A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and a stroller that can are able to work together. They can be costly.
These combinations make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them up. This is a great solution for families who are always moving.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller simple. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combos since they typically include an infant car seat and the stroller. They are suitable for both newborns and older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos that make our list come with bassinet attachments as well which is an alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
While a two-in-one travel system with a car seat may cost more than separate items however, you'll likely save time and money by buying the two items together. If pram 2 in 1 decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, most brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat with an alternative stroller.
One important thing to remember when shopping for a travel set is that they typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller that is designed to work together, and is meant to be used during the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat and using it beyond this time, you should look for an option that has an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older kids. pram 2in1 is a great feature, but it might not be practical for your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top choices for car seats and strollers. Our editors' top picks, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo come with a variety of features that will help you and your baby stay comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect for protecting a snoozing child. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it an ideal option for families that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who frequently run errands or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. They let you easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double as your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be pushed into position to instantly transform them into chariots that can accommodate two. This feature is especially important when you intend to use the car seat as the baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combos have more complex conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the infant car seat onto the stroller or use the straps that are attached to the base to hold it in place. In our tests this method, it was more difficult to master than one-step procedure of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it can cause a safety risk.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a great option, but you should also think about whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together as long as you want them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of one. These car seats do not connect to strollers once they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers like the Doona can be used as a toddler car seat with a seat belt booster after your child outgrows the infant car seat but is too tall for the standard strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for babies through early childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system by a larger stroller which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you must always make sure that your infant car seat is set up correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to get them up. This is particularly useful when you're doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that attaches to the stroller using either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured during use, and will not fall off or loosen during transit. Car seat and stroller combos that work with or without a base are also good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When you are looking for a travel system, check the weight and age limits of both the car seat and stroller. The majority of 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 converted to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the car or converted into the stroller. Stanton advises parents to read all labels and instructions, especially when it's time to ensure your child meets the weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer buying separate products to create their own travel system and others prefer pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations, it is not uncommon to see companies to offer these sets. These are often priced lower than buying the items individually. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket for everything your baby needs. The car seat is low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat has an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and features one-hand fold, making it convenient for storage.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system for the convenience of transferring your child from car to stroller and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to consider one. You also want to choose one that is stylish, easy to maneuver, and has a number of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
The most effective 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 usually include an all-in-one car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better 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. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can hold several shopping bags. For easy storage make sure to check how small car seats and strollers fold when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat as your child grows out of it, giving you an additional 1-2 years of use. This is a great option when you're planning on using the car seat for more than a year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes by bus or train.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top choice for families who want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from car seat to stroller, and back, with the built-in LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, so you can board and get off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your baby to the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.