A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as stroller that are able to work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them up. This is a great option for families that tend to spend the majority of their time in the car.
two in one pram
If you're looking for a simple way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat might be what you need. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together, and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car seats and strollers combinations on our list have a bassinet attachment as well and can be a safe alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
While a 2 in 1 travel system with a car seat might cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money by buying them as a set. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat with another stroller.
When you are looking for a travel set, keep in mind that most of them come with an infant car-seat and stroller designed to work together. They are designed to be used in the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat and using it past this point, consider one with a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a greater weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older children. This is a nice option, but it may not be appropriate 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. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have many features that will keep your child and you comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also has a built in drape canopy that protects children who are snoozing. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them a great option for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
These are great for parents who frequently 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 waking them.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double as you grow your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly convert them into chariots that can accommodate two. This is particularly important if the car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that are attached to the base to hold it in place. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than the one-step process of the Doona. It can pose an accident hazard when you forget or misplace the straps to attach the straps before using the travel system.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the infant car seat and stroller will work as long as you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child is 1. These car seats don't snap onto a stroller when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products such as the Doona is able to be used as a toddler car seat 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 majority of strollers.
The most effective combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for babies to early childhood. If your child has outgrown the car seats for infants and you are looking at purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can be used by toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you must always make sure your infant car seat is set up correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from a car to a stroller, and vice versa, without disturbing them or waking them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you're conducting errands or travel. For added security, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller using either the simple click or the rigid LATCH 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 be used with or without bases are also great options for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limits for both the stroller and the car seat. Most infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be converted into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. two in one pram insists that you read all labels and instructions, especially when it comes time to make sure your child's 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 unusual for companies to offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. They are usually priced lower than purchasing the items separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket for everything your baby needs. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. It is quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and has one-hand fold, which makes it easy to store.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller without disturbing them, but that's not the primary reason to buy one. You should also consider a model that's stylish, maneuvers well, and has a number of other features to make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The best travel systems most efficient include an infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base all in one box to make it easier for you to move from your car to the street. They usually include a single car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have an ottoman for napping (safety studies show that babies sleep better in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front to allow for city streets and a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. For easy storage make sure to check how small car seats and strollers are when folded.
Some travel systems let you change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child is no longer using it. This allows you to enjoy an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for those who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if a partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families seeking an all-in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also certified for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.