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 that can are able to work together. They can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families that are constantly on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them, a travel system with the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat could be what you need. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that click together, and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that we have listed have a bassinet attached, which can be used as an alternative for a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A 2 in 1 travel system that comes with a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't the right fit for your family, a majority of manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
When you are looking for a travel set, keep in mind that most of these sets come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used during the first year. If you are planning on keeping the car seat and using it after this period, look for an option that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a higher weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional 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 practical depending on your 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. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These products 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. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them a great option for families who regularly use ride-sharing or have two cars.
prams 2 in 1 are perfect for parents who frequently run errands or take their children on public transport like buses and trains. They let you easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert to 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 them into chariots that can accommodate two. This feature is crucial when you intend to use the car seat as the baby's sole car seat.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion procedures that require you to manually attach the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps that attach to the base to hold it in place. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It could pose dangerous when you forget or misplace the straps to attach the straps before using the travel system.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should be aware of whether the infant car seat and stroller will work together for as long as you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. These car seats cannot be connected to a stroller after they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models like the Doona, can be used as a toddler car seat with a seat belt booster after your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too tall for the majority of strollers.
The most effective combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for newborns to early childhood. When your child is no longer in the infant car seats it is recommended to consider purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you must always make sure the infant car seat is set up properly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from a car to a stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing or waking them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you are running errands and traveling. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that is attached to the stroller using either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain safe while being used and won't fall off or loosen during transit. Car seat and stroller combos that can work with or without a base are good options for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. Most infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be transformed to a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the car, or snapped into the stroller. It is important to study the labels and follow instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes to ensuring your child is in the correct weight and height guidelines 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 buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats It is not unusual to find companies that to sell these sets. They're usually cheaper than purchasing the items separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket for everything your baby needs. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. It is quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings as well as a padded insert to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and has a 1-hand fold, making it ideal for storage.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the ease of moving your child from car to stroller and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to consider one. You should also consider a model with a stylish design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features to ensure your child's comfort and yours.
Travel systems that are the most effective include the infant car, stroller and car seat base all in one box to make it easier for you to move from your car to the street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it and some include an attachment for a bassinet for strolls during nap time (safety research shows that babies sleep best when in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and robust, making them simple to maneuver, push and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can hold several shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how small car seats and strollers fold when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler seat as your child grows out of it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. That's a great option if you plan to use the car seat for more than a year, or if your partner is frequently using ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families looking for an all-in one. It's easy to transfer from car seat to stroller and back thanks to the LATCH system that locks the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can get on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller, so you can take your child on excursions around the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.