A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system with car seat provides parents with the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that can work together. However 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. This is a great choice for families that tend to spend the majority of their time on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without waking them up an infant car seat, a travel system that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat may be just the thing you're looking for. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combos since they typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They are suitable for infants as well as older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combos that make our list have an attachment for a bassinet and can be an alternative to a stroller for naps.
While a two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat might cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money by buying them as a set. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family later there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat with a different stroller.
One thing to be aware of when looking for a travel system is that these sets typically include an infant car seat and a stroller made to work in tandem, which is intended to be used in the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the seat after this point you should choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature a second seat that can be used as a booster for older children. While this is a great option but it's not essential and may not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top choices for car seats and strollers. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo come with a variety of features that will aid you and your baby to stay comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also features an integrated drape canopy that can protect the baby who is sleeping. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles that do not have a base, making it an ideal option for families who regularly use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who frequently run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport like 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 best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to transform to a double as your family grows. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot two. This feature is particularly important in the event that you plan to use the car seat as your baby's sole car seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complex conversion methods. pram 2 in 1 is possible to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or use straps attached to base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you misplace or forget the straps, it can cause a safety risk.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat can work together for as long as you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats are not connected to a stroller after they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the infant car seat, but is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
The most effective combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system by an extra large stroller that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Also, remember that you should always ensure the infant car seat is fitted properly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to transfer infants from the car to the stroller and back without disrupting them or having to wake them up. This is especially helpful when you're doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure extra security, opt for a car seat which attaches to a stroller using the rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure while in use and will not slide off or loosen during transit. Combinations of strollers and car seats that can work with or without a base are also good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When looking for a new travel system, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only intended for use for the first 12 months of a child's life. These car seats can be transformed into a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle or converted into the stroller. It's important to study the labels and follow all instructions with care, says Stanton, especially when it comes down to ensuring your child is within the appropriate weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller is smooth ride, springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket that can hold everything your baby needs. The car seat is low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat features an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings, as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and has a 1-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the convenience of transferring your child from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, that's not the only reason to look into one. You should also consider a model that's elegant, well-balanced, and has a number of other features that make it comfortable for your child and you.
The best travel systems most effective include an infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one box to allow you to transfer from your car to the street. They usually include an all-in-one car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to move, push, and fold. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front to allow for city streets and a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. For easy storage, you should also check how the strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat when your child is no longer using it. This allows you to enjoy an additional two years of use. That's a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes via bus or train.
pram 2 in 1 in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families looking for a solution that is all-in one. It's easy to transfer from car seat to stroller, and back, with the built-in LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, so you can hop on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into double strollers, allowing you to take your baby to the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any wardrobe.