Best travel systems for newborns: tried and tested by parents

Tested by parents: Read our full Nuna Mixx review (older model)

An upgrade to the incredibly popular Nuna Mixx, the Nuna Mixx Next exudes comfort and style at every turn, with some significant improvements that have proven to be a huge hit with Mumsnet users and consumers alike. It can be used with a Nuna carrycot (without needing adapters) or with compatible car seats from Nuna, Maxi Cosi or Cybex using the car seat adapters included in the box.

Thanks to the comfortable seat, easy manoeuvrability, excellent storage and large all-terrain wheels, it easily takes our top spot as the best travel system you can buy today. It’s also worth mentioning that the Nuna Mixx Next is a Which? Best Buy and one of the top-scoring pushchairs in their lab tests.

While slightly heavier than the original model, improvements to the folding mechanism mean the Nuna Mixx Next now folds in upon itself, resulting in a more compact fold that’s around 16cm shorter than its predecessor. It conveniently self-stands, so you don’t need to worry about it getting the chassis dirty as you move it in and out of your car, although it's not a particularly portable travel system for public transport. The Nuna Mixx Next also has more durable rubber wheels than the original Mixx, with improved wheel suspension that can even tackle tricky terrain such as gravel or snow.  

It’s easy to steer (even one-handed), manoeuvres well around tight corners and obstacles, and tackles kerbs with ease. The leatherette handlebar also offers a choice of heights between 106cm and 115cm, making it easy to achieve a comfortable and natural hold for both petite and tall parents. We love the green and red indicators on the brake pedal that provide quick visual reassurance that the brake is engaged - ideal when you’re travelling around a busy urban environment.

Suitable from birth using the lie-flat recline, the Nuna Mixx Next has a comfortable all-season and machine-washable seat with a removable cosy padded liner and a mesh back for breathability during the warmer summer months. The included rain cover offers good protection from the elements on wet days and, although it's a little noisy to extend, the UPF 50+ hood with a viewing window provides good coverage from the sun. It’s even water-repellent, so if an unexpected downpour comes your way, your baby will still stay warm and dry. 

We love how the five-point harness can keep your baby safe and secure but converts to a more convenient three-point harness as your baby grows. If your child tends to nod off on their travels, you’ll also appreciate the one-handed, five-position recline, allowing you to switch from upright to lie flat quickly and easily. The two-handed fold on the Nuna Mixx Next does require some force, but once folded, the pushchair sits relatively compact - although if using it with the carrycot you’d need to remove this first. 

When it comes to storage, the Nuna Mixx Next has an under seat basket with a 4.5kg capacity, which isn’t as generous as the likes of the UPPAbaby Vista V2 , but is easy to access from all directions and provides plenty of space for your newborn essentials. It can even be split into two distinct compartments using the interior wall if required. 

Read next: The best lightweight strollers and buggies

Tested by parents: Read our full Maxi-Cosi Zelia review (older model)

The Maxi-Cosi Zelia³ Luxe pushchair may have one of the lowest price tags of all the travel systems on our list, but it's still up there in terms of both design and quality. 

While the original Maxi-Cosi Zelia (now discontinued) was only suitable for babies up to 15kg, the Zelia³ Luxe offers greater longevity, lasting until your baby weighs 22kg, which is approximately four years old. While slightly heavier than the original model, the shopping basket capacity has also doubled (from 5kg to a whopping 10kg) providing valuable additional storage space for your changing bag or other essentials during a day out with your baby.

One of the major selling points of the Maxi-Cosi Zelia³ Luxe is the 2-in-1 seat that quickly converts into a newborn bassinet without the need to purchase a separate carrycot - ideal for those who are limited in storage space at home. Our parent tester loved this feature stating, “It saves space in the house and it means the carrycot doesn't become obsolete once your baby is sitting.” Weighing 10.7kg, it’s also a more lightweight option than some of the multi-terrain models such as the Mamas and Papas Ocarro (see below). 

The lie-flat bassinet is suitable from birth and can easily be transformed into a pushchair seat when your baby reaches six months. With a comfortable padded inlay, it offers plenty of space and support for your child as they grow. Alternatively, the Maxi-Cosi Zelia³ Luxe can be used with a compatible Maxi-Cosi car seat, such as the Mumsnet-recommended Maxi Cosi Pebble Plus (using adapters) for a convenient transition between your car and the street.

Described as a compact, urban stroller, the Maxi-Cosi Zelia³ Luxe is easy to steer and handles pavements and kerbs with ease, however it may struggle off-road, such as on gravel, mud or sand. It’s also worth noting that while the handlebar height is adjustable, this is only by a small margin, so if you’re particularly tall you may find this pram less comfortable to push. 

We like the significant coverage provided by the sun hood and, thanks to the viewing window, you can discreetly check on your baby without waking them if they nod off during your journey. 

The fold requires two hands, but this is relatively straightforward to do. The pushchair clips together for compact storage and can self-stand. There’s also an in-built carry handle which can help distribute the weight should you need to carry it up and down the stairs. 

We love the improvements to the basket when compared to the original Maxi-Cosi Zelia, which although a little trickier to access when being used in bassinet mode, offers plenty of storage space, with a discreet pocket inside to stash valuable items such as your keys and phone. 

Read next: Our in-depth Didofy Stargazer review

Tested by mum of two, Laura: Read our full iCandy Orange 4 review

The iCandy Orange 4 is a well-built and adaptable travel system designed for growing families. With a maximum child weight of 25kg—around age four—it’s built to last and its ability to convert into a double or twin pushchair makes it a practical option for parents planning ahead.

Aesthetically, it maintains iCandy’s sleek and premium feel, available in six neutral colourways with interchangeable Colour Splash canopies in shades like Pistachio, Fossil and Rose. Parent tester Laura, who tried the Fossil Grey version, described it as looking “sophisticated yet chunky,” with a breathable seat fabric and a plush fur liner that adds a touch of luxury.

Performance-wise, the Orange 4 has been refined from its predecessors, featuring puncture-proof wheels and a four-wheel suspension system that delivers a smoother ride across different terrains. The seat reclines with a simple one-handed mechanism, making adjustments easy while the handlebar can be set to five different positions, catering to parents of varying heights.

Another thoughtful touch is the adjustable carrycot and seat height, which, when used with elevators, can bring your baby closer. The pushchair also folds with the seat still attached, which is a definite convenience compared to some bulkier models that require more disassembly.

One of the Orange 4’s biggest strengths is its versatility. With 30+ configurations, it transitions seamlessly from a single to a double or twin stroller making it a worthwhile investment for families planning for a second child. As a travel system, it’s compatible with car seats, such as the iCandy Cocoon Car Seat, and includes adapters for added ease. The carrycot is spacious and well-padded, offering a comfortable, lie-flat space for newborns, which is ideal for longer outings. Storage is another plus—the extra-large 64-litre basket can hold up to 10kg, providing plenty of room for shopping, changing bags, or even a scooter.

Compared to previous models, the Orange 4 has seen some useful upgrades. The suspension is softer, the seat recline is more intuitive, and the breathable (and interchangeable) sun canopy is now water-repellent. Other refinements include integrated changing bag clips, a pop-up harness, a removable zip carry bag on the seat unit, and an integrated Ride-On-Board—a great addition for an older sibling who wants to hop on for a ride.

However, no pushchair is without its flaws. Laura found the five-point harness a little frustrating to use, as the shoulder and waist straps must be connected before clipping them into place. When dealing with a wriggly toddler, especially in bad weather, this can be fiddly and time-consuming. Additionally, at 12.1kg, the pushchair is quite heavy, which can make it tricky to lift into car boots or carry when folded. That said, given its versatility and durability, the weight is somewhat expected.

 Read next: The best double buggies, as tested by parents

While you may be less familiar with the name, Italian brand Venicci is one of the leading suppliers of quality pushchairs, officially launching in the UK back in 2011. If you’re looking for a versatile option, the Venicci Tinum Edge travel system makes an excellent choice, with a stylish and practical design combined with lots of additional accessories that make travelling with your baby a breeze.

With a reversible lie-flat seat, the Venicci Tinum Edge is suitable from birth to 22kg. The full bundle includes the Tinum carrycot and car seat, as well as a footmuff, rain cover, mosquito net, coordinating changing bag, changing mat and car seat adapters, meaning you’ve got pretty much everything you need to head out on travels with your baby in tow - whatever the weather may bring.

With some enhancements to the original Tinum, the Tinum Edge features a panoramic ventilation system to help keep your baby cool on sunnier days. It’s now easier to steer, even one-handed, tackling varied terrain well and navigating up and down kerbs without the need to exert too much effort despite its relatively heavy frame. 

While the sideless seat isn’t as padded or cushioned as the Nuna Mixx or BabyStyle Oyster 3, it has three different recline positions and can be used both world- and parent-facing depending on your preferences, or easily swapping between the two. It’s worth noting that although the straps are adjustable as your child grows, this is a manual process and can fiddly. That said, the integrated hood is quiet to operate and provides good sun coverage, with a handy viewing window that helps you keep a reassuring eye on your toddler when world-facing. 

If you’re a taller or petite parent or sharing the travel system with your partner of a different height, you’ll love the adjustable handlebar height on the Venicci Tinum, which can be adjusted with one hand between 90 and 104cm - a far greater range than some other travel systems on the market. 

The basket is a generous size and includes a zippable compartment for your valuables. While it’s stiff to operate, the centrally located brake is large and easily accessible - reassuring when travelling in busier surroundings.

Read next: The best pram toys for newborns

If you live in a more rural setting or simply love outdoor adventures with your baby, you’ll need a travel system that can take you from city pavements to woodland walks without compromise. The Mamas & Papas Ocarro 2 is exactly that- a luxury all-terrain pushchair that balances comfort, style and durability, making it one of the most versatile options in our guide.

Building on the success of the award-winning Ocarro, the Ocarro 2 introduces thoughtful upgrades designed to make family life on the go even easier. The overnight-sleep-approved carrycot offers flexibility for travel, while the plush lie-flat pushchair seat now comes with a removable newborn liner and soft head-hugger so your little one is snug and supported from birth. Parents will also appreciate the larger, easy-access basket, built-in tether strap, and the clever one-hand fold and carry feature, ideal when juggling baby, bags, and car keys all at once.

Of course, the Ocarro 2 retains the features that made the original a firm favourite. Expect large, robust multi-terrain wheels with four-point suspension that glide across pavements, kerbs, grass, sand and woodland paths, plus superior materials and premium finishes for a pushchair that looks as good as it feels. The height-adjustable handlebar, integrated chest pads, five-point harness and UPF50+ extendable sun canopy with ventilation panels are all still here, as is the much-loved one-handed fold that allows you to collapse it in one piece or two compact parts to suit your car boot space.

Available as a standalone pushchair or as part of a variety of bundle options, the Ocarro 2 offers excellent value if you’re looking for a complete travel system. Bundles can include everything from the carrycot and footmuff to changing bag, car seat (from brands like Cybex, Maxi-Cosi and BeSafe) adapters, ISOFIX base and more, depending on your family’s needs.

The Ocarro 2 is a little heavier and bulkier than most lightweight city strollers, so it’s less suited to regular public transport or tight storage spaces. But if you want a pushchair that will see your child from newborn to around four years old in comfort, and handle every kind of adventure along the way whilst carrying all your essentials like a changing bag, groceries and your phone and purse, it’s a standout choice..

Read next: Our full UPPAbaby Ridge review

Tested by parents: Read our full Bugaboo Fox 5 review

Released in March 2023, the Bugaboo Fox 5 is the much-awaited and updated version of the Fox 3, which has a great reputation for tackling varied terrain.

The Bugaboo Fox 5 offers some big improvements to Fox’s much-loved design. It manoeuvres better than its predecessor, offers more storage capacity and has a higher seat and bassinet. It also has an easier-to-operate and more compact one-handed fold, with an extendable footrest and canopy to help adapt to your child’s needs as they grow.

We like the large puncture-proof wheels and bouncy suspension, which provide a comfortable ride for both newborns and toddlers. The pushchair performed exceptionally well on different terrain, including muddy paths, gravel roads and woodland trails, when our parent tester, Beccy, put it through its paces.

Although the fold took time for her to master, Beccy found the one-handed fold and unfold invaluable when out and about with her two children. The handlebar can be adjusted between 92 and 108cm so it’s easy to find the most comfortable setting for your height. 

The generous 9kg storage basket with extendable flaps also adds to the appeal, with plenty of space to house a changing bag or your baby’s essentials. It is quite bulky when folded though, which means it might not be ideal if you have a small car boot.

The seat is easy to recline (almost a bit too easy, so approach with caution) and thanks to the large sun canopy, your baby will be safely shielded from the sun’s glare on bright sunny days. 

While this buggy offers comfort in spades for newborns, the Fox 5 is unique in that the seat and carrycot come as one unit, which some parents may find impractical. Switching from the carrycot to the seat is quite fiddly (requiring the removal of the hood and swapping out the base), however you may only need to do this once and not until your baby reaches six months.

Read next: The best running buggies

Tested by new mum, Emma: Read our full UPPAbaby Vista V3 review

The UPPAbaby Vista V3 is the latest in the brand’s popular travel system range, combining style, versatility, and practicality. With improved suspension and large, puncture-proof tyres, it delivers a smooth ride across city streets and country paths alike.

Suitable from birth with the included overnight-approved carrycot, it transitions seamlessly to the toddler seat from six months up to around age four. The seat is roomy, with a higher backrest, longer footrest, and an extendable canopy to keep growing children comfortable. Families can also adapt it into a double or add a buggy board for siblings, making it a future-proof option.

During testing, our parent tester and new mum, Emma, loved how spacious the Vista V3 feels: “The carrycot is spacious enough for our little one, Oscar, whilst giving a safe and comfortable place for him to lay. The built-in sunshade within the carrycot cover is so clever and easy to pop out when needed. The stroller feels sturdy and safe, with good suspension — even walking in our rural village over uneven paths, our son is always secure and sleeps without a hassle.”

The real standout, though, is storage. The Vista V3 boasts the biggest under seat basket on the market, holding up to 13.6kg and accessible from all sides. While the central chassis bar means you’ll need to angle in bulkier items, it still outshines rivals like the Bugaboo Fox 5, which maxes out at 9kg. For parents who don’t want to juggle bags, it’s a genuine game-changer.

Yes, it’s on the heavier side and requires a two-handed fold, but with its huge basket, long-term versatility, and premium finish, the Vista V3 more than earns its title as the best travel system for storage.

Read next: The best baby carrier backpacks to buy

The Joie Versatrax On the Go Encore bundle is a complete four-in-1 travel system that grows with your child from birth to four years. It includes the Versatrax multi-mode pushchair, i-Snug 2 infant car seat, Ramble™ XL carrycot, and i-Base™ Encore covering every stage from newborn naps to toddler adventures.

One of its standout features is the quick, compact fold. The Versatrax folds with the seat attached in either direction, can be collapsed one-handed, and once folded, it’s self-standing and easy to lift with its integrated carry strap. For a pushchair with all-wheel suspension, lockable front wheels, and genuine all-terrain ability, this space-saving fold is particularly impressive—making it just as practical for storage and transport as it is robust for everyday use.

The i-Snug™ 2 car seat meets the latest ECE R129 safety standard, with i-Size certification and side-impact protection. Paired with the i-Base™ Encore, you gain the added convenience of a 90° spin, easing the lift-in and lift-out routine.

Comfort is also at the heart of the bundle: the lie-flat seat works from day one, the Ramble™ XL carrycot adds newborn cosiness, and the pushchair seat itself is spacious and padded with adjustable straps and a removable bumper bar. Parents will also love the generous basket (4.5kg capacity) with easy access from all sides.

Yes, the Versatrax is on the heavier side, but its compact fold, self-standing design, and carry strap offset the bulk, making it manageable on the go.

At under £700, the Joie Versatrax On the Go Encore bundle offers excellent value: a travel system that combines rugged versatility with a remarkably compact fold.

Read next: The best 360 spin car seats

If you want a travel system that really stands out from the crowd, you’ll love the unique and stylish design of the newly launched Egg 3.

An upgrade from the original Egg stroller, the new Egg 3 travel system features some exciting improvements. The new design has a larger-sized seat which not only sits slightly higher on the chassis but also has a taller back and an easy-adjust harness to support your child as they grow, plus it has a larger, extendable sun canopy with magnets for the viewing window and easy one-pull, five-point harness system.  

Built with practicality in mind, the Egg 3 also has an increased basket size (compared to the original model) and the ability to self-stand when folded - preventing any unwanted damage to the handlebar or chassis when you’re packing it away. And if that's not enough, the wheels on the Egg 3 are also slightly larger, helping it perform better across more challenging terrain compared to its predecessor. 

With a distinctive design, this stylish pushchair is suitable for babies from six months through to an impressive 25kg, which could be up to five years of age - the highest capacity travel system we’ve featured. For younger babies, however, you’ll need to attach the carrycot, which comes with a sustainable, chemical-free soft cushioned mattress suitable for up to nine months, or clip on the aptly named Egg Shell car seat. It’s worth noting though that car seat adapters aren’t included, so you’ll need to factor this in as an extra when considering the overall purchase price. 

With a robust and sturdy design, the Egg 3 weighs in at a substantial 15.5kg - over 5kg heavier than the heaviest travel system on our list - which may be off-putting to some. Despite its weight, it’s surprisingly easy to steer, with a small turning circle and the ability to be steered one-handed, even across grass, gravel and mud. The four-wheel suspension tackles kerbs with ease, without jolting or waking your baby. 

Unlike the BabyStyle Oyster 3 and Nuna Mixx Next which can fold with the seat attached in either direction, the carrycot or pushchair seat need to be fully removed from the frame before you can fold it away. Once folded, the frame sits relatively compact and self stands without taking up too much space in your car. 

While it's on the higher end of the price scale for a travel system, this is certainly noticeable in its modern and stylish design, with great attention to detail including a height adjustable leatherette handlebar and matt chassis. 

Unlike some travel systems which have wheels that can look plasticity, the tri-spoke design on the Egg3’s puncture-free tyres is quite the opposite. They even leave a unique egg-shaped tread - a novel but lovely touch. There’s even an easily accessible flip-flop-friendly brake which uses only the base of your foot, so no squishing your toes in the process.

The basket capacity could be bigger considering the pushchair’s size, with a 3kg capacity which can fill quickly due to its shallow design, however it does come with concealed storage compartments to store smaller items like your phone or purse.

Read next: The best baby carriers, wraps and slings

The robust Cybex Priam comes well regarded amongst Mumsnet users and online reviewers. Thanks to its sturdiness, it’s a popular choice for parents living in a more rural or countryside setting. An updated version of the original Priam from 2019, the 2022 edition offers several big improvements including a one-handed adjustable harness, revised seat design and a carrycot that sits higher up on the chassis.  

Due to the lie-flat recline, the Priam 2022 is suitable from birth through to 22kg, but the seat is narrow so you may find your child outgrows it sooner than age four. The seat can be used parent- or world-facing and, to ensure a comfortable ride for your baby, you can switch between four different recline positions and three leg rest positions.

As a travel system, the Priam 2022 can be combined with the spacious Cybex Priam Lux carrycot (suitable until around nine months of age) or the Cybex Cloud T i-Size baby car seat using the included adapters - ideal when moving your newborn to and from the car. 

While it's not an all-terrain pushchair, the Cybex Priam 2022 handles the majority of surfaces well with the exception of sand. Its weighty design is less suited to public transport but can navigate well around pavements and kerbs, as well as tackle trickier terrain such as gravel and grass with relative ease. The handlebar height can be set between 99 and 109cm and is easy to adjust when switching between parents or caregivers.

The fold has several steps, but is relatively straightforward, folding to a compact size that won’t exhaust all the space in your boot. At 13.6kg, however, it’s quite bulky to lift and one of the heavier travel systems on our list. 

We love the large central brake pedal which is quick and easy to operate. The included rain cover is simple to install and the generously sized sun hood offers more than adequate sun protection, although you may find the sideless design of the seat can let through some glare. Thanks to the magnetic viewing window, you can keep a close eye on your baby even when the seat is world-facing. 

We’re less keen on the storage basket’s slanted design, which feels restrictive in terms of space, despite its 5kg capacity. That said, you will find some additional small pockets of storage on the back of the seat - a great way to keep your phone close to hand.

Read next: The best all-terrain prams

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Nuna Triv Next review

The second Nuna pram featured in our round-up of the best travel systems is the Nuna Triv Next - another Which? Best Buy that achieved the highest lab score of all the products on this list. An upgrade from the original Nuna Triv, the latest edition comes with an even lighter frame and updated wheels for improved handling across varied terrain. 

Suitable from birth to 22kg, the pushchair can be used parent-facing or world-facing, and reclines to one of four different positions, including a lie-flat option for newborns. Alternatively, you can combine the chassis with the comfortable padded Nuna Triv Series carrycot or the Nuna Triv car seat when travelling with a younger baby.

Despite weighing just 9.2kg, the Nuna Triv Next performs surprisingly well over rough terrain thanks to the robust rear wheel suspension, with the ability to navigate across gravel and woodland areas without any significant bumping. We love the five different height options on the leatherette handlebar, allowing for a safe and comfortable hold for parents of different heights. 

Whilst the relatively simple fold does require two hands, the result is a compact and lightweight pushchair that’s easy to carry thanks to the locking clasp and integrated carry handle. As a result, Triv Next is a practical choice for those travelling regularly on public transport. 

The generously sized sun hood can be a little noisy to extend, but is also water-repellent (ideal for those scattered showers) and provides good shade coverage, with a viewing window for discrete checks on your baby while they nap. We love the spacious 4.5kg storage basket which has elasticated sides and can be accessed from all directions, along with the extra zipped storage pocket to the rear of the seat. 

Read next: The best cabin-approved strollers to take on the plane

Tested by parents: Read our full Bugaboo Dragonfly review

A great option for those travelling around an urban environment on foot, the Bugaboo Dragonfly is designed specifically for city life. With a relatively lightweight frame, this buggy is much lighter than many other travel systems (with the exception of the Nuna Triv Next and Maxi-Cosi Zelia 2). 

Released in June 2023, the Bugaboo Dragonfly features a sliding harness, large extendable sun canopy, leather grip height-adjustable handlebar and huge storage basket with a rear storage pocket that detaches from the basket to be hung on the handlebars like a changing bag.

While the claim of a one-handed fold is debatable, the pushchair can self-stand once folded, making it easier to carry and store at home or on public transport. It also folds down with the carrycot attached - the first of its kind and a game-changer in the newborn days.

Thanks to its light frame, the Bugaboo Dragonfly is agile and easy to manoeuvre, with a small turning circle that makes it ideal for navigating through crowded city streets or narrow shop aisles.

Its large brake pedal is easy to engage. Parent tester, Laura, says, "The brake is one of the easiest I've used and holds effectively. You simply press the brake down with your foot to engage and disengage it, and this can even be done barefoot or with flip-flops."

As you may expect, however, the Bugaboo Dragonfly doesn’t fair quite so well as other travel systems on uneven ground and struggles in particular when it comes to bumping up kerbs.

Tested by mum of two, Mirain: Read our full Maxi-Cosi Oxford Premium Bundle review

The Maxi-Cosi Oxford Premium Bundle is a fully loaded travel system designed to make life easier for new parents. It includes a pushchair with seat and carrycot, matching accessories (changing bag, footmuff, rain cover, and more), the Pebble 360 Pro car seat, and the FamilyFix 360 Pro ISOFIX base, which swivels to make getting your baby in and out of the car much easier.

Mum of two Mirain tested it for three months with her six-month-old and toddler, and was impressed by how comfortable and user-friendly it was. She loved the high-quality carrycot mattress, fully reclining seat, and how compactly the pushchair folded — all without removing the seat, even in parent- or world-facing mode.

“It looks sleek and stylish, folds easily, and fits into a medium car boot,” she says. “The fold is a huge time-saver.”

There were a few minor niggles: the pushchair was tricky to lift over curbs, the fold requires two hands, and the car seat took some getting used to when fitting onto the ISOFIX base — but Mirain said it got easier with time.

Overall, the Oxford Premium Bundle offers great value, solid performance, and all the essentials for getting out with a baby (or two). Maxi-Cosi also offers simpler options in the same range — the Oxford 9-Piece Select Bundle and the Oxford Essentials Bundle.