A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as a stroller that can are able to work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combinations make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them up. This is an excellent option for families who are constantly moving.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller easy. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combos since they typically include an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They can be used for infants as well as older children. A lot of the car seat and stroller combinations on our list come with bassinet attachments as well and can be an alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A 2 in 1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the items separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. And if you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't the right fit for your family, many brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your chosen car seat with a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When looking for a travel set, be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. They are intended to be used during the first year. If you intend to keep the seat after this point, choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to support older children. This is a wonderful feature, but it may not be practical for your needs.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top choices for car seats and strollers. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo come with a variety of features to help you and your baby remain comfortable. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built in drape canopy to protect children who are snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base, making it an ideal choice for families who frequently use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who frequently run out for errands or take their child out on public transport like trains and buses. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be turned to a double as you have a growing family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot two. This is particularly important if the car seat is the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other stroller and car seat combos have more complex conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps attached 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. prams 2 in 1 can pose an accident hazard if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should also consider whether the stroller and car seat for your infant can work together for as long as you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers, such as the Doona, can be used as a car seat for toddlers with a seat belt booster after your child outgrows the infant car seat but is too tall to fit into most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for infants and toddlers until 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 bigger model that can handle older children and toddlers. Always ensure that your infant car seat is properly installed. Never remove it from the car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos allow you to easily move infants from their car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or having to get them up. This is especially useful when you're doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that attaches to the stroller with either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured during use and won't fall off or become loose during transit. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used without or with the base are also a good option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When purchasing a travel set make sure you check the weight and age restrictions for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only intended for use for the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle or converted into a stroller. It's important to study the labels and follow instructions with care, says Stanton especially when it comes down to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the proper weight and height limits for both the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer buying separate items to create their own travel system, others prefer to buy pre-packaged stroller and car seats It is not unusual for companies to sell these sets. They are usually priced lower than buying the items individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller 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 everything your baby needs. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. It is quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean and features a one-hand fold, making it convenient for storage.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy 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 one that is stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The best travel systems most efficient include the infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base all in one box to make it easier for you to transfer from your vehicle to the street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer a bassinet attachment for strolls to nap (safety research shows that babies sleep best in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate many shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how small car seats and strollers fold when folded.
Certain travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families looking for a solution that is all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. It is also certified for air travel so you can board and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller so you can take your child on excursions around the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.