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 stroller that can work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from stroller to car and back without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families that are constantly moving.
Comfort
Travel systems with an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller simple. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only models since they typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They are suitable for both newborns and older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combinations on our list come with bassinet attachments as well which is a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all at once. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family later, most brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat with another stroller.
One thing to be aware of when looking for a travel system is that these sets usually comprise an infant car seat and a stroller made to work together, which is designed to be used in the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the seat after this time you should choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems include a second seat which can be used to boost older children. This is a nice feature, but it may not be suitable for your needs.
Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats to find an affordable travel system that will last for many years. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have numerous features that will keep your child and you comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has an integrated drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it a perfect choice for families who frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who often run out for errands or take their child out on public transport such as buses and trains. They let you easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them up.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform to a double as 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 them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is especially crucial if the car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combinations have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that are attached to the base to fix it. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can be an accident hazard when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the infant car seat and stroller will work as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. These car seats don't 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 toddler car seats that come with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the car seat for infants, but it is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
The ideal combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for newborns to early childhood. Once your child outgrows the car seats for infants and you are looking at purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Never remove it from your car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat allows for easy transfer of infants from a car to a stroller, and reverse the process without disturbing them or waking them up. This is particularly useful when you're running errands or traveling, according to Rothman. To ensure safety, select an automobile seat that connects to a stroller via an incredibly strong LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe when it's in use and won't come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are a good option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When you purchase a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used during the first 12 months of the child's life. A majority of these seats switch to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or can be converted into a stroller compatible with it. Stanton advises parents to read all labels and instructions particularly when it comes time to ensure your child meets the weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate items to create their own travel system, others prefer buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats It is not unusual to see companies to sell these sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them individually. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller is 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 has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It is quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's safety. It's easy to clean and has a one-hand fold, making it convenient for storage.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system for the convenience of transferring your baby from stroller to car and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to think about one. You also want to choose one that's elegant, well-balanced and comes with a variety of other features that ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
The travel systems that are the best include an infant car, stroller and car seat base all in one box to allow you to transition from your car to the street. These systems typically include a one-piece car seat that is easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even include an ottoman for napping (safety studies show 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 move, push 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. To make it easier to store your items, you should also check how compact strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler car seat when your child grows out of it. This allows for an additional 2 to 3 years of use. That's a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
2in1 travel system pushchairsandprams ’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families seeking an option that is all in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can get on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.