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 work in tandem. They can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great option for families that spend a lot of time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller easy. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller that can be linked, and can be used with toddlers and newborns. Many of the car-and stroller combinations on our list include a bassinet, which can be used as a secure alternative for a traditional 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 buying them all in one package. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family in the future there are adaptors for most brands that allow you to use the car seat with a different stroller.
One important thing to remember when looking for a travel set is that these sets typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller that is designed to work together, which is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat after this time make sure you choose a model which has a convertible car-seat that can be used by toddlers and has a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems also feature an additional seat that can serve as a booster for older children. While this is a good option but it's not essential and might not be practical based on your lifestyle.
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. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built in drape canopy that can protect a child who is snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base making it a great option for families that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who frequently do errands, or transport their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double when your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly convert them into chariots for two. This is particularly crucial if the car seat will be your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to fix it. In our testing this method was generally more difficult to master than one-step process of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it can cause a safety risk.
A car seat/stroller combination is a great option however, you must consider whether the strollers and infant car seats can work as long as you want them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. 2 in 1 prams are not attached to strollers once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products such as the Doona is able to be used as a toddler car seat with a seat belt booster after your child is no longer in the car seat for infants but is too tall to fit into most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for infants and toddlers until early childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat you can change the travel system to an extra large stroller that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Always make sure your infant car seat is fitted correctly. Do not remove it from your car without first removing the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat allows for easy transfer of infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them or waking them up. Rothman says this is especially beneficial when you're running errands and traveling. To ensure extra security, opt for a car seat that is attached to a stroller via the rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secured during use and will not slide off or become loose during transit. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used with or without the base are an excellent option for vehicles that ride-share.
When purchasing a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only intended for use for the first 12 months of the life of a child. A lot of these car seats switch to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. Stanton advises parents to read all labels and instructions particularly when it comes time to make sure that your child meets the weight and height requirements of the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel system and others prefer pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations it is not unusual to see companies to sell these sets. These sets are generally less expensive than buying them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. 2 in 1 pram offers a smooth ride, springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket that can hold everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to put in. The car seat has an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean and features one-hand fold, which makes it easy to store.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system for the convenience of moving your child from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to consider one. You should also choose a model with a stylish design, which is simple to use and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
The best travel systems most efficient include an infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one box to allow you to move from your car to the street. They typically come with an all-in-one car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even include an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight and durable. They are also easy to maneuver and fold. Choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit several shopping bags. You also want to check how compact the car seat and stroller fold for ease of storage.
two in one pram allow you to change the infant car seat included with an adult car seat when your child is no longer using it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 1-2 years use. This is a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner is frequently using ride-share 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. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch from stroller to car seat and back. It is also certified for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, allowing you to take your child to the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that complement any wardrobe.