A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that can work together. They can be costly.
These combos make it simple for parents to move a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them up. This is a great choice for families that tend to spend a lot of time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller simple. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combinations since they typically include an infant car seat and the stroller. They can be used for infants as well as older children. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that we have listed include a bassinet, which can be used as a secure alternative for a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with car seat may cost more than separate products however, you'll likely save time and money if you buy the two items together. And if you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, many brands have adaptors that let you to use your chosen car seat with a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
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 during the first year. If you are planning on keeping the car seat and using it beyond this time, you should look for one with an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems come with an additional seat that can be used to support older children. While pram 2 in 1 is a nice option, it's not a necessity and might not be practical based on your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top picks for car seats and strollers. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination are packed with features to ensure that you and your baby remain comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has a built-in drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This is a great choice for families who frequently ride-share 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 transportation such as buses and trains. They allow you to easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double when your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot two. This is especially crucial if the car seat is your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps that attach to the base to hold it in place. In our testing this method, it was more difficult to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If 2 in 1 pram stroller forget or lose the straps, it could pose a safety hazard.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a great option 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 designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. 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 products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with the seatbelt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for babies through early childhood. When your child is no longer in the infant car seats and you are looking at purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can handle toddlers and older children. 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 stroller and car seat makes it easy to transfer infants from a car to a stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing or waking them up. This is particularly useful when you're doing errands or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure extra security, opt for an automobile seat that connects to a stroller with the rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secure while in use, and will not fall off or become loose during transit. Car seat and stroller combinations that work with or without a base are good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When you are looking for a travel system, check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and stroller. Typically, the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these car seats switch to a forward-facing seat that can be used in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. Stanton insists that you be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it's 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 buying separate items to build their own travel systems, others prefer buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats It is not unusual to see companies to offer these sets. They are usually priced lower than purchasing the items separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride with springy suspension on all wheels and a large storage basket to store all the baby's toys. The car seat is low-profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest with four positions with four harness heights, as well as an insert that is cushioned for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and has a 1-hand fold, making it convenient to store.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them, but that's not the main reason to buy one. You also want to choose one that is stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one package for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller and some offer a bassinet attachment for strolls during nap time (safety research has shown that babies sleep best in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are light sturdy, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front to allow for city streets, a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how small the car seat and stroller are when they're folded to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, which gives you an additional 1-2 years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for a longer period of time or if a partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families seeking an all-in one. It's simple to transfer from car seat to stroller and back thanks to the LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can get on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures across the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to complement any outfit.