A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that incorporates a car seat gives parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that work together. However they can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great choice for families that spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller easy. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only models because they usually come with an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They are suitable for both newborns and older children. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos that we have listed include a bassinet that can be used as 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 items separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all at once. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family the majority of brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat with another stroller.
When looking for a travel set, be aware that the majority of them come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are designed to be used during the first year. If you intend to keep the seat after this time make sure you choose a model which features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can be used as a booster seat for older kids. This is a wonderful feature, but it may not be suitable for your needs.
Take a look at our top picks of car seats and strollers if you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for many years. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with many features that will keep your child and you comfortable. These products have 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 have LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them a great option for families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
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. You can easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed to a double as you grow your family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is especially important in the event that you plan to use the car seat as your baby's primary car 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 the straps that are attached to the base to hold it in place. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it may be a danger to your safety.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the stroller and car seat for your infant can work together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos are rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns one. These car seats don't attach to strollers when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with the seatbelt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat, but it is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for infants and toddlers until early childhood. If your child has outgrown the infant car seats and you are looking at purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can accommodate toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you should always ensure your infant car seat is installed properly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to get them up. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you're conducting errands or travel. To ensure extra safety, select an automobile seat that connects to a stroller using 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 during transport. Car seat and stroller combos that can be used with or without a base are good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system make sure you check the weight and age limits 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 a child's life. Many of these seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the car or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. Stanton insists that you read all labels and instructions, especially when it's time to make sure that your child meets the weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer to buy separate items to build their own travel system and others prefer to buy pre-packaged stroller and car seats it is not unusual to find companies that to offer these sets. 2 in 1 pushchair are typically less expensive than buying them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller is smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket to store all of your baby gear. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat features an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings as well as a padded insert to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller without disturbing them, but that's not the main reason to think about buying one. You should also look for one with a sleek design, that is simple to use and comes with a variety of other features for your child's safety and for your own.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one box to allow a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a compatible stroller, and some even offer a bassinet attachment for strolls during nap time (safety research shows that babies sleep best when in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can accommodate several shopping bags. You should also consider how the car seat and stroller are when they're folded to make storage easier.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler's seat when your child outgrows it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-share services or commutes via bus or train.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families looking for an all-in-one solution. It's simple to transfer from the car seat to the stroller and back with the built-in LATCH system that allows you to secure 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 ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller so that you can take your child on excursions around the globe. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that match any outfit.