A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and a stroller which work in tandem. However they can be costly.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them up. This is a great solution for families that spend the majority of their time on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transition your baby from the car to stroller without waking them up, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat may be just the thing you're looking for. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only models because they usually come with an infant car seat and the stroller. They can be used for both newborns and older children. A lot of the car seat and stroller combinations on our list have an attachment for a bassinet which is an alternative to a stroller for naps.
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family later the majority of brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller.
One important thing to remember when looking for a travel system is that they typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller designed to work together, and is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the car seat after this period you should choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can serve as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a great option, it's not a necessity and might not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo are packed with features to aid you and your baby to stay comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who regularly use ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who run errands, or take their babies on public transportation such as trains and buses. It is easy to transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without worrying about wake them up.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double as you expand your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be pushed into position to instantly transform them into chariots for two. This is particularly important if your car seat will be your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use the straps that are attached to the base to hold it in place. In our testing this method, it was more difficult to master than the single-step method of the Doona. It can pose dangerous if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you must also consider whether the stroller and car seat for your infant can work together for as long as you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. These car seats cannot be connected to a stroller after they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the infant car seat, but it is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for newborns through the early years of childhood. When your child grows out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with a larger stroller which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat has been fitted correctly. Never remove it from your car without first removing the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat allows you to easily transfer infants from a car to a stroller and in reverse, without disrupting or waking them. Rothman says this is especially useful when you're running errands and traveling. To ensure extra security, opt for a car seat which attaches to a stroller using a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secure while in use and won't come loose or fall off during transportation. Car seat and stroller combinations that can be used with or without a base are also good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a travel system, check the age and weight limits of both the car seat and stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used for the first 12 months of a child's life. A lot of these seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or can snap into a stroller that is compatible. It is important to study the labels and follow instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes down to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the appropriate weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel system, others prefer buying pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations it is not unusual to see companies to offer these sets. These sets are generally less expensive than buying them separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. 2 in 1 pram stroller has a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket that can hold everything your baby needs. The car seat is low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. It's a simple and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features 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
It's tempting to purchase a travel system that makes it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller without waking them, however, that's not the only reason to buy one. You should also consider a model that's stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features that ensure it's comfortable for your child and you.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one box for an effortless transition from car to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer a bassinet attachment for strolls to nap (safety research suggests that babies sleep best when in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with two in one travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front to allow for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how small the stroller and car seat can be folded for ease of storage.
Some travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option when you're planning to use the car seat for more than one year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes by train or bus.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top choice for families that want an all-in-one solution. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can get on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your baby on global adventures. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.