, since this is the classic design. Four-wheeled models are great for general use, such as trips to the store, use on the school run, and rolling about town. Three-wheeled models are slightly less stable than standard four-wheeled options, but they compensate for that in maneuverability. The three-wheeled design gives you a much tighter turning radius and is also best for jogging, as long as the front wheel can be locked in a forward-facing position. Also consider the size of the wheels — larger wheels give your baby a smoother ride on uneven ground.
Trying to fold your stroller with your baby in one arm while attempting to control a rambunctious toddler can be a nightmare. Luckily, some Britax strollers have an exceptionally simple one-handed folding mechanism. These models simply fold in half, however, so they're not especially compact when folded, which is bad news for anyone with a small trunk.
Although they can vary slightly, the majority of car seats included in a Britax travel system have a maximum weight of 35 pounds, and the majority of strollers included in a Britax travel system have a maximum weight of 55 pounds. Assuming you kids don't outgrow it lengthwise or widthwise, your child could be in their car seat until the age of two or three and in their stroller until they get too old to need a stroller.
The stroller canopy shades your baby from the sun. In fact, most Britax strollers have canopies with UV 50+ protection and an extra-large footprint in order to cast more shade. In a handful of stroller models, there's a peekaboo window in the top of the canopy, allowing you to keep an eye on your little one. Some Britax car seats also feature UV-protective canopies, although they don't have windows.
The stroller should have a storage basket beneath the seat, which is handy for carrying baby and toddler supplies such as diapers, bottles, sippy cups, snacks, and changes of clothes. Some models also include additional zippered storage pouches for valuables or other important items.
Britax travel systems tend to have an "infinite recline" feature. Of course, it's not literally infinite, but you can recline your baby's seat to a near-flat or fully flat position. You can also set it to any degree of incline, rather than being limited to preset notches or stages.
You'll find Britax travel systems in a range of colors and patterns, from basic black to adorable cow print. The color you choose comes down to personal preference, as it doesn't affect the performance in any way. That said, black does absorb more heat, so your baby might feel hotter in an all-black stroller or car seat.
Britax travel systems are mid-priced compared to those from other brands. The most affordable option costs around $350, while the most expensive will run you around $550. Expect to pay roughly $400 for an average Britax travel system.
Q. Why choose Britax over any other brand?
A. Britax has been manufacturing car seats since the 1960s, and so has the advantage of experience. Although known for making quality products, they tend to be far more affordable than some high-end brands.
Q. How do you fix the car seat into your car?
A. The car seat portion of your travel system must be securely fixed in your car. The vast majority of Britax car seats come with a base that you can keep fixed in place in your car, allowing you to simply click the seat in place on top of it, which saves the hassle of manually fixing it in place each time. However, you can also choose to use the LATCH system, assuming your car is compatible with it (as are nearly all vehicles made after September 1, 2002).
Q. Are Britax travel systems suitable for use on rough ground?
A. This partially depends on the model you choose — large-wheeled and three-wheeled strollers are easier to push "off-road" — but any Britax can be used on rough ground.
