A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and a stroller which 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 an excellent option for families that are constantly moving.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transition your baby from car to stroller without awakening them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat could be what you're looking for. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos on our list include a bassinet that can be used as a secure alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2 in 1 travel system with car seat may cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing the two items together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family later the majority of brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with another stroller.
One important thing to remember when you are shopping for a travel set is that they typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work together, and is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the car seat after this period, choose a model that features a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and is able to support a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can serve as a booster seat for older children. While this is a great option but it's not essential and might not be practical depending on your life style.
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 combo have numerous features that will keep your child and you comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built in drape canopy that can protect children who are snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it an ideal option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who frequently run errands or take their baby out on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about wake them up.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to transform to a double as your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly convert them into chariots for two. This feature is especially important in the event that you plan to use the car seat as your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to fix it. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you forget or lose the straps, it can pose a safety hazard.
A car seat/stroller combination is a good idea but you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can work as long as you want them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. The car seats can't be attached to a stroller once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers like the Doona can be used as a toddler car seat with an additional seat belt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too tall for most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for babies through the early years of childhood. Once your child outgrows the infant car seats and you are looking at purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can be used by older children and toddlers. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been properly installed. Never remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily transfer infants from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them or needing to wake them up. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you're running errands and traveling. For extra safety, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller using either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is secure when used and will not come loose or fall off in transit. Car seat and stroller combos that can be used with or without bases are also great options for ride-share vehicles.
When looking for a new travel system, check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are designed to be used for the first 12 months of the child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat that can be used in the car, or snapped into a stroller. It's important to read the labels and follow instructions precisely, advises Stanton particularly when it comes to ensuring your child is in the correct weight and height limits for both the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer buying separate items to create their own travel systems, others prefer pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations it is not unusual to find companies that offer these sets. These are often priced lower than buying the products separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket for all of your baby gear. Push Chairs And Prams has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat features a headrest that is adjustable in four positions with four harness settings as well as a padded insert to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the convenience of transferring your baby from car to stroller and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also consider one that is elegant, well-balanced, and has a number of other features that ensure it's comfortable for your child and you.
The travel systems that are the most effective include an infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base in one box to allow you to move from your vehicle to the street. They usually include a one-piece car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even come with an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better when they are in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight and durable. They are also easy to maneuver and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a large cargo basket that can hold multiple shopping bags. To make storage easier make sure to check how compact strollers and car seats are when folded.
Some travel systems let you change the infant car seat included with an adult car seat when your child grows out of it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 1-2 years use. This is a great option if you're planning on using the car seat for longer than a year, or if your partner is frequently using ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families looking for an all-in-one solution. It's easy to transfer 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 a certified air travel, which means you can get on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, allowing you to take your child on adventures around the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.