A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that incorporates a car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them up. This is a great solution for families who are constantly in motion.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that can be linked and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car seats and strollers combos on our list come with a bassinet attachment as well, which can be an excellent alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with car seat might cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money if you buy the two items together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family in the future there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat with another stroller.
One important thing to remember when shopping for a travel set is that these sets typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller designed to work together, and is meant to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat after this time you should choose a model that has a convertible car-seat that can be used for toddlers and is able to support a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can serve as a booster seat for older children. This is a nice feature, but it might not be suitable for your needs.
Check out our top picks of strollers and car seats If you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with an integrated drape canopy that protects children who are snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with 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 often do errands, or transport their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or waking them.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double when you have a growing family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly convert into chariots for two. This is especially crucial if the car seat is your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combinations have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can pose an accident hazard if you misplace or forget to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
While two in one pram of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should also consider whether the stroller and car seat for your infant will work the time you need 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 one. These car seats do not attach to strollers when they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with a seatbelt booster after your child is no longer in the infant car seat however, it is too large to fit into traditional strollers.
The ideal combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for newborns to early childhood. When your child has grown out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with an extra large stroller that can be used by older children and toddlers. Always ensure that your infant car seat is properly installed. Do not remove it from your car without first removing the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily move infants from their car to the stroller and back again without disrupting them or having to wake them up. Rothman says this is especially useful when you're running errands and traveling. To ensure your safety, opt for car seats that can be attached to the stroller via an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while being used, and will not fall off or become loose during transportation. Car seat and stroller combos that can work with or without bases are also great options for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel set, be sure to check the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. Most infant car seats that are 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 transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the car or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. Stanton advises parents to follow all instructions and labels particularly when it comes time to make sure your child's weight and height requirements of both the car seat as well as 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 combination sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller has a smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for added security. It is quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features a four-position headrest with four harness heights, as well as padding for your little one's comfort. It's easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, which makes it easy for storage.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them, but that's not the primary reason to consider buying one. You should also choose a model with a stylish design, which is easy to maneuver, and that has many other features to ensure your child's safety and for your own.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one box for an effortless transition from car to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer a bassinet attachment for strolls during nap time (safety research suggests that babies sleep better in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to maneuver, push and fold. Look for models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can accommodate many shopping bags. You should also consider how small the stroller and car seat fold to make storage easier.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler seat after your child has outgrown it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option if you plan to use the car seat for more than one year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families that want an all-in-one solution. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily change from stroller to car seat and back. It's also approved for air travel, so you can get on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures across the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.