A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them up. This is a great option for families who are always in motion.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also include a bassinet and can be used as a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat could cost more than separate products but you'll probably save time and money by buying them as a set. If you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, many brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your selected car seat alongside a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When you are looking for a travel set, keep in mind that most of these sets include an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used within the first year. If you plan to keep the seat after this time, choose a model that has a convertible car-seat that can be used for toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems come with a second seat which can be used to support older children. While this is a nice option however, it's not necessary and might not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
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. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination, have plenty of features that will help you and your baby remain comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also features a built in drape canopy to protect children who are snoozing. These seats also come with LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles without a base. 2in1 pushchair makes them a great option for families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who often run errands or take their babies on public transportation such as trains and buses. They let you easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them up.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double when you expand your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly convert them into chariots for two. This feature is crucial when you intend to use the car seat for your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that are attached to the base to secure it. In our testing this method was generally harder to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. It could pose dangerous if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
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 utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child is 1. These car seats are not connected to a stroller after they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, but it is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for newborns through early childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system by a larger stroller that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you must always make sure that your infant car seat is fitted properly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and vice versa, without disrupting or waking them. This is especially useful when you're running errands or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, choose an automobile seat that connects to a stroller via a rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secured during use, and will not fall off or come loose in transportation. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also an excellent option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When looking for a new travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limits of both the car seat and the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only intended for use for the first 12 months of the child's life. A majority of these car seats switch to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the car or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. It's important to study the labels and follow the instructions precisely, advises Stanton, especially when it comes to ensuring your child is within the proper weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer buying separate items to create their own travel system, others prefer to buy pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations It is not unusual to see companies to sell these sets. They're usually cheaper than buying the products separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride with springy all-wheel suspension and a large basket to store all your baby's equipment. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It's a simple and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features a four-position adjustable headrest, four harness settings and a padded insert 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 child from the car to the stroller without waking them up, however, that's not the only reason to buy one. You should also choose a model with a stylish design, which is easy to move around and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child's safety and for your own.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one box for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller compatible with it and some include an attachment for a bassinet for strolls to nap (safety research shows that babies sleep best in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to fold and move. Choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can fit several shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how the strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Certain travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler one when your child outgrows it, giving you an additional 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if a partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families looking for a solution that is all-in one. It's easy to transfer from the car seat to the stroller, and back, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also a certified air travel, so you can get on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, allowing you to take your baby on adventures around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.