A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that incorporates a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. However they can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families who are always in motion.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from the car to stroller without disturbing them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat might be the thing you're looking for. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combinations because they usually include an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They can be used for both newborns and older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combinations on our list have bassinet attachments as well which is a safe alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
A 2 in 1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, a majority of brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your selected car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel set is that these sets usually include a car seat for infants and a stroller that is designed to work together, and is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you are planning to keep the seat and using it after this point, consider an option with a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler car seat and has a higher weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can serve as a booster for older children. While this is a good option, it's not a necessity and may not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination are packed with features that will ensure that you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also has an integrated drape canopy that protects a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it an ideal choice for families who frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who regularly run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport such as buses and trains. They let you easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to transform to a double as your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot two. This feature is especially important if you plan to use the car seat as the baby's only car seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion methods. It is possible to manually connect the car seat to stroller or strap it to base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can pose dangerous if you misplace or forget to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat can work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats don't connect to strollers once they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers like the Doona can be used as a toddler car seat with the seat belt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too tall for most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for newborns through early childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants it is recommended to consider purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can handle older children and toddlers. Also, remember that you should always ensure the infant car seat is installed correctly and never remove it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from a car to a stroller and reverse the process without disturbing or waking them up. Rothman says this is especially useful when you're conducting errands or travel. For extra safety, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secure while in use and will not slide off or come loose in the course of transport. Combinations of strollers and car seats that can work without or with a base are also good options for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a travel system, check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat as well as the stroller. 2 in 1 pram of the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. Many of these car seats then transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the car or snap into a compatible stroller. It is essential to study the labels and follow instructions with care, says Stanton particularly when it comes to making sure your child's height and weight are within the proper weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer to buy separate items to create their own travel system and others prefer pre-packaged stroller and car seats It is not unusual to see companies to offer these sets. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them individually. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller features an easy ride, with a suspension that is all-wheel and springy and a large basket to hold all your baby's gear. The car seat is slim and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest with four positions and four harness heights as well as an insert that is cushioned for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean and it folds with one hand.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the ease of moving your baby from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to look into one. You also want to choose one that is stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and you.
Travel systems that are the most efficient include an infant car, stroller and car seat base in one box to help you to transition from your vehicle to the street. These systems typically include an all-in-one car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even include an ottoman for napping (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to fold and move. Choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit multiple shopping bags. For easy storage, you should also check how the strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat when your child outgrows it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if a partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families who are looking for an all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also a certified air travel, which means you can board and get 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 across the globe. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.