A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that incorporates a car seat offers parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that can work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great solution for families that tend to spend the majority of their time in the car.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from the car to stroller without waking them up the next morning, a travel set-up that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat might be what you're looking for. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. pram 2 in 1 of the car seat and stroller combos that make our list have an attachment for a bassinet which is an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all at once. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family later the majority of brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with an alternative stroller.
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel set is that these sets usually include an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work together, and is intended to be used during the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the car seat after this period make sure you choose a model which includes a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and is able to support a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems come with a second seat which can be used to help older children. While this is a great option, it's not a necessity and may not be feasible based on your life style.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last a few years, check out our top picks for car seats and strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it an ideal option for families that frequently use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who often do errands, or transport their children on public transport like buses and trains. They allow you to easily move your sleeping baby from 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 an ideal combination of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly convert them into chariots that can accommodate two. This feature is crucial when you intend to use the car seat as your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complex conversion methods. You may have to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or use straps attached to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you lose or forget the straps, it may cause a safety risk.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a great option however, you must consider whether the strollers and infant car seats can work as long as you want them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 1. The car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, like Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with the seatbelt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
The ideal combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for babies to early childhood. Once your child outgrows the car seats for infants and you are looking at purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat has been fitted correctly. Do not remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from the vehicle to a stroller and reverse the process without disturbing them or waking them up. This is especially helpful when you're on the go or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure safety, choose a car seat that is attached to a stroller with a rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured when it's used and won't come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are ideal for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When you purchase a travel system make sure you check the weight and age restrictions for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are only intended for use for the first 12 months of the child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. It is important to study the labels and follow instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes to making sure your child is within the appropriate weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and create their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These are often priced lower than buying the products separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller offers smooth riding with springy suspension on all wheels, and a large basket to hold all the baby's toys. The car seat has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. It is quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with a headrest that is adjustable in four positions, four harness settings and padding to ensure the comfort of your child. 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 transfer your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them, but that's not the primary reason to think about buying one. You should also consider a model that's stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a range of other features that make it comfortable for your child and you.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one package for an effortless transition from car to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible and some include the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls to nap (safety research suggests that babies sleep better in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to fold and maneuver. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for streets in cities as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. Also, you should consider how compact the stroller and car seat can be folded to make it easier to store them.
Certain travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, which gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner is frequently using ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top choice for families looking for an all-in-one solution. It's simple to transfer from car seat to stroller and back again, thanks to the LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also certified for air travel so you can board and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, allowing you to take your child to the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will fit in with any outfit.