A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as stroller that work together. They can be costly.
These combos make it easy for parents to transport a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them. This is an excellent option for families who are always on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Unlike 2 in 1 pram and pushchair -only combinations, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos on our list come with a bassinet attachment as well, which can be an alternative to a stroller for naps.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than buying the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family, most brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat with another stroller.
One thing to be aware of when shopping for a travel set is that these sets typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is intended to be used during the first 12 months. If you are planning on keeping the seat and using it beyond this point, consider a model with an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler car seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can be used as a booster seat for older kids. This is a great feature, but it may not be appropriate for your needs.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a couple of years, look through our top choices for car seats and strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with an integrated drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without a base making it an ideal option for families who regularly use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who often run errands, or take their babies on public transportation such as trains and buses. 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 also allow you to transform them into a double when your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly transform into chariots for two. This is especially important if your car seat is the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other stroller and car seat combinations have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually attach the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps attached to the base to hold it in place. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you lose or forget the straps, it could cause a safety risk.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you should also consider whether the infant car seat and stroller will work the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns 1. The car seats do not attach to strollers when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers product, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit into traditional strollers.
The ideal combination is a car seat and stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with larger strollers 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 untying the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to transfer infants from the car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or needing to get them up. Rothman states that this is especially beneficial when you're doing errands or traveling. To ensure safety, select a car seat that is attached to a stroller via the rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure while in use, and will not fall off or become loose during transportation. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used with or without the base are an excellent option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When purchasing a travel set be sure to verify the weight and age limits for both the stroller and the car seat. Typically, the infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing and only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be transformed to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle or converted into the stroller. It is important to be aware of the labels and follow all instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes to ensuring your child is within the correct 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 systems, others prefer buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats it is not unusual to see companies to sell these sets. These are often priced lower than buying the products separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket to store all of your baby gear. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to install. The car seat has an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings, as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and has one-hand fold, making it convenient for storage.
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 up, but that's not the primary reason to consider buying 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 your child and yourself.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one box for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller, and some even offer an attachment for a bassinet for strolls during nap time (safety research suggests that babies sleep best when in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to fold and maneuver. Make sure you choose models with 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 storage easier make sure to check how the strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler one as your child grows out of it, giving you an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for a longer period of time or if a partner is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families that want an all-in-one solution. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can board and get off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into double strollers, allowing you to take your little one on global adventures. 2 in 1 buggy comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.