A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that incorporates a car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that can work together. They can be costly.
These combos let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them up. This is a great solution for families who spend much of their time on the go.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transfer your baby from the car to stroller without waking them up an infant car seat, a travel system that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat might be what you need. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller that can be linked, and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. A lot of the car seat and stroller combinations on our list have an attachment for a bassinet which is an alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A 2 in 1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family in the future the majority of brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat with an alternative stroller.
When you are looking for a travel set be aware that the majority of these sets come with an infant car-seat and stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used during the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat after this time make sure you choose a model which has a convertible car-seat that can be used by toddlers and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to support older children. While this is a good option but it's not essential and might not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last 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 combination have many 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 that can protect the baby who is sleeping. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it an ideal choice for families who frequently use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who regularly run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport like trains and buses. They allow you to easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them up.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double when you have a growing family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is particularly important if your car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combos have more complex conversion methods that may require you to manually attach the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to fix it. In our tests this method, it was harder to master than the one-step process of the Doona. It could pose a safety risk when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is a good idea but you must think about whether the strollers and infant car seats can be used together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. These car seats are not connected to a stroller after they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the car seat for infants, but it is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
The best combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for infants and children in the early years of childhood. When your child is no longer in the infant car seats, you should look into purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle older children and toddlers. Also, remember that you should always ensure your infant car seat is set up correctly and never remove it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and in reverse without disturbing or waking them up. This is especially useful when you're on the go or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure extra safety, choose a car seat that is attached to a stroller with the rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secured when it's used and will not come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used with or without the base are also ideal for vehicles that ride-share.
When you are looking for a travel system, check the weight and age limits of both the car seat and stroller. Most infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. Many of these car seats then change to a forward-facing seat that can be used in the vehicle or can snap into a stroller that is compatible. Stanton says it's crucial to follow all instructions and labels particularly when it's time to ensure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items and build their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them individually. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. company website features a smooth ride with springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to hold all the baby's toys. The car seat has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. It is quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a four-position adjustable headrest, four harness settings and an insert that is cushioned to ensure the comfort of your child. It's easy to clean and comes with one-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the convenience of transferring your child from stroller to car and back again without waking them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also consider a model that's elegant, well-balanced and comes with a variety of other features that ensure it's comfortable for your child and you.
The best travel systems best include the infant car, stroller and car seat base in one box to help you to transfer from your vehicle to the street. They typically come with a single car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even include an ottoman for napping (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Look for models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for city streets, and a large cargo basket that can hold multiple shopping bags. To make storage easier make sure to check how compact strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat when your child grows out of it. This gives you an additional 1-2 years use. This is an excellent option for those who plan to use the seat for longer than a year or if they have a companion who commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families that want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from a car seat to a stroller and back with a built-in rigid LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, so you can get on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to complement any outfit.