A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that work together. 2 in 1 prams can be expensive.
These combos make it simple for parents to move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them up. This is a great choice for families that spend a lot of time in the car.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller simple. These are different from stroller-only models because they usually include an infant car seat as well as the stroller. They are suitable for both infants and older children. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos on our list include a bassinet attachment as well and can be an excellent alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
While a two-in-one travel system with car seat might cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing the two items together. And if you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't quite right for your family, a majority of manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use your chosen car seat alongside a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One important thing to remember when looking for a travel system is that they typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work together, and is meant to be used in the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the seat after this point make sure you choose a model which includes a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can be used as a booster seat for older kids. This is a wonderful option, but it may not be suitable for your particular 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 top choices, which have been tested by our editors include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination come with a variety of features to ensure that you and your baby stay comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride, and the PIPA car seat has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect for protecting a snoozing child. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without a base, making it an ideal choice for families who frequently use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who run errands or take their children on public transport like buses and trains. It is easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double as your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly convert them into chariots for two. This feature is particularly important if you plan to use the car seat as your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually attach the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps 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 forget or lose the straps, it can cause a safety risk.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the stroller and car seat for your infant will work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. The car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models, such as the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with an additional seat belt booster once your child is no longer in the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit in the standard strollers.
The ideal combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for newborns to early childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system with an extra large stroller that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Don't remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from a car to a stroller and in reverse, without disrupting or waking them. Rothman says this is particularly beneficial when you're running errands and traveling. For added security, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller with either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured when in use and will not come loose or fall off during transport. Car seat and stroller combinations that work with or without a base are also good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When looking for a new stroller, make sure you know the weight and age limits of both the car seat and stroller. 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 changed into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the car or converted into a stroller. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow instructions precisely, advises Stanton particularly when it comes down to ensuring your child is within the proper 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 system, others prefer buying pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations it is not unusual to find companies that offer these sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them individually. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has smooth riding with suspension that is all-wheel and springy, and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby's gear. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat comes with a headrest that is adjustable 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 folds in one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system to enjoy the ease of moving your baby from car to stroller and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to think about one. You should also choose one that is stylish, easy to maneuver, and has a number of other features to make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The travel systems that are the most efficient include an infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one package to allow you to move from your vehicle to the street. These systems typically include a one-piece car seat that is easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even come with an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to push, maneuver and fold. Look for models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can hold several shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items it is important to know how small car seats and strollers are when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with an adult car seat when your child grows out of it. This allows for an additional 1-2 years use. That's a great option if you're planning on using the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families that want an all-in-one solution. 2 in 1 pram integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel, so you can board and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures across the globe. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.