A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes 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. This is a great choice for families that tend to spend the majority of their time on the go.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transition 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 the thing you're looking for. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combinations because they usually include an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They are suitable for both newborns and older children. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos that make our list come with an attachment for a bassinet, which can be a safe alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save time and money by purchasing them all at once. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family, most brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with another stroller.
When you are looking for a travel set be aware that a majority of these sets include an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used during the first year. If you intend to keep the car seat after this period, choose a model that has a convertible car-seat that can be used by toddlers and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to boost older children. While this is a great option however, it's not necessary and may not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats if you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. Our editor-tested favorites, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features that will ensure that you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has a built-in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families that frequently use ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who often run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport like trains and buses. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without worrying about waking them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double when your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be clicked into position to instantly transform them into chariots for two. This is particularly important if your car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated conversion procedures. You may need to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or strap it to base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you forget or lose the straps, it may cause a safety risk.
A car seat/stroller combination is a good idea but you must think about whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together as long as you require them to. The majority of car seats and strollers feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. The car seats do not attach to strollers when 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 a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat however, it is too large to fit into traditional strollers.
The best combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for babies to early childhood. When your child grows out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system by a larger stroller that can be used by older children and toddlers. Also, remember that you must ensure the infant car seat is installed correctly and never remove it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back without disrupting them or having to get them up. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you're conducting errands or travel. For added 2 in 1 pushchair , look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller with either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is safe when it's in use and will not come loose or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used without or with the base are also ideal for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are designed to be used for the first 12 months of a child's life. A majority of these car seats then transition to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. It's important to study the labels and follow all instructions with care, says Stanton, especially when it comes to ensuring your child is in the proper 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 uncommon to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. They are usually priced lower than buying the items individually. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket to store everything your baby needs. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat has a headrest that is adjustable in four positions, four harness settings and an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean, and folds with just one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the convenience of moving your child from car to stroller and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to consider one. You should also choose a model that's stylish, easy to maneuver, and has a number of other features to make it comfortable for both your child and yourself.
Travel systems that are the best include the infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one box to help you to move from your car to the street. These systems typically include an all-in-one car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even come with a bassinet for naps (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Choose models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can fit several shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items, you should also check how the strollers and car seats are when folded.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat when your child grows out of it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is a great 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 is a great option for families seeking an option that is all in one. It's easy to move from car seat to stroller and back again, with the built-in LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel so you can get on and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures around the globe. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.