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 as well as a stroller that can work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families who spend the majority of their time on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them, a travel system with the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat may be just the thing you're looking for. These are different from stroller-only models because they usually come with an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They can be used for both infants and older children. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that we have listed include a bassinet that can be used as a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a two-in-one travel system with car seat might cost more than separate products but you'll probably save time and money by purchasing the two items together. And if you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, most manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use your selected car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
When you are looking for a travel set be aware that the majority of these sets come with an infant car-seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used during the first year. If you intend on keeping the seat and using it beyond this point, consider a model with a convertible car seat that can 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 suitable for your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top choices for car seats and strollers. Our editors' top picks include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features that will aid you and your baby to remain comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also comes with an integrated drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base making it a perfect choice for families who frequently use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who often run errands, or take their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double when you expand your family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot two. This is especially important if your car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combos have more complex conversion procedures that require you to manually connect the infant car seat onto the stroller or use 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 process of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it can pose a safety hazard.
A car seat/stroller combo is convenient however, you must think about whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together in the time you need 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 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 a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit into traditional strollers.
The best combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for newborns to early 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. Also, keep in mind that you must ensure your infant car seat is installed correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from a car to a stroller, and reverse the process without disturbing or waking them up. This is especially helpful when you're on the go or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure extra safety, select an automobile seat that connects to a stroller with an incredibly strong LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secured during use and will not slide off or come loose in transit. Combinations of strollers and car seats that work without or with bases are also great options for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel system, be sure to 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 designed to be used during the first 12 months of a child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle, or snapped into the stroller. It is important to be aware of the labels and follow instructions carefully, adds Stanton especially when it comes to making sure your child is within the appropriate weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items and build their own travel system, it's not uncommon for companies to offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. They're usually cheaper than purchasing the items separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller offers smooth riding with suspension that is all-wheel and springy and a large storage basket to hold all your baby's equipment. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to install. The car seat has a headrest that is adjustable in four positions with four harness settings, as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean and has a 1-hand fold, which makes it easy to store.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, however, that's not the only reason to consider buying one. You should also choose one that is stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and you.
Travel systems that are the most effective include an infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base all in one box to allow you to transition from your car to the street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it and some offer an attachment for a bassinet for strolls during nap time (safety research shows that babies sleep best when in reclined positions).
prams 2 in 1 Push Chairs And Prams and infant cars seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to fold and move. Look for models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a large cargo basket that can hold several shopping bags. For easy storage, you should also check how compact strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler one after your child has outgrown it, giving you an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for those who intend to use the seat for longer than a year or if they have a companion who commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. The rigid system built into LATCH lets you easily change from stroller to car seat and back. It's also a certified air travel, so you can board and get off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to 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 fit in with any outfit.