A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that incorporates a car seat gives parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that can work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combinations make it easy for parents to transport a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them up. This is a great choice for families who spend a lot of time on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy way to transition your baby from the car to stroller without disturbing them, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat might be 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 are suitable for toddlers and newborns. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that we have listed include a bassinet, which can be used as an alternative for a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat may cost more than separate products however, you'll likely save time and money if you buy the two items together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family in the future the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat in conjunction with an alternative stroller.
When looking for a travel set keep in mind that most of these sets come with an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. They are intended to be used within the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat after this time, choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and is able to support a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to boost older children. While this is a nice option, it's not a necessity and might not be practical based on your life style.
Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats to find an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Our editors' top picks, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo come with a variety of features to ensure that you and your baby remain comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also features an integrated drape canopy to protect children who are snoozing. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on cars that don't have a base. This is a great choice for families that frequently use ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who often run out for errands or take their child out on public transport such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed to a double as you have a growing family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot for two. This is especially important if your car seat will be the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated conversion methods. You may have to manually connect the car seat to stroller or attach straps to the base to secure it. In our tests this method, it was harder to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. It could pose an accident hazard when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you should be aware of whether the stroller and car seat for your infant will work together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats are not attached to a stroller once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit into traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for newborns through the early years of childhood. When your child grows out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with larger strollers which can be used for older children and toddlers. Always ensure that your infant car seat is properly installed. Do not remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back again without disrupting them or having to get them up. This is especially helpful when you're doing errands or traveling, according to Rothman. For added security, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller via a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is safe while used and will not come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of strollers and car seats that can work with or without a base are good options for ride-share vehicles.
When looking for a new travel system, check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and stroller. Most infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing, and are only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle or converted into the stroller. It is essential to read the labels and follow the instructions with care, says Stanton, especially when it comes down to ensuring your child is within the proper weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products to create their own travel system, others prefer to buy pre-packaged stroller and car seats it is not unusual for companies to sell these sets. These sets are typically less expensive than buying them separately. For prams 2 in 1 , UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has smooth riding with springy all-wheel suspension and a large basket to store all your baby's gear. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. It has a quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has an adjustable headrest with four positions and four harness heights as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, making it convenient for storage.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system for the convenience of transferring your child from car to stroller and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also look for a model with a stylish design, that is easy to move around and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
The best 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 into a compatible stroller and some include an attachment for a bassinet for naptime strolls (safety research shows that babies sleep best in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and sturdy, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate several shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items it is important to know how the strollers and car seats are when folded.
Some travel systems let you change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child grows out of it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 1-2 years use. That's a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. The rigid system built into LATCH lets you easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can hop on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to double strollers, allowing you to take your child on adventures around the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will fit in with any outfit.