The BabyStyle TS2 Travel System is a wagon with not too many frills that transported our baby Edith comfortably and in a good amount of style. It can be used in many incarnations with both forward and rear facing options. Take your pick with the Group 0+ car seat (suitable for 0-13kg), the pushchair with four different incline positions and a lie-flat newborn liner – all of which are included in the standard package. The shopping basket underneath the seat has loads of space and the rain cover is a doddle to put on. The car seat can be attached to the pushchair with an easy one-click fit.
What we love
The BabyStyle TS2 Travel System is wonderfully easy to manoeuvre with the (lockable) swivel wheels, especially on a bus or around tight corners. And this goes for all terrain we tested the TS2 on - tarmac, grass and gravel.
The lie-flat birth pack - which converts the stroller into a ‘pram environment’ - is a deliciously snugly cream fleece and mattress that’s nice and comfy. It initially takes some putting together but easy once you get the hang of it. With my 4-and-a-half-month-old baby we mainly use the pushchair itself with the flattest position, but the other standard accessories tick all the boxes for comfort and ease.
Then there’s the design! Black swirls on white, or vice versa. I have the white on black and it’s real pretty and particularly good in a big city where grime is a daily issue.
And we love a raincover that goes on in a flash. I’ve been caught out on in a park several times when the heavens have opened, but the BabyStyle TS2 Travel System raincover went on in a jiffy without fussy fastenings or Velcro strips that go everywhere.
The lightweight aluminium frame means it’s, well, light. And the insulated footmuff apron is snug and looks robust enough to combat the British winter.
What to watch out for
My main gripe – and a big one at that – is the BabyStyle TS2 Travel System’s folding mechanism. The manufacturers claim it’s a walk in the park, but in my experience it requires far too much pushing, shoving and pulling. To date I’ve not yet been able to do it with ease – and that’s even more the case while holding my little girl, because one seems to need both hands (or three, if that were possible).
The harness is a bit of a fiddle to adjust and the canvas padding not as soft as I’d like. The hood makes a loud clickity-clack sound when it’s adjusted, which can disturb a light-sleeping baby. Also, the seat incline adjuster feels a little flimsy.
And, finally, a bit more work should go into the instruction manual. Add more pictures and cut down on the words to make assembly less of a headache.
Who is the BabyStyle TS2 Travel System best for?
Parents after a good-looking, dependable and versatile travel system that’ll see them get change from £300.
At £299 the BabyStyle TS2 Travel System is excellent value for a three-in-one travel system. It’s not a packed with over-the-top extras or fancy frills, but it does all it promises, except fold up easily. It’s easy to manoeuvre with its swivel wheels, making it a winner in areas with tight corners or where there’s a crowd.
