A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that can work together. However they can be costly.
These combos let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them up. This is a great solution for families that spend much of their time in the car.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transition your baby from car to stroller without awakening them, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat might be what you need. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect, and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos that make our list have an attachment for a bassinet which is an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. If you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, a majority of brands have adaptors that let you to use your chosen car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One thing to be aware of when looking for a travel set is that these sets usually include an infant car seat and a stroller made to work together, which is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat after this time make sure you choose a model which includes a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and is able to support a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to support older children. This is a nice feature, but it might not be suitable for your needs.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top picks for car seats and strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with many features that will keep your child and you comfortable. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built in drape canopy that protects children who are snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles that do not have a base, making it a great option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who often run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport such as buses and trains. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without worrying about waking them.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed to a double as you grow your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly convert into chariots for two. This is particularly important if the car seat will be the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complex conversion methods. You may have to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or use straps attached to base to secure it. In our testing this method, it was harder to master than the one-step process of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it may be a danger to your safety.
two in one pram of a car seat and stroller is convenient however, you must think about whether the strollers and infant car seats can be used together for as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products use rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. The car seats do not attach to strollers when they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat but it is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
The ideal combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for infants and children in the early years of childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system with an extra large stroller that can be used by older toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you must always make sure the infant car seat is fitted correctly and never take it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from the vehicle to a stroller and reverse the process, without disrupting or waking them. Rothman states that this is especially beneficial when you're doing errands or traveling. To ensure your safety, opt for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe when used and will not come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used with or without the base are a good option for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age limits of both the car seat and stroller. Typically, the 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. These car seats can be changed into a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the car, or snapped into the stroller. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions with care, says Stanton, especially when it comes to making sure your child is within the appropriate weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and create their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride with springy suspension on all wheels, 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 security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to install. The car seat has an adjustable headrest with four positions and four harness heights as well as an insert that is cushioned for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and comes with a one-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system that makes it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them up, however, that's not the only reason to consider buying one. You should also choose one with a sleek design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features for your child's safety and for your own.
The travel systems that are the best include an infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base all in one box to make it easier for you to transition from your vehicle to the street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it, and some even offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls during nap time (safety research suggests that babies sleep better in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can fit many shopping bags. To make storage easier it is important to know how small car seats and strollers fold when folded.
Some 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 you to enjoy an additional 1-2 years use. This is a great option when you're planning to use the car seat for more than one year, or your partner regularly uses ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families looking for a solution that is all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly change from stroller to car seat and back. It is also certified for air travel so you can board and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures across the globe. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that complement any wardrobe.