A 2 in 1 Travel System
Whether you are looking to travel with ease or you want to create a modern take on an old-fashioned stroller, the car seat and stroller combination is the best option. Take a look at the specifications carefully to ensure that your chosen car seat and pushchair work together, or consider buying an adaptor.
Editor-tested travel systems allow you to move your sleeping newborn seamlessly from the car to the stroller without disrupting them. Some travel systems have an infant carrycot to help encourage the natural sleep.
Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel set that includes a stroller and a baby car seat that snaps together. This is a great choice for parents who frequently make errands, or take their baby on rides or public transport. "You'll have less gear to manage," explains Graco spokeswoman Rachel Stanton. "And it's perfect for families that switch between public transportation and carpooling with other moms."
Doona infant car seats and latch bases are a top choice, with 90 percent of Amazon reviews rating five stars. It's a rear-facing car seats that transforms to a stroller that can be turned into a rolling one. The change is quick and easy. The wheels fold under, and it's compact when not in use. The Doona also attaches to a car's backseat with the rigid LATCH base or to taxi-safe belt paths, making it a great choice for commuters and families in cities.
The Mamas and Papas pramette is another excellent car seat/stroller combo. It features the pram with a hood that opens and an front seat that can be lowered to allow your child to lie down for naps or feedings. It has a spacious basket, cup holders and a basket for everything your baby needs and a tray for parents and sun shade. The stroller seat can recline in various positions, and it can even be flat, so your baby will be comfortable for every ride.
The weight and height limits are important. Also, think about whether the car seat for infants can be used only with a backseat belt, or when it has a sturdy LATCH system that is built-in. Also, look for a lock on the handle to keep it secure in place and the ability to tilt the handle toward the back of the seatback to make an anti-rebound bar.
It is important to note that travel systems only work with infant car seats--and extended-use car seats that are able to later be made forward-facing snap into strollers. Many moms choose to buy an additional car seat and stroller when their child is no longer in an infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a crucial piece of equipment for any new parent. Some travel systems include the baby pram that can be transformed into a comfortable infant carrycot. This is perfect for parents who do not want to disturb their baby when traveling. Some brands also offer the option of a car seat and stroller combination that can be clicked together. This lets you keep your child in the car seat while transferring them to a stroller, without disrupting them.
A good stroller needs to include plenty of features that make it functional and user-friendly. It should include a large basket to store essentials such as nappies as well as toys and snacks. It can also recline so that your baby can sleep comfortably. It should have an umbrella to protect your child from the sun, and a lockable wheel on the front to ensure safety. It should also be light and compact for storage as well as transporting to and from the vehicle.
Travel system strollers that have been tested by an editor such as the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo, Chicco Keyfit Caddy and Doona Combo all have the benefit of connecting with a range of top car seats that can be attached to the frame and fold up easily. Some models have one wheel on each leg to make them easier to move and roll over different surfaces.
The ideal stroller will be versatile enough to last through toddlerhood - and beyond if you need it to continue to transport your child to and from school or to play dates, activities and so on. If 2 in 1 pram is outgrowing their car seat, you should consider a stroller that has a seat facing the world and can recline.
If you plan on using your 2-in-1 travel system for public transport choose models that have an ISOFIX base so it's safe to get on and off buses or trains. Some models, such as the Doona can also be mounted on trains and planes to make travelling with a baby more convenient.