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 an infant car seat and stroller that work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combos make it simple for parents to transport a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great solution for families who are always moving.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat could be what you need. These are different from stroller-only combinations because they usually come with an infant car seat as well as the stroller. They can be used for infants as well as older children. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos on our list include a bassinet that can be used as a safe alternative for a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2 in 1 travel system with a car seat might cost more than separate items however, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing them as a set. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family in the future, most brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat with another stroller.
When you are looking for a travel set, keep in mind that most of them come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used within the first year. If you plan on keeping the car seat and using it after this period, look for a model with a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a heavier weight limit.
2 in 1 pram pushchair have an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. This is a great feature, but it might not be appropriate for your needs.
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. 2in1 travel system -tested favorites, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features to ensure that you and your baby stay comfortable. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also has a built in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without a base, making it an ideal option for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who frequently run errands, or take their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about wake them up.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to convert to a double as 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 feature is particularly important in the event that you plan to use the car seat as your baby's sole car seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated conversion procedures. You may have to manually connect the car seat to stroller or use straps attached to base to secure it. In our tests this method, it was more difficult to master than the one-step process of the Doona. It could pose an accident hazard in the event that you lose or forget to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is convenient but you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers will work together as long as you want 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 turns one. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with a seatbelt booster after your child is no longer in the infant car seat, but is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
The most effective combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for babies to early childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants and you are looking at purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can be used by toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat has been fitted correctly. Do not remove it from the car without first untying the straps.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and vice versa without disturbing or waking them up. Rothman says this is especially beneficial when you're running errands and traveling. For added security, look for a car seat that is 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 in use and that it will not come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also a good option for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age limits of both the car seat and stroller. Typically, the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A lot of these car seats then switch to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or can snap into a compatible stroller. Stanton advises parents to follow all instructions and labels particularly when it comes time to make sure your child meets the weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items and build their own travel system, it's not uncommon for companies to offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These are often priced lower than buying the items individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller features a smooth ride with springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby's gear. The car seat is slim and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat features a four-position headrest and four harness heights as well as 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 buy a travel system to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them up, however, that's not the only reason to buy one. You should also consider a model with a stylish design, that is simple to use, and that has many other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one package for an effortless transition from car to street. They usually include a single car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. 2in1 travel system include an ottoman for napping (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight sturdy, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can fit many shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how small car seats and strollers can be when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat once your child has outgrown it. This gives you an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for those who plan to use the seat for longer than a year or if a partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families seeking an all-in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH lets you easily change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel so you can board and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures across the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any outfit.