A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system 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 costly.
These combinations make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them. This is a great option for families who spend the majority of their time in the car.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller easy. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car seats and strollers combos on our list include an attachment for a bassinet and can be a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for naps.
A 2-in-1 travel system that comes with a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them all at once. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family the majority of brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with an alternative stroller.
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel system is that these sets typically include an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work in tandem, which is intended to be used during the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the car seat and using it past this period, look for a model with an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature an additional seat that can serve as a booster for older children. While this is a good option, it's not a necessity and may not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
Take a look at our top picks of car seats and strollers to find an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. Our editor-tested favorites, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination, have plenty of features that will ensure that you and your baby stay comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth 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 with vehicles without a base, making it a perfect option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who frequently run errands or take their baby out on public transport like buses and trains. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or waking them.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be turned to a double as you expand your family. 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 feature is especially important in the event that you plan to use the car seat as your baby's primary car seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complicated conversion methods. pushchairs 2 in 1 may have to manually connect the car seat to stroller or attach straps to base to ensure it is secured. In our tests, this method was often more difficult to master than one-step process 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 be aware of whether the stroller and infant car seat will work together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats cannot be attached to a stroller once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, 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 traditional strollers.
The most effective combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for infants and children in the early years of childhood. Once your child outgrows the infant car seats, you should look into buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can handle toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you must always make sure your infant car seat is installed correctly and never remove it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat makes it easy to transfer infants from a car to a stroller and vice versa, without disrupting or waking them. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you're running errands and traveling. To ensure your safety, choose a car seat that is attached to a stroller with the rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secured during use and won't fall off or loosen during transportation. Car seat and stroller combinations that can be used with or without bases are also great options for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel set be sure to verify the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. The majority of the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing, and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A lot of these car seats then change to a forward-facing seat that can be used in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. Stanton insists that you be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it's time to make sure that your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer buying separate items to build their own travel system and others prefer pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations it is not unusual for companies to sell these sets. These sets are generally less expensive than buying them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller is smooth ride, springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket to store everything your baby needs. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for added security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to install. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest with four positions and four harness heights as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and has a one-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
It's tempting to buy an accessory for travel to make it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to consider buying one. You should also choose one with a sleek design, which is simple to use and comes with a variety of other features for your child's comfort as well as yours.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one package for an effortless transition from car to street. They usually have 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 a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and sturdy, making them easy to push, maneuver and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front to allow for city streets and a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make 2in1 travel system to store your items, you should also check how small car seats and strollers can be when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler one as your child grows out of it, giving you an additional two years of use. This is a great option for those who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if they have a companion who travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families who want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to transfer from a car seat to a stroller and back again, with the built-in LATCH system that locks the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures across the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.