A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that are able to work together. However they can be costly.
These combos make it simple for parents to transport a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great option for families that are constantly moving.
2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller
If you're looking for an easy way to transition your baby from the car to stroller without waking them up, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat may be just what you need. These are different from stroller-only combinations because they usually come with an infant car seat and a stroller. They are suitable for both newborns and older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combos on our list have an attachment for a bassinet and can be an alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with car seat might cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money if you buy the two items together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat are not right for your family the majority of brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with a different stroller.
One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a travel set is that these sets usually include an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work together, which is designed to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the car seat after this period make sure you choose a model which has a convertible car-seat that can be used for toddlers and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can be used as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a good option but it's not essential and might not be practical based on your life style.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last a couple of years, look through our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to shield a sleepy child. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it a perfect option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who run errands, or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or waking them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double when your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is particularly crucial if the car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complex conversion methods. You may have to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or strap it to base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can pose dangerous when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo 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 seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are made to be used until your child is 1. These car seats cannot be attached to a stroller once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, such as the Doona can be used as a car seat for toddlers with an additional seat belt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too tall for the majority of strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for babies through the early years of childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with an extra large stroller which can be used for older children and toddlers. Make sure that your infant car seat has been fitted correctly. Do not remove it from the car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily transfer infants from the car to the stroller, and back without disrupting them or having to awake them. Rothman states that this is especially beneficial when you're conducting errands or travel. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that is attached to the stroller using either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured during use and won't fall off or loosen during the course of transport. Car seat and stroller combos that work without or with a base are also good alternatives 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 as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only intended for use for the first 12 months of the child's life. These car seats can be transformed to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. Stanton insists that you read all labels and instructions, especially when it's time to ensure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate products to create their own travel system, others prefer to buy pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations it is not unusual to see companies to sell these sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller is smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket that can hold everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. It has a quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest with four positions, four harness heights and an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds with just one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system to enjoy the convenience of moving your child from stroller to car and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to consider one. You should also choose one that is elegant, well-balanced, and has a number of other features to make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The travel systems that are the best 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 typically come with a single car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even come with 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 are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and robust, making them simple to push, maneuver and fold. Look for models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit several shopping bags. You should also consider how the stroller and car seat are when they're folded to make it easier to store them.
Certain travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler one as your child grows out of it, which gives you an additional 1-2 years of use. This is a great option for those who intend to use the seat for longer than a year or if they have a companion who travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families looking for an all-in one. It's simple to transfer from car seat to stroller, and back, thanks to the LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also a certified air travel, which means you can board and get 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 around the globe. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that complement any wardrobe.