A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that can work together. They can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them up. This is an excellent option for families that are constantly moving.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and stroller that connect and can be used with toddlers and newborns. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet attachment as well which is a safe alternative to a stroller for naps.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with car seat might cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing them all in one package. If you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't quite right for your family, a majority of brands have adaptors that let you to use your chosen car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
One important thing to remember when you are shopping for a travel set is that they typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work together, and is designed to be used in the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat after this point you should choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and has a greater weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can be used as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a nice option, it's not a necessity and might not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top picks for car seats and strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect for protecting a snoozing child. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base, making it an ideal option for families who regularly use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who frequently do errands, or transport their children 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 awakening them.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be turned to a double as you grow your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be clicked into position to instantly transform them into chariots for two. This is especially important if the car seat will be the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complex conversion methods. You may need to manually connect the car seat to stroller or attach straps to the base to secure it. In our testing this method was generally more difficult to master than the single-step method of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it can cause a safety risk.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you should also consider whether the stroller and car seat for your infant will work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 1. These car seats cannot be attached to strollers once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the car seat for infants, but it is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
The most effective combination is a car seat and stroller for newborns to early childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with an extra large stroller that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat has been fitted correctly. Do not remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat makes it easy to transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller and reverse the process, without disrupting or waking them. This is particularly useful when you're doing errands or traveling, according to Rothman. For added security, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller via the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while being used and will not slide off or loosen during transit. Car seat and stroller combinations that can work without or with a base are also good options for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only designed for use during the first 12 months of the child's life. These car seats can be changed into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. Stanton insists that you follow all instructions and labels particularly when it comes time to ensure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer buying separate items to build their own travel systems, others prefer pre-packaged strollers and car seats it is not unusual for companies offer these sets. They are usually priced lower than buying the products separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller offers a smooth ride with springy suspension on all wheels and a large basket to store all your baby's gear. The car seat is low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. It has a quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features an adjustable headrest with four positions, four harness heights and an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and features a 1-hand fold, making it convenient to store.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, however, that's not the only reason to think about buying one. You should also consider one with a sleek design, that is simple to use, and that has many other features to ensure your child's safety and for your own.
The best travel systems best include the infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one package to allow you to transition from your car to the street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller and some include the option of a bassinet attachment to allow naptime strolls (safety research suggests that babies sleep best in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are light, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front to allow for city streets, a large cargo basket and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. To make storage easier, you should also check how compact strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat when your child grows out of it. This gives you an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is an excellent option for those who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families who are looking for a solution that is all-in one. The rigid system built into LATCH allows you to effortlessly change from stroller to car seat and back. 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 convert into double strollers, allowing you to take your baby on global adventures. pram 2 in 1 's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any wardrobe.