A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that incorporates a car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that can work together. They can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them up. This is a great solution for families who spend the majority of their time in the car.
Comfort
Travel systems that include an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller easy. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combinations because they usually include an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They are suitable for both newborns and older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combinations on our list include a bassinet attachment as well which is an excellent alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. And if you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't the right fit for your family, most brands have adaptors that let you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When looking for a travel set, be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car-seat and stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used during the first year. If you are planning to keep the car seat and using it after this period, look for an option that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a higher weight limit.
2 in 1 prams feature a second seat that can be used as a booster for older children. While this is a nice option, it's not a necessity and might not be feasible based on your life style.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo come with a variety of features to aid you and your baby to remain comfortable. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also has a built-in drape canopy to protect children who are 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-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who frequently run errands or take their children on public transport like buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without worrying about waking them.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed to a double as you have a growing family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is especially important if you plan to use the car seat as your baby's only vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combinations have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps that are attached to the base to secure it. In our tests this method was generally more difficult to master than one-step procedure of the Doona. It could pose dangerous if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat can work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child is the age of one. These car seats do not attach to strollers when they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats with the seatbelt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit into traditional strollers.
The ideal combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. Once your child outgrows the infant car seats it is recommended to consider purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle older children and toddlers. Also, remember that you must always make sure your infant car seat is installed correctly and never take it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily move infants from their car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or having to get them up. This is especially helpful when you're doing errands or traveling, according to Rothman. To ensure your security, opt for a car seat that is attached to a stroller via an incredibly strong LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secure while in use and won't fall off or become loose during the course of transport. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used without or with the base are also a good option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When looking for a new travel system, check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are designed to be used for the first 12 months of a child's life. These car seats can be converted into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle, or snapped into the stroller. Stanton advises parents to be aware of all labels and directions particularly when it comes time to ensure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and design 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 like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride 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 comes with a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to put in. The car seat features a four-position adjustable headrest 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 it folds with one hand.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the convenience of moving your child from car to stroller and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to look into one. You should also consider an option with a fashionable design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features for your child's safety and for your own.
The best travel systems most efficient include the infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one package to make it easier for you to transition from your car to the street. They usually include a single car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better when they are in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light, durable, and easy to fold and move. Look for models that have rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for streets in cities and a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. For easy storage, you should also check how the strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with an adult car seat when your child is no longer using it. This allows for an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for longer than a year or if their partner is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families looking for an option that is all in one. It's easy to move from the car seat to the stroller and back again, thanks to the LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can board and get off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures around the globe. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.