A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and stroller that work in tandem. They can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them up. This is a great choice for families who 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, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat could be what you're looking for. In pram 2in1 to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that can be linked, and can be used with toddlers and newborns. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that we have listed include a bassinet that can be used as a secure alternative for a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. If you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't the right fit for your family, most brands have adaptors that let you to use your selected car seat with another stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
One thing to keep in mind when you are shopping for a travel system is that these sets typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is meant to be used during the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the car seat and using it beyond this time, you should look for a model that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems include an additional seat that can be used to support older children. While this is a good option but it's not essential and might not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
Check out our top picks of car seats and strollers If you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for several years. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also has a built-in drape canopy that protects the baby who is sleeping. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base making it a perfect option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who do errands, or transport their children on public transport like buses and trains. They let you easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them up.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double when 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 two. This is particularly important if the car seat is your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion procedures. It is possible to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or attach straps to base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can pose dangerous when you forget or misplace the straps to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is convenient but you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for as long as you want them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns 1. These car seats are not connected to a stroller after 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 with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
The ideal combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with a larger stroller that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat is installed correctly. Never remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller and vice versa, without disrupting or waking them. This is particularly useful when you're doing errands or traveling, according to Rothman. To ensure extra security, opt for an automobile seat that connects to a stroller via the rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured when it's in use and will not fall off or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used with or without the base are ideal for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing 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 which are only designed for use for the first 12 months of the child's life. Many of these car seats then transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or can be converted into a stroller compatible with it. It is important to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes to making sure your child is in the appropriate weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual for companies to offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket to store everything your baby needs. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat comes with a four-position headrest and four harness heights as well as padding for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to consider buying one. You should also consider a model with a stylish design, that is easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features for your child's comfort as well as yours.
The travel systems that are the most efficient include the infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one box to allow you to transfer from your car to the street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller compatible with it and some include an attachment for a bassinet for strolls during nap time (safety research shows that babies sleep best when in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and robust, making them simple to move, push and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for streets in cities and a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. Also, you should consider how the car seat and stroller can be folded to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems let you change the infant car seat with an adult car seat when your child is no longer using it. This gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option when you plan to use the car seat for longer than one year, or 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 that want an all-in-one solution. The rigid system built into LATCH allows you to easily change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel, so you can board and get off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so you can take your child on excursions around the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.