A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as a stroller which are able to work together. However they can be expensive.
These combinations make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them. This is a great choice for families that tend to spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from car to stroller without waking them up, a travel system with the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat could be the thing you're looking for. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combos since they typically include an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They are suitable for both newborns and older children. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet included and can be used as a safe alternative for a traditional stroller during naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat could cost more than separate items however, you'll likely save time and money if you buy the two items together. If you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, most manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat alongside a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One important thing to remember when looking for a travel system is that they typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the car seat and using it after this point, consider one with an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can serve as a booster seat for older children. This is a great feature, but it might not be suitable for your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last a few years, check out our top choices for car seats and strollers. Our editors' top picks include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination are packed with features to help you and your baby remain comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with a built-in drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. These seats also come with LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles without a base. This is a great choice for families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
These are great for parents who run errands, or take their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without worrying about waking them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double as your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be clicked into position to instantly transform into chariots for two. This is particularly important if the car seat is your baby's sole vehicle seat.
pram 2in1 -car seat combinations may have more complex conversion methods. You may need to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or use straps attached to the base to ensure it is secured. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than one-step process of the Doona. It can pose a safety risk if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is convenient but 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 utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. The car seats can't be connected to a stroller after they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers product, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the car seat for infants, however, it is too large to fit into most conventional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for babies through the early years of childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with larger strollers that can be used by older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you should always ensure your infant car seat is installed properly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat allows you to easily transfer infants from the vehicle to a stroller, and reverse the process without disturbing or waking them up. Rothman says this is especially useful when you are doing errands or traveling. To ensure security, opt for an automobile seat that connects to a stroller with the rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure when in use and won't come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used without or with the base are a good option for vehicles that ride-share.
When you purchase a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. Typically, the infant car seats that are 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 into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle or converted into the stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to follow all instructions and labels, especially when it's time to make sure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel system, others prefer pre-packaged strollers and car seats It is not unusual to see companies to sell these sets. They are usually priced lower than buying the items individually. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. It is quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a headrest that is adjustable in four positions, four harness settings and padding to ensure the comfort of your child. It's easy to clean and comes with one-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the ease of moving your child from stroller to car and back without having to wake them up, that's not the only reason to consider one. You should also consider one with a sleek design, which is simple to use, and that has many other features for your child's comfort and yours.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one package for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually include a one-piece car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even include an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies show that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with two in one travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to maneuver, push, and fold. Choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can accommodate multiple shopping bags. Also, you should consider how small the stroller and car seat can be folded to make storage easier.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included 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 when you're planning on using the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families looking for an option that is all in one. It's easy to move from the car seat to the stroller and back again, with the built-in LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, so you can board and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, allowing you to take your little one on adventures around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.