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 and a stroller that can work together. They can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them. This is a great choice for families who spend much of their time on the go.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only models because they usually include an infant car seat as well as the stroller. They are suitable for infants as well as older children. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that we have listed include a bassinet, which can be used as a secure alternative to a traditional stroller during naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with car seat could cost more than separate items but you'll probably save time and money if you buy them as a set. And if you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't quite right for your family, a majority of brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your chosen car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
When shopping for a travel set keep in mind that most of these sets come with an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used in the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat and using it beyond this point, consider a model with a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler's seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems have an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. This is a nice option, but it may not be appropriate for your lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a couple of years, look through our top choices for car seats and strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with an integrated drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles that do not have a base, making it an ideal option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who frequently run errands or take their babies on public transport like buses and trains. They let you easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double as your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot for two. This is particularly crucial if the car seat will be your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complex conversion methods. It is possible to manually connect the car seat to stroller or strap it to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It could pose an accident hazard in the event that you lose or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you must take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat will work as long as you require them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. The car seats can't be attached to strollers once they are 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 is no longer in the infant car seat, but is too big to fit into traditional strollers.
The ideal combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for infants and children in the early years of childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants it is recommended to consider buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been fitted correctly. Do not remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller and in reverse, without disrupting or waking them. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you are conducting errands or travel. To ensure extra security, opt for a car seat that is attached to a stroller via an incredibly strong LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will be safe while being used and won't fall off or loosen during transportation. Car seat and stroller combos that work with or without bases are also great options for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limits for the stroller as well as the car seat. The majority of the infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. Many of these car seats then switch to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the vehicle or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. Stanton advises parents to be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it's time to make sure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and design their own travel system, it's not uncommon for companies to offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. They are usually priced lower than purchasing the items separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for added security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat features an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness settings and an insert that is cushioned to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean, and it folds with one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system to enjoy the ease of moving your child from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to look into one. You also want to choose one that is stylish, easy to maneuver, and has a number of other features that ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one box to allow a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it and some include the option of a bassinet attachment to allow naptime strolls (safety research suggests that babies sleep better in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and robust, making them simple to push, maneuver and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for streets in cities as well as a large basket for cargo and can hold multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how the stroller and car seat can be folded to make it easier to store them.
Certain travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler seat as your child grows out of it, giving you an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
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 rigid system built into LATCH allows you to easily change from stroller to car seat and back. It's also approved for air travel, so you can board and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures across the world. pram 2in1 is available in a range of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.