A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat gives parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that can work together. However they can be costly.
These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them up. This is a great solution for families who are constantly in motion.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without waking them up the next morning, a travel set-up that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat could be what you need. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combos because they usually come with an infant car seat and a stroller. They are suitable for infants as well as older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos on our list include an attachment for a bassinet which is an alternative to a traditional stroller for naps.
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save time and money by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat in conjunction with a different stroller.
When shopping for a travel set, be aware that a majority of these sets include an infant car-seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used within the first year. If you plan to keep the seat and using it after this period, look for an option that has an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler car seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems include a second seat which can be used to support older children. This is a nice feature, but it may not be suitable for your particular lifestyle.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last a few years, take a look at 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 your child and you comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat has an integrated drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who often do errands, or transport their babies on public transport like buses and trains. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double when you expand your family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform 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 primary car seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complex conversion methods. You may have to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or use straps attached to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you forget or lose the straps, it can be a danger to your safety.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you must take into consideration whether the infant car seat and stroller will work together for the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. The car seats can't be connected to a stroller after they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat but is too big to fit into most conventional 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 stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Also, remember that you should always ensure your infant car seat is set up correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from a vehicle to a stroller and vice versa, without disturbing or waking them up. This is especially helpful when you're on the go or traveling, according to Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that is attached to the stroller via the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be safe while being used and will not slide off or come loose in the course of transport. Car seat and stroller combinations that work without or with a base are also good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When 2 in 1 prams are looking for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and stroller. Typically, the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. Many of these car seats switch to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or can be converted into a stroller compatible with it. It's important to study the labels and follow all instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes to making sure your child is within the correct weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items to create their own travel system and others prefer buying pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations, it is not uncommon for companies to sell these sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller is smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket to store all of your baby gear. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. 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 an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them, however, that's not the only reason to consider buying one. You should also consider an option with a fashionable design, which is easy to move around and has many other features for your child's comfort as well as yours.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one box for an effortless transition from car to street. They usually include a one-piece car seat that is easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even come with an ottoman for napping (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and sturdy, making them easy to push, maneuver, and fold. Choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can accommodate multiple shopping bags. You also want to check how the car seat and stroller are when they're folded to make storage easier.
Certain travel systems let you replace the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat as your child grows out of it, giving you an additional two years of use. This is a great option when you're planning on using the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner is frequently using ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families looking for an all-in one. The rigid system built into LATCH lets you easily switch between car seats and strollers 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 & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures around the globe. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.