A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos make it simple for parents to transport a sleeping baby from stroller to car and back without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families that tend to spend the majority of their time in the car.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy way to transition your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat may be just the thing you're looking for. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that can be linked and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car seats and strollers combinations on our list come with bassinet attachments as well, which can be a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than buying the two items separately, however you'll save time and money by purchasing them all at once. And if you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, many brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your selected car seat alongside a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
pushchair 2 in 1 to be aware of when shopping for a travel set is that these sets typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is meant to be used in the first 12 months. If you are planning to keep the car seat and using it beyond this point, consider one that has an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems include an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. This is a great feature, but it may not be appropriate for your lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo have numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with an integrated drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it a perfect option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who frequently run errands, or take their children on public transport like buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
pushchair 2 in 1 of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you grow your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly convert into chariots for two. This is particularly important if the car seat is your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion methods. You may need to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or attach straps to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can pose a safety risk if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient however, you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can work as long as you require them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns one. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with a seatbelt booster after your child is no longer in the car seat for infants, but it is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
The most effective combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system by an extra large stroller that can be used by older toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Never remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back again without disrupting them or having to awake them. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you are doing errands or traveling. To ensure extra safety, select a car seat which attaches to a stroller with a rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain safe while being used and will not slide off or come loose in transportation. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also an excellent option for vehicles that ride-share.
When purchasing a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are only designed for use for the first 12 months of the child's life. Many of these seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the vehicle or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. Stanton insists that you read all labels and instructions, especially when it's time to ensure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items and build their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies sell pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These sets are usually cheaper than buying them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat comes with a four-position adjustable headrest, four harness settings and a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to buy one. You should also consider an option with a fashionable design, that is easy to maneuver, and that has many other features for your child's safety and for your own.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one box for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a compatible stroller, and some even offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls during nap time (safety research shows that babies sleep better in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and sturdy, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make storage easier it is important to know how the strollers and car seats are when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat once your child has outgrown it. This allows for an additional 1-2 years use. This is a great option if you're planning on using the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes by bus or train.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. It's easy to transfer from a car seat to a stroller and back again, thanks to the LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also a certified air travel, so you can get on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures around the globe. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.