The Best Travel System for Newborns in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding the perfect travel system for your newborn can feel overwhelming, but we're here to simplify the journey. In this guide, we explore the best pushchair and car seat sets available in 2025, tailored for new parents on the go.

What is a Travel System?

A travel system typically comprises a pushchair and a compatible car seat that can be easily transferred from the car to the stroller. This seamless transition is ideal for parents, as it allows for hassle-free travel without disturbing your little one. Look for systems that offer sturdy construction, easy folding mechanisms, and ample storage for all your baby essentials.

Travel systems are designed to combine convenience, safety, and comfort, making them an essential part of baby gear for families who are frequently out and about. The best travel system for newborn 2025 models often feature a bassinet attachment or a stroller seat that can fully recline to provide a lie-flat position, which is crucial for the healthy development of newborns.

Top Picks for 2025

Joie Baby Finiti Travel System: Renowned for its lightweight design and exceptional manoeuvrability, this system includes the Sprint i-Size car seat that clicks securely into the stroller base. With a padded seat and harness system, it ensures a snug and comfortable fit for your newborn. The frame is robust yet lightweight, providing excellent stability while remaining easy to handle. The stroller features a one-hand fold and a large shopping basket, making it ideal for busy parents who need an everyday stroller that can keep up with their lifestyle.
Nuna TRIV Next Travel System: This versatile option boasts an adjustable handlebar and puncture-proof tyres, perfect for navigating various terrains. The included PIPA car seat offers side-impact protection and is suitable for infants up to 12 months. The seat fully reclines to a lie-flat position, ensuring your baby's comfort during naps. The sturdy frame supports a smooth ride, and the extendable canopy adds extra protection from the elements, making this a premium option for parents seeking durability and style.
Bugaboo Butterfly Travel Stroller: Known for its stylish and premium pushchair frame, this system has high safety ratings and a spacious seat with mesh panels for breathability. The stroller folds compactly with a quick one-hand fold mechanism, making it perfect for parents seeking a travel system that combines elegance with functionality. Its full-size design offers ample room for your child to grow, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a long-lasting everyday stroller.

Many of the top travel strollers in 2025 come with features such as swivel wheels for easy navigation through busy city streets and all-wheel suspension to provide a smooth ride on rough terrain. Additionally, these systems often include rain covers and large shopping baskets underneath the stroller frame, enhancing convenience during everyday life.

The Importance of the Infant Car Seat in a Travel System

The infant car seat is a critical component of any travel system, providing safety and comfort for your newborn during car journeys and beyond. Modern infant car seats are designed to be lightweight yet robust, making them easy to carry and transfer between the car and stroller frame. Look for features such as side-impact protection, adjustable harness systems, and compatibility with multiple vehicles.

Many of the best travel systems include infant car seats that meet or exceed UK safety standards, ensuring peace of mind for parents. The ability to securely click the car seat into the stroller frame allows for seamless transitions, reducing the need to disturb your sleeping baby. Some systems even offer swivel car seats or rotating bases for easier installation and removal.

Why a Lightweight Stroller Matters for New Parents

A lightweight stroller is a game changer for parents navigating busy city life or frequently travelling. Lightweight strollers are easier to carry, fold, and manoeuvre, making outings with your newborn less stressful. Whether you're hopping on public transport, walking through crowded streets, or loading the stroller into the car boot, a lightweight design enhances convenience.

Despite their lightness, many modern lightweight strollers do not compromise on durability or comfort. Features such as four-wheel suspension, padded seats, and adjustable handlebars contribute to a smooth ride for both baby and parent. Lightweight strollers with swivel wheels also offer excellent manoeuvrability on bumpy ground and rough terrain, ensuring your child's comfort wherever you go.

The Benefits of a Compact Fold for Travel Systems

A compact fold is one of the biggest selling points for travel systems in 2025. Strollers that fold down quickly and compactly make it easier to store them in the car boot, carry them on public transport, or tuck them away at home. Many of the top travel systems feature a one-hand fold or easy folding mechanism, allowing parents to collapse the stroller while holding their baby or bags.

Compact fold designs also help when navigating airport security and storing the stroller in overhead bins during flights. This feature is especially valued by frequent travellers who need to move quickly through busy terminals. Some models even come with a travel bag or carry strap for added portability.

Car Seat Compact Strollers: The Ultimate Convenience

Car seat compact strollers combine the safety of a car seat with the convenience of a compact stroller, making them an excellent choice for parents who are always on the move. These systems allow you to attach the infant car seat directly to a compact stroller frame, creating a seamless travel solution that is both lightweight and easy to handle.

The compact design ensures that the stroller easily fits into the car boot or can be carried effortlessly during travel. Many car seat compact strollers also feature a one hand fold, making it simple to collapse the stroller quickly and efficiently. This ease of use is a major advantage for parents juggling multiple tasks or managing busy schedules.

Travel Stroller Features to Look For

When shopping for a travel stroller, consider models that offer a combination of comfort, safety, and portability. A good travel stroller should have:

One Hand Fold: This feature allows parents to fold the stroller quickly with just one hand, which is especially useful when carrying a baby or other items.
Swivel Wheels: For smooth navigation through crowded or tight spaces, swivel wheels enhance manoeuvrability.
All-Terrain Capability: If you plan to use the stroller on rough terrain or bumpy ground, look for robust wheels and suspension systems.
Spacious Basket: A large basket provides ample storage for essentials like diaper bags, rain covers, and shopping.
Adjustable Handlebar: This ensures comfort for parents of different heights and makes pushing easier.

Travel strollers that combine these features provide a smooth ride for your baby and ease of use for parents, making outings more enjoyable.

Key Features to Consider

When selecting the best travel system for your newborn, consider the following features:

Safety Ratings: Ensure the car seat meets UK safety standards and has received positive reviews from parents.
Ease of Use: Look for systems with one-hand folding capabilities and intuitive car seat adjustments.
Comfort: A well-cushioned stroller seat with adequate support is crucial for your baby's comfort during travel.
Adaptability: Choose a system that can grow with your child, accommodating them as they transition from newborn to toddler.
Compact Fold and Lightweight Stroller: A compact fold is essential for fitting the stroller into your car boot or carrying it on public transport. Lightweight strollers make it easier to manage quick trips and travel.
Accessories: Consider systems that come with useful accessories such as a bumper bar, cup holder, carry strap, and travel bag. These features add to the practicality of the stroller system.
Compatibility: Check if the travel system includes an infant car seat or if it is sold separately. Some systems are compatible with multiple vehicles, which is helpful for families with more than one car.

Budget Considerations

While it's tempting to opt for the most affordable options, investing in a quality travel system could save you money in the long run. Look for systems that offer durability and longevity. Many brands provide extended warranties, which can be beneficial as your family grows.

Affordable travel systems with great features are available at a reasonable price, offering value without compromising on quality. For example, some models include a bassinet attachment and a fully recline stroller seat unit, allowing for comfortable use from newborn baby through toddler stages.

Maintenance and Care Tips for Your Travel System

Proper maintenance can extend the life of your travel system and keep it functioning smoothly. Regularly clean the fabric parts according to manufacturer instructions, usually by removing and machine washing or spot cleaning. Check the wheels and suspension frequently to remove debris that could affect the smooth ride.

Lubricate moving parts and folding mechanisms as needed to ensure easy operation. Store your travel system in a dry, sheltered place to prevent rust or damage from the elements. Periodically inspect the harness system and brakes to maintain safety standards. Following these care tips will help your travel system remain reliable for years to come.

How to Transition from Newborn to Toddler Travel Systems

As your child grows, their needs from a travel system will change. Many travel systems include stroller seats that accommodate toddlers up to 22kg, but newborns often require a bassinet or fully reclined seat for proper support.

When your baby outgrows the bassinet or infant car seat, transition to the stroller seat unit, which often offers multiple recline positions and adjustable footrests for toddler comfort. Some systems allow you to reverse the seat direction, so your toddler can face you or the world as they become more curious.

Consider adding accessories like a ride board for older siblings or a snack tray for your toddler. Choosing a travel system with adaptability ensures you get the most use and value as your child grows.

How to Choose the Right Travel System for Your Lifestyle

Consider your daily routine, travel frequency, and terrain when selecting a travel system. For urban living, a compact stroller with swivel wheels and a compact fold is ideal. For rural or all-terrain use, look for sturdy tyres and suspension systems.

Understanding Car Seat Safety Standards

Familiarise yourself with the latest UK safety standards such as i-Size and R129 regulations. These standards ensure better protection in side-impact collisions and promote rear-facing travel for longer.

The Benefits of Rear-Facing Car Seats

Rear-facing car seats provide superior protection for newborns and infants, especially in the event of a collision. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) recommends keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible. Many travel systems now include rear-facing infant car seats that can be attached to the stroller frame for seamless transitions.

Why a Flat Recline Matters for Newborns

Newborns require a flat recline position to support healthy spinal development and ensure unobstructed breathing. Travel systems with stroller seats that fully recline or include a bassinet attachment provide this essential feature.

The Role of Suspension in a Smooth Ride

Good suspension systems, including four-wheel and all-wheel suspension, absorb shocks from rough terrain and bumpy ground, ensuring a comfortable ride for your baby and easier handling for parents.

The Importance of a Big Basket and Storage Options

A large shopping basket underneath the stroller frame allows parents to carry essential items such as diaper bags, rain covers, and shopping. Some travel systems also offer additional storage pockets or accessories like snack trays and cup holders.

Travel Systems for Older Children

Some travel systems are designed to accommodate older children with larger, more padded seats and higher weight limits. These systems often have adjustable handlebars and spacious seats to grow with your child.

Using a Ride Board for Toddlers

A ride board attachment allows older siblings to ride along, making outings easier for parents with multiple children. Check if your travel system is compatible with ride boards for added convenience.

How Wheels Affect Manoeuvrability and Terrain Handling

The size, material, and suspension of wheels make a huge difference in how a stroller handles different surfaces. Look for puncture-proof tyres and lockable swivel wheels for versatility on city streets and rough terrain.

The Advantages of a Snack Tray and Accessories

Snack trays provide a convenient spot for your child's snacks and drinks during outings. Many travel systems offer optional accessories such as rain covers, footmuffs, and travel bags to enhance usability.

Storing Your Travel System in an Overhead Bin

Frequent travellers should consider the stroller's folded dimensions to ensure it fits in aeroplane overhead bins. Cabin-approved travel systems make airport navigation smoother and reduce the hassle of checking bulky luggage.

Comparing Full Size Strollers and Travel Systems

Full size strollers often provide more comfort and storage but can be bulky and less portable. Travel systems balance convenience with functionality, offering car seat compatibility and compact folding for travel.

Maintenance Tips for Your Travel System

Regularly clean fabrics and check the wheels and folding mechanisms to ensure longevity. Store the stroller in a dry place and follow manufacturer guidelines to keep it in good condition.

Helpful Resources for New Parents

For additional guidance on travel systems and baby safety, these authoritative resources provide valuable information:

NHS Baby and Toddler Safety Guide – Official NHS guidance on keeping your baby safe
UK Government Baby Products Safety – Safety standards for baby equipment
Child Car Seats – Independent UK charity providing car seat advice
Mumsnet Pushchairs Forum – Community discussions and parent reviews
Which? Pushchair Reviews – Independent product testing and reviews

FAQs

What age is a travel system suitable for?

Travel systems are typically suitable from birth until your child reaches around 15kg, which is usually around 4 years old, depending on the model.

Can I use any car seat with any pushchair?

No, it's essential to use a car seat that is specifically designed to fit with your chosen pushchair. Most brands offer compatible car seats within the same travel system.

How do I know if a travel system is safe?

Check for compliance with UK safety regulations, look for reviews from other parents, and ensure it has been tested for crash safety standards.

Are travel systems easy to assemble?

Most travel systems are designed for easy assembly. Many come with clear instructions and require minimal tools. It's always a good idea to test the assembly before your first outing.

What is the best way to clean my travel system?

Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning guidelines. Generally, most fabrics can be removed and machine washed, while the frame can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

Conclusion: Finding the Best Travel System for Newborns

Choosing the right travel system involves balancing safety, comfort, convenience, and budget. Prioritise features like a lightweight stroller, compact fold, and a high-quality baby car seat to ensure a smooth start to your parenting journey. With the right system, you and your newborn can enjoy every outing with ease and confidence.