A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that incorporates a car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that can work together. They can be costly.
These combos make it simple for parents to take a sleepy baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them up. This is a great option for families that spend a lot of time on the go.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without awakening them, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat may be just the thing you're looking for. In 2in1 pushchair to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. A lot of the car seat and stroller combinations on our list include bassinet attachments as well, which can be an excellent alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2 in 1 travel system with a car seat might cost more than separate products but you'll probably save time and money by buying them as a set. And if you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't quite right for your family, a majority of brands offer adaptors that allow you to use the car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
One thing to keep in mind when you are shopping for a travel system is that these sets usually include a car seat for infants and a stroller that is designed to work together, and is designed to be used during the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the car seat and using it beyond this period, look for one with an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler car seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems come with a second seat which can be used to help older children. While this is a nice option but it's not essential and might not be feasible based on your life style.
Check out our top picks of strollers and car seats if you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo are packed with features to ensure that you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. They have a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat has an integrated drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. These seats also come with LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who often run errands or take their baby out on public transport such as trains and buses. They allow you to easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double when your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is especially important if the car seat is the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complicated conversion methods. You may have to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or strap it 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 forget or lose the straps, it could pose a safety hazard.
A car seat/stroller combination is convenient, but you should also think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can work as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos are rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns one. These car seats don't snap onto a stroller when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat, but is too big to fit into traditional strollers.
The best combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for newborns to early childhood. If your child has outgrown the infant car seats, you should look into purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you should always ensure your infant car seat is fitted correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to transfer infants from the car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or having to get them up. Rothman says this is particularly beneficial when you're doing errands or traveling. To ensure extra safety, choose an automobile seat that connects to a stroller using a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secured while used and won't come loose or fall off during transport. Car seat and stroller combos that work without or with bases are also great options for vehicles that ride-share.
When you purchase a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limit 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 life of a child. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. It is essential to read the labels and follow all instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes to ensuring your child is in the correct weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer buying separate items to create their own travel system, others prefer buying pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations it is not unusual for companies to offer these sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller is smooth ride, springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket to store everything your baby needs. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. It has a quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and an insert that is cushioned for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean and folds in one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to consider buying one. You should also consider an option with a fashionable design, that is easy to move around, and that has many other features to ensure your child's safety and for your own.
The best travel systems most effective include the infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base all in one box to make it easier for you to move from your vehicle to the street. These systems typically include an all-in-one car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies show that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are light, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit multiple shopping bags. You also want to check how the car seat and stroller are when they're folded for ease of storage.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler car seat when your child has outgrown it. This allows you to enjoy an additional two years of use. That's a great option if you plan to use the car seat for more than one year, or your partner regularly uses ride-share services or commutes by bus or train.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families who are looking for a solution that is all-in one. It's easy to move from a car seat to a stroller and back with a built-in rigid LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It is also certified for air travel, so you can board and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into double strollers, allowing you to take your baby on adventures around the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.