A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and a stroller which are able to work together. However they can be costly.
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 option for families that tend to spend much of their time in the car.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from car to stroller without waking them up the next morning, a travel set-up that includes a stroller seat and infant car seat could be what you need. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together and can be used with toddlers and newborns. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet attached, which can be used as a safe alternative for a traditional stroller during naptime walks.
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family in the future there are adaptors for most brands that allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with a different stroller.
One thing to be aware of when looking for a travel system is that they typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is designed to be used in the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat after this time you should choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and has a higher maximum weight.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older children. This is a wonderful feature, but it may not be appropriate for your needs.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. 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 rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles that do not have a base, making it a perfect option for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who run errands or take their children on public transport such as trains and buses. They allow you to easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double when you expand your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly convert them into chariots that can accommodate two. This is especially crucial if the car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complicated conversion procedures. It is possible to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or attach straps to the base to ensure it is secured. In our tests this method was generally more difficult to master than one-step process of the Doona. It can pose dangerous when you forget or misplace the straps to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a great option, but you should also think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can work as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products use rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats don't snap onto a stroller when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown 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. Once your child outgrows the car seats for infants, you should look into purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can accommodate toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat is properly installed. Don't remove it from the car without first removing the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to transfer infants from the car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or needing to awake them. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you're doing errands or traveling. To ensure your safety, select an automobile seat that connects to a stroller via an incredibly strong LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure when it's in use and that it will not come loose or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used with or without the base are a good option for vehicles that ride-share.
When you are looking for a travel system, check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are designed to be used during the first 12 months of the child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the car or converted into a stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to follow all instructions and labels particularly when it comes time to make sure that your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items and build their own travel system, it's not uncommon for companies to offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket that can hold all of your baby gear. The car seat is low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. It's a simple and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a four-position headrest and four harness heights as well as padding for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds in one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy an accessory for travel to make it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, however, that's not the only reason to buy one. You should also consider one that's stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and you.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one package for an effortless transition from car to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible and some offer an attachment for a bassinet for strolls to nap (safety research suggests that babies sleep best in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight and durable. They are also easy to maneuver and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for streets in cities, a large cargo basket and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. To make storage easier make sure to check how the strollers and car seats are when folded.
Certain travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler one as your child grows out of it, which gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-share services or commutes via bus or train.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families who are looking for an all-in one. It's easy to transfer from car seat to stroller, and back, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also a certified air travel, so you can hop on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures across the globe. pram 2 in 1 is available in a range of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.