A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as a stroller that can are able to work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them. This is a great option for families that tend to spend much of their time on the go.
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. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos on our list include bassinet attachments as well and can be a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for naps.
While a two-in-one travel system with a car seat might cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing them all in one package. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family there are adaptors for most brands that allow you to use the car seat with an alternative stroller.
One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a travel set is that these sets usually include a car seat for infants and a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is intended to be used during the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the car seat after this period, choose a model that features a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and has a greater maximum weight.
Some travel systems include an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. This is a great option, but it may not be suitable for your lifestyle.
Check out our top choices of car seats and strollers If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo are packed with features that will aid you and your baby to remain comfortable. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride, and the PIPA car seat has a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on cars that don't have a base. This is a great choice for families who frequently ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who regularly run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport such as buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double when your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot for two. This is particularly important if the car seat is your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps attached to the base to hold it in place. In our tests, this method was often harder to master than the single-step method of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it could pose a safety hazard.
A car seat/stroller combo is a great option however, you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers will work together as long as you want them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. The car seats can't be connected to a stroller after they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with the seatbelt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat, but is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for newborns through the early years of childhood. If your child is out of the car seat for infants, you can change the travel system to an extra large stroller that can be used by older toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat is installed correctly. Don't remove it from the car without first untying the straps.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from a car to a stroller, and vice versa without disturbing or waking them up. Rothman says this is especially beneficial when you're doing errands or traveling. To ensure extra safety, choose a car seat that is attached to a stroller using a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secured during use and won't fall off or come loose in the course of transport. Car seat and stroller combos that can work with or without a base are good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel set be sure to verify the weight and age limits for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are designed to be used for the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be changed into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the vehicle or converted into a stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to read all labels and instructions, especially when it comes time to make sure your child meets the weight and height requirements of 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 uncommon to see companies offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. They're usually cheaper than buying the products separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket that can hold everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for added security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat has a four-position adjustable headrest, four harness settings and padding to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and features a one-hand fold, making it ideal for storage.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system for the ease of moving your child from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, that's not the only reason to look into 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 safety and for your own.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one package for an effortless transition from car to street. 2 in 1 pram include an all-in-one car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front to allow for city streets, a large cargo basket and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. You should also consider how compact the stroller and car seat fold to make it easier to store them.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat when your child outgrows it, giving you an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who plan 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 is a top option for families looking for an all-in-one solution. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can hop on and off public transport in peace. 2 in 1 pram -in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, which allows you to take your baby to the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that match any outfit.