A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats provides parents with 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 make it simple for parents to move a sleeping baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them up. This is a great option for families that spend much of their time on the go.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller simple. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked, and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos that make our list include a bassinet attachment as well, which can be a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them all together. And if you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't quite right for your family, many brands offer adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When looking for a travel set be aware that the majority of these sets come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are designed to be used within the first year. If you plan to keep the seat and using it past this period, look for one that has a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a great option however, it's not necessary and may not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats to find an budget-friendly travel system that can last for a long time. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have many 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 has an integrated drape canopy that can protect the baby who is sleeping. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors that 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.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who regularly run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without worrying about waking them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double when your family expands. 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 transform into chariots for two. This feature is crucial when you intend to use the car seat as your baby's only car seat.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps that are attached to the base to hold it in place. In our tests, this method was often more difficult to master than one-step procedure of the Doona. It can be dangerous in the event that you lose or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you should also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat will work together for the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products are rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child is 1. These car seats don't attach to strollers when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with a seatbelt booster after your child is no longer in the infant car seat however, it is too large to fit into most conventional strollers.
The best combination is a car seat and stroller for newborns to early childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat, you can change the travel system to an extra large stroller that can be used by older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you must ensure your infant car seat is installed properly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos allow you to easily move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back without disturbing them or having to wake them up. This is especially useful when you're doing errands or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that attaches to the stroller using either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is secure while in use and that it will not fall off or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also an excellent option for vehicles that ride-share.
When purchasing a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limits for both the stroller and the car seat. Most infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing, and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these car seats then transition to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the car or snap into a compatible stroller. Stanton insists that you read all labels and instructions, especially when it's time to make sure that your child's weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual for companies to offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them individually. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller has a smooth ride, springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket for everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. It is quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings, as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy an accessory for travel to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the main reason to think about buying one. You should also choose a model that's stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a variety of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The best travel systems most effective include the infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one package to allow you to transfer from your vehicle to the street. These systems typically include a single car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even include an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight sturdy, durable, and easy to fold and maneuver. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items, you should also check how compact strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler car seat once your child has outgrown it. 2 in 1 pushchairs allows you to enjoy an additional two years of use. This is a great option for those who intend to use the seat for a longer period of time or if their partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families seeking a solution that is all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly change from stroller to car seat and back. It's also a certified air travel, which means you can board and get off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller so that you can take your child on excursions around the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that complement any wardrobe.