A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as a stroller which work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great option for families that spend much of their time on the go.
Comfort
Travel systems that include an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combos because they usually include an infant car seat in addition to a stroller. They are suitable for both infants and older children. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet included and can be used as a secure alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat might cost more than separate products but you'll probably save time and money if you buy them as a set. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family in the future there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat with a different stroller.
When you are looking for a travel set, keep in mind that most of them come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used in the first year. If you are planning on keeping the car seat and using it beyond this point, consider an option that has an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to boost older children. This is a wonderful feature, but it might not be practical for your particular lifestyle.
Check out our top choices of car seats and strollers if you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo have numerous features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built-in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them a great option for families that frequently use ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who do errands, or transport their children on public transport such as trains and buses. It is easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double when you have a growing 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 place to instantly transform into chariots for two. This is particularly important if your car seat is your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that are attached to the base to fix it. In our tests this method, it was harder to master than the single-step method of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it may be a danger to your safety.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must also consider whether the infant car seat and stroller will work as long as you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. These car seats do not attach to strollers when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the car seat for infants, but it is too big to fit into traditional strollers.
The most effective combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for newborns to early childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system by a larger stroller which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Never remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos allow you to easily transfer infants from the car to the stroller and back again without disrupting them or having to get them up. This is especially useful when you're on the go or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure security, opt for a car seat which attaches to a stroller with a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe when it's in use and will not fall off or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are ideal for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a stroller, make sure you know the age and weight limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used for the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be transformed to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle, or snapped into the stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it comes time to make sure your child meets the weight and height requirements of the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items to create their own travel system, others prefer pre-packaged stroller and car seats it is not unusual to find companies that offer these sets. These are often priced lower than purchasing the items separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket that can hold all of your baby gear. The car seat is slim and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to install. The car seat features an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings, as well as padding to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and features a one-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system for the ease of moving your baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also consider an option with a fashionable design, that is easy to maneuver and 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 package for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually include a single car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. 2 in 1 prams include an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies show that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to fold and maneuver. Choose models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can fit many shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items it is important to know how small car seats and strollers can be when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with an adult car seat when your child has outgrown 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 a partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families seeking an option that is all in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH lets you easily change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also a certified air travel, which means you can get on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your baby to the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any outfit.