A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them. This is an excellent option for families who are constantly in motion.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only models since they typically include an infant car seat as well as the stroller. They can be used for both newborns and older children. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos that make our list come with a bassinet attachment as well and can be an alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2 in 1 travel system with car seat might cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing them as a set. If you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't the right fit for your family, most brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your chosen car seat with another stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
When you are looking for a travel set be aware that the majority of them come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are designed to be used in the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat after this point, choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems come with a second seat which can be used to support older children. While this is a nice option but it's not essential and may not be feasible based on your life style.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a couple of years, look through our top picks for car seats as well as 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 strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles without a base. This makes them a great option for families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who often do errands, or transport their babies on public transportation such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double when your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be clicked into position to instantly transform them into chariots for two. This feature is particularly important when you intend to use the car seat as the baby's sole car seat.
Other strollers and car seat combinations have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that are 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 forget or lose the straps, it could cause a safety risk.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should also consider whether the infant car seat and stroller can work together for as long as you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child is 1. The car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models like the Doona, can be used as a car seat for toddlers with a seat belt booster after your child has outgrown the car seat for infants but is too tall for most traditional strollers.
The best combination is a car seat and stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. When your child is no longer in the infant car seats and you are looking at buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can accommodate toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat is installed correctly. Never remove it from your car without first removing the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or needing to awake them. This is particularly useful when you're on the go or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure extra safety, choose a car seat which attaches to a stroller using an incredibly strong LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe when in use and will not fall off or fall off during transportation. Car seat and stroller combinations that can work without or with a base are also good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When looking for a new stroller, make sure you know the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and the stroller. Typically, the 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. These car seats can be transformed into a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle or converted into a stroller. Stanton insists that you read all labels and instructions particularly when it comes time to make sure your child meets the weight and height requirements of both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and create their own travel system, it's not unusual for companies to offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them individually. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. 2in1 pushchair has an easy ride, with a suspension that is all-wheel and springy and a large storage basket to store all the baby's toys. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat features an adjustable headrest with four positions and four harness heights as well as an insert that is cushioned for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system that makes it easier to transfer your baby 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 one that's elegant, well-balanced, and has a number 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 box to allow seamless transition from vehicle to street. These systems typically include an all-in-one car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to maneuver, push and fold. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can fit multiple shopping bags. For easy storage make sure to check how the strollers and car seats are when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat after your child has outgrown it, which gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for more than a year 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 looking for a solution that is all-in one. It's easy to move from the car seat to the stroller, and back, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that secures the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also a certified air travel, which means you can get on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your baby to the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.