A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system with car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that can work together. They can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families who are always moving.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. 2 in 1 prams are different from stroller-only combos since they typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They are suitable for infants as well as older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos that make our list come with bassinet attachments as well, which can be an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat could cost more than separate items but you'll probably save time and money by purchasing the two items together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat are not right for your family later there are adaptors for most brands that allow you to use the car seat with an alternative stroller.
One important thing to remember when you are shopping for a travel system is that they typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller that is designed to work together, which is designed to be used in the first 12 months. If you are planning on keeping the seat and using it past this time, you should look for one with an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a higher weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can be used as a booster seat for older kids. This is a great option, but it may not be practical for your lifestyle.
Check out our top choices of strollers and car seats to find an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo have numerous features that will keep your child and you comfortable. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also features an integrated drape canopy to protect children who are snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles that do not have a base, making it an ideal choice for families who frequently use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who run errands, or take their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about wake them up.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double when you have a growing family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly transform them into chariots that can accommodate two. This is particularly crucial if the car seat will be your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combinations have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to hold it in place. In our testing this method, it was more difficult to master than one-step process of the Doona. It can pose an accident hazard if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
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. 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. The car seats do not connect to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the infant car seat, but it is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for babies through early childhood. When your child has grown out of the car seat for infants, you can change the travel system to larger strollers that can be used by older toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat is properly installed. Never remove it from your car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat allows you to easily transfer infants from a car to a stroller and vice versa without disturbing them or waking them up. This is especially helpful when you're doing errands or traveling, according to Rothman. To ensure extra safety, choose a car seat which attaches to a stroller with a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure while in use and will not slide off or become loose during transportation. Car seat and stroller combos that can work without or with a base are also good options for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. Typically, the infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing, and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle or converted into the stroller. Stanton advises parents to be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it comes time to make sure that your child meets the weight and height requirements of the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and create their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These are often priced lower than purchasing the items separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride with suspension that is all-wheel and springy, and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby's gear. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat comes with a headrest that is adjustable in four positions with four harness settings, as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, making it convenient to store.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel 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 think about buying one. You should also consider a model that's stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and you.
The most effective travel systems include 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 single car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies show that babies sleep better in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo and can hold multiple shopping bags. To make storage easier it is important to know how small car seats and strollers are when folded.
Some travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat as your child grows out of it, which gives you an additional two years of use. That's a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than a year, or if your partner is frequently using ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families looking for an all-in-one solution. 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 quickly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, so you can board and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so you can take your child on excursions around the globe. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that match any outfit.