A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that incorporates a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that can work together. They can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them up. This is a great solution for families who spend a lot of time in the car.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. These are different from stroller-only combinations because they usually come with an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They are suitable for both newborns and older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combinations on our list have an attachment for a bassinet, which can be an alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. And if you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't quite right for your family, most brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your selected car seat with a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
One important thing to remember when shopping for a travel system is that these sets usually include a car seat for infants and a stroller made to work in tandem, which is meant to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the car seat after this period make sure you choose a model which has a convertible car-seat that can be used by toddlers and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can be used as a booster seat for older kids. This is a wonderful feature, but it might not be practical for your lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats and strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have many features that will keep your child and you comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with an integrated drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base, making it a great choice for families who frequently use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who often run errands or take their baby out on public transport like trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be turned to a double as you grow your family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot for two. This is particularly crucial if the car seat is your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combinations have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to hold it in place. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can be a safety risk when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must take into consideration whether the stroller and car seat for your infant will work the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats are not attached to strollers once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, such as the Doona, can be used as a car seat for toddlers with a seat belt booster after your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too tall to fit in the standard strollers.
The ideal combination is a car seat and stroller for newborns to early childhood. If your child has outgrown the infant car seats and you are looking at purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Always make sure your infant car seat is properly installed. Do not remove it from your car without first removing the straps.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and vice versa, without disturbing them or waking them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you're doing errands or traveling. To ensure your safety, opt for car seats that can be attached to the stroller with either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is safe when it's used and won't come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used without or with the base are also an excellent option for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system make sure you check the weight and age restrictions for the stroller as well as the car seat. Most infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle or converted into a stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it comes time to make sure your child meets the weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While 2 in 1 stroller and car seat Pushchairs And Prams prefer to buy separate products and create their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. They are usually priced lower than buying the items individually. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket for everything your baby needs. The car seat has a low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It is quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features an adjustable headrest with four positions with four harness heights, as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and folds with just 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 disturbing them, but that's not the main reason to think about buying one. You should also choose an option with a fashionable design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features for your child's comfort and yours.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one box to allow seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible and some include a bassinet attachment for naptime strolls (safety research has shown that babies sleep best in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight and durable. They are also easy to fold and move. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front to allow for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. Also, you should consider how compact the stroller and car seat can be folded to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with an adult car seat when your child grows out of it. This gives you an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for those who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families who want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from car seat to stroller, and back, thanks to the LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also approved for air travel so you can hop onto and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, which allows you to take your child on global adventures. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any outfit.