A 2 in 1 Travel System
A car seat and stroller combination is the ideal choice, whether you want to travel with ease or design a more modern version of the traditional pram. Check the specs to ensure that your stroller and car seat are compatible, or you can consider buying an adaptor.
Editor-tested travel systems let you move your sleeping newborn seamlessly from the car to the stroller without disturbing them. Some also include a carrycot for peaceful sleep.
Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system includes an infant car seat as well as stroller that snaps together. This is a great choice for parents who frequently run errands or take their child on rideshares or public transport. "You will have less gear to worry about," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And it's ideal for families that alternate between carpooling and public transit with other moms."
2in1 pram and latch bases are a top choice, with 90 percent of Amazon reviews rating it five stars. It's a rear-facing car seats that converts to a stroller that can be turned into a rolling one. The change only takes seconds. The wheels fold underneath and the Doona is compact when not in use. The Doona can also be attached to a car's backseat using the rigid LATCH base or to taxi-safe belt paths making it a great choice for commuters and families in cities.
The Mamas and Papas pramette is another great combination of a car seat and stroller. It features the pram with a hood which opens and the front seat can be adjusted to allow your child to lay down for nap time or meals. It comes with a large basket, cup holders and a sun shade for your baby's essentials. The stroller seat is able to recline in a variety of positions, and it can even be flat, so your baby will be able to relax on every ride.
The weight and height limits are important. Also, think about whether the car seat for infants can be used only with a backseat belt or when it has a sturdy LATCH system integrated into. Also look for a lock on the handle to keep it secure in place and the ability to tilt the handle toward the back seatback to create an anti-rebound bar.
It's important to note that travel systems only work with infant car seats, and extended-use car seats that can later be made forward-facing snap into strollers. This is why many moms opt to get an additional car seat and stroller when their baby grows out of the infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a vital piece of equipment for any new parent. Some travel systems have a baby pram that transforms into a cozy infant carrycot, so your little one can sleep peacefully while on the move and is perfect for newborns and parents who don't want to disturb them while traveling. Depending on the brand it may also come with an automobile seat and stroller combination that can be connected to each other. This lets you keep your child in the car seat while you transfer them to the stroller without disturbing them.
A great stroller should be equipped with a variety of features to make it practical and easy to use. It should come with a large basket where you can put away essentials like nappies, toys and snacks and be in a position to recline to provide your baby a comfortable rest. It should also include a good canopy to protect your baby from sun's rays and a lockable for the front wheel to ensure safety. It should also be lightweight and compact for storage as well as transport to and from the vehicle.
Travel system strollers that have been evaluated by editors, like the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo and Chicco Keyfit Caddy, offer convenience as they can be connected to a variety of top car seats. These car seats snap onto the frame to be connected and folded quickly. Some models also have a single wheel at each leg, making them easier to manoeuvre and roll on different surfaces.
The ideal stroller will be able to function throughout toddlerhood and beyond if you want it to carry your child to and from school or to play dates, activities and so on. When your child outgrows their car seat, consider a stroller that is able to seat your child in the world and can recline.
If you intend to use your 2-in-1 travel system on public transportation choose one with an ISOFIX base so it's safe to get on and off trains or buses. Certain models, like the Doona can also be mounted on trains and planes to make traveling with a child easier.