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, as well as a stroller which work in tandem. However they can be costly.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them up. This is a great choice for families that spend a lot of time in the car.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy way to transition your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat may be just what you need. In contrast to stroller-only combos, 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 have a bassinet included that can be used as a safe alternative for a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat might cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by buying them as a set. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family, most brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat with an alternative stroller.
When looking for a travel set, be aware that the majority of them come with an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. They are intended to be used during the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat after this time, choose a model that has a convertible car-seat that can be used for toddlers and has a greater maximum weight.
Some travel systems come with a second seat which can be used to support older children. This is a great feature, but it may not be suitable for your needs.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last a couple of years, look through our top picks for car seats and strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to shield a sleepy child. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair are great for parents who run errands, or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. They let you easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to convert to a double as your family grows. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot two. This is especially important if your car seat is your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion procedures. You may need to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or use straps attached to base to secure it. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than the single-step method of the Doona. It can be dangerous 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 as long as you require them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns one. These car seats don't connect to strollers once they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat but it is too big to fit into traditional strollers.
The most effective combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for newborns to early childhood. When your child is no longer in the infant car seats it is recommended to consider buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle older children and toddlers. 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
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily move infants from the vehicle to the stroller, and back without disrupting them or having to get them up. This is particularly useful when you're on the go or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure extra safety, select a car seat that is attached to a stroller using an incredibly strong LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is safe while in use and will not fall off or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are ideal for vehicles that ride-share.
When looking for a new stroller, make sure you know the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only intended for use for the first 12 months of a child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat that can be used in the vehicle, or snapped into the stroller. It is important to read the labels and follow instructions precisely, advises Stanton especially when it comes to making sure your child's height and weight are within the correct weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel system, others prefer to buy pre-packaged stroller and car seats, it is not uncommon to find companies that to sell these sets. These are often priced lower than purchasing the items separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller has an easy ride, with a suspension that is all-wheel and springy and a large storage basket to hold all your baby's equipment. The car seat has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra 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 padding to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds with just one hand.
Style
While 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 look into one. You should also consider an option with a fashionable design, that is easy to move around and has many other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
Travel systems that are the most effective include an infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base all in one box to allow you to transfer from your car to the street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller compatible with it and some offer a bassinet attachment for strolls to nap (safety research has shown that babies sleep best in reclined positions).
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. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a large cargo basket that can fit several shopping bags. You also want to check how small the stroller and car seat can be folded for ease of storage.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace 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. This is a great option for those who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families looking for a solution that is all-in one. It's easy to transfer from car seat to stroller and back thanks to the LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your baby on global adventures. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.