A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat offers parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combinations make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back without disturbing them up. This is a great solution for families who spend a lot of time in the car.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transfer your baby from the car to stroller without awakening them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes a stroller seat and infant car seat might be what you're looking for. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked and can be used with toddlers and newborns. pram 2in1 of the car seat-and-stroller combos on our list come with bassinet attachments as well and can be an excellent alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat might cost more than separate products however, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing the two items together. And if you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, a majority of brands offer adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
When you are looking for a travel set, be aware that a majority of these sets include an infant car-seat as well as stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used during the first year. If you plan 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 include an additional seat that can be used to help older children. This is a great feature, but it might not be practical for your needs.
Check out our top choices of strollers and car seats If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for a long time. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination are packed with features that will ensure that you and your baby stay comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has an integrated drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This is a great choice for families that frequently use ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who regularly run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport like trains and buses. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about awakening them.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be converted to a double as you expand your family. We like 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 that can accommodate two. This feature is crucial if you plan to use the car seat as your baby's only car seat.
Other strollers and car seat combos have more complex conversion techniques that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps attached to the base to hold it in place. In our tests this method, it was more difficult to master than one-step procedure of the Doona. It can pose dangerous if you misplace or forget to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you must also consider whether the stroller and car seat for your infant can work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are made to be used until your child is 1. These car seats don't snap onto a stroller when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with the seatbelt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat, but it is too big to fit into traditional strollers.
The ideal combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. Once your child outgrows the car seats for infants it is recommended to consider purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Never remove it from the car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back without disturbing them or needing to awake them. Rothman states that this is especially beneficial when you're doing errands or traveling. To ensure security, opt for a car seat which attaches to a stroller using a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secure while used and won't come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also an excellent option for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only intended for use during the first 12 months of the life of a child. A lot of these car seats then transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. Stanton insists that you follow all instructions and labels particularly when it's time to make sure that your child meets the weight and height requirements of both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and design their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are typically less expensive than buying them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to store all of your baby gear. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat comes with a four-position headrest with four harness heights, 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 for storage.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the main reason to think about buying one. You should also consider one that's stylish, maneuvers well, and has a number of other features to make it comfortable for your child and yourself.
Travel systems that are the most efficient include the infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one package to allow you to transition from your car to the street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it and some offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow naptime strolls (safety research shows that babies sleep better in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to move, push and fold. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate several 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's seat when your child outgrows it, which gives 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 a partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. It's easy to move from a car seat to a stroller and back again, with the built-in LATCH system that secures the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can board and get 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 adventures around the globe. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.