A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as stroller that are able to work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great solution for families that are constantly moving.
Comfort
Travel systems that include an infant car seat are a great way 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 and a stroller. They are suitable for both infants and older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos on our list include bassinet attachments as well and can be an excellent alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with car seat may cost more than separate products however, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing them all in one package. If you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't quite right for your family, a majority of manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When you are looking for a travel set, be aware that the majority of them come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used in the first year. If you intend to keep the seat and using it past this period, look for one with an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler car seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can be used as a booster seat for older children. 2 in 1 pram pushchair is a great feature, but it may not be appropriate for your needs.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a couple of years, look through our top picks for car seats as well as 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 comes with an integrated drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without a base making it a perfect option for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who frequently run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport such as buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about waking them.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you grow your family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot for two. what is it worth is crucial in the event that you plan to use the car seat as the baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complex conversion methods. You may have to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or strap it to base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you misplace or forget the straps, it may cause a safety risk.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you must also consider whether the infant car seat and stroller 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 designed to be used up until your child turns one. These car seats cannot be attached to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models like the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with the seat belt booster when your child outgrows the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit into the majority of strollers.
The best combination is a car seat and stroller for babies to early childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with a larger stroller which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat has been fitted correctly. Do not remove it from the car without first removing the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat makes it easy to transfer infants from the vehicle to a stroller, and reverse the process without disrupting or waking them. Rothman says this is particularly beneficial when you're running errands and traveling. To ensure your safety, opt for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secure while in use and won't fall off or loosen during transportation. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are a good option for vehicles that ride-share.
When purchasing a travel set, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions for the stroller as well as the car seat. The majority of the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be converted into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the car, or snapped into the stroller. It is essential to read the labels and follow instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the correct weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. These are often priced lower than purchasing the items separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller features an easy ride, with a springy suspension on all wheels and a large basket to hold all your baby's gear. The car seat is slim and comes with a SafeCell crumple area for added security. It is quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and padding for your child's comfort. 2 in 1 travel system is easy to clean and comes with one-hand fold, which makes it easy to store.
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, however, that's not the only reason to buy one. You should also consider one that's stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features that make it comfortable for your child and you.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one package for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller and some include the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls to nap (safety research suggests that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to maneuver and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate multiple shopping bags. For easy storage make sure to check how the strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Certain travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler one after your child has outgrown it, giving you an additional 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who plan 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 a top option for families who want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from car seat to stroller and back with a built-in rigid LATCH system that secures the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures around the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.