A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system with car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. They can be costly.
These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families who spend much of their time in the car.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from the car to stroller without disturbing them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat could be what you need. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and stroller that connect and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet included that can be used as a safe alternative for a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than buying the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat are not right for your family later the majority of brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with a different stroller.
When you are looking for a travel set, be aware that the majority of these sets include an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used within the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat and using it after this time, you should look for a model with an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can be used as a booster for older children. This is a nice feature, but it may not be suitable for your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Our editors' top picks, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features to help you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also has a built-in drape canopy that protects the baby who is sleeping. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who regularly use ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who do errands, or transport their children on public transport such as trains and buses. It is easy to transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double as your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and infant car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly convert into chariots for two. This feature is crucial in the event that you plan to use the car seat for your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combinations have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps attached to the base to fix it. In our tests this method, it was more difficult to master than one-step process of the Doona. It can pose a safety risk if you misplace or forget to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you must take into consideration whether the infant car seat and stroller will work together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. The car seats can't be attached to strollers once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with the seatbelt booster when your child is no longer in the car seat for infants, but is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for newborns through the early years of childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants and you are looking at buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can be used by older children and toddlers. Always make sure your infant car seat is fitted correctly. Don't remove it from your car without first removing the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos allow you to easily transfer infants from the car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to get them up. This is particularly useful when you're on the go or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, choose an automobile seat that connects to a stroller with an incredibly strong LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe when in use and will not come loose or fall off in transit. Car seat and stroller combos that be used with or without bases are also great options for vehicles that ride-share.
When purchasing a travel set make sure you check the weight and age limits 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 designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. Many of these car seats switch to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or can snap into a stroller that is compatible. Stanton insists that you be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it's time to make sure that your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of both the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer to buy separate items to create their own travel system and others prefer to buy pre-packaged strollers and car seats it is not unusual for companies to offer these sets. These are often priced lower than purchasing the items separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. pram 2in1 offers a smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket that can hold everything your baby needs. The car seat is low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It has a quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and it folds with one hand.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the convenience of transferring your baby from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to consider one. You should also choose a model that's stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a range of other features to make it comfortable for your child and yourself.
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 typically come with an all-in-one car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even include a bassinet for naps (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better when they are in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and robust, making them simple to move, push, and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can hold several shopping bags. You should also consider how small the car seat and stroller fold to make storage easier.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with an adult car seat when your child is no longer using it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than a year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-share services or commutes via train or bus.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also certified for air travel, so you can hop on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller so you can take your child on excursions around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any wardrobe.