A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as stroller that are able to work together. However they can be costly.
These combos let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them up. pram 2in1 is a great choice for families who spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller easy. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat and stroller that connect, and can be used with toddlers and newborns. Many of the car seats and strollers combos that make our list have a bassinet attachment as well and can be an excellent alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
While a two-in-one travel system with a car seat could cost more than separate products however, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing the two items together. And if you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't the right fit for your family, most brands offer adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When looking for a travel set, be aware that a majority of these sets come with an infant car-seat as well as stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used in the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat and using it after this period, look for a model that has a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler's seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older kids. This is a wonderful 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, check out our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also features a built-in drape canopy that can protect children who are snoozing. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it a great option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who frequently run errands or take their babies on public transport like buses and trains. You can easily move 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 converted into a double as you have a growing family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is especially crucial if the car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complicated conversion procedures. You may need to manually connect the car seat to stroller or strap it to base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It could pose a safety risk if you misplace or forget to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should be aware of whether the stroller and infant car seat will work together for as long as you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products are rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats don't connect to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit into traditional strollers.
The best combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat you can change the travel system to a larger stroller that can be used by older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you should always ensure your infant car seat is fitted correctly and never remove it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or needing to get them up. This is especially helpful when you're running errands or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, choose a car seat which attaches to a stroller with the rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure when it's in use and that it will not fall off or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also an excellent option for ride-share vehicles.
When looking for a new travel system, check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and the stroller. The majority of the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and are only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be transformed to a forward facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle or converted into a stroller. It is essential to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes down to ensuring your child is in the correct weight and height guidelines for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller is smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket to store all of your baby gear. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It has a quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a headrest that is adjustable 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 it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them, but that's not the primary reason to buy one. You should also consider a model that's elegant, well-balanced and comes with a variety of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one box to allow an effortless transition from car to street. They usually include a one-piece car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies show that babies sleep better when they are in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are light sturdy, durable, and easy to fold and maneuver. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for streets in cities, a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make storage easier make sure to check how compact strollers and car seats are when folded.
Certain travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler's seat when your child outgrows it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for those who plan to use the seat for a longer period of time or if a partner is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top choice for families that want an all-in-one solution. The rigid system built into LATCH allows you to effortlessly change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can hop on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures around the globe. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any outfit.