A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that incorporates a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that work together. They can be costly.
These combinations make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great option for families that tend to spend much of their time on the go.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from the car to stroller without waking them up, 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 and a stroller that can be linked and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. A lot of the car seat and stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet attachment as well and can be an excellent alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family later the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat in conjunction with an alternative stroller.
When you are looking for a travel set, keep in mind that most of these sets include an infant car-seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used in the first year. If you plan on keeping the car seat and using it after this period, look for a model with a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems come with an additional seat that can be used to support older children. While this is a nice option but it's not essential and might not be practical based on your life style.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last a few years, check out our top picks for car seats and strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby 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 make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built-in drape canopy that can protect a child who is snoozing. These seats also have LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who do errands, or transport their babies on public transport like buses and trains. They allow you to easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you expand your 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 transform them into chariots for two. This is especially important if the car seat is the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other strollers and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps attached to the base to hold it in place. This method was more difficult to master during our tests 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.
A car seat/stroller combination is a great option however, you must think about whether the strollers and infant car seats can work as long as you want them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats cannot be attached to strollers once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller 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 most conventional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for babies through the early years of childhood. When your child is no longer in the infant car seats, you should look into buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can accommodate toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you must ensure your infant car seat is installed properly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and in reverse without disturbing or waking them up. Rothman states that this is especially beneficial when you're doing errands or traveling. To ensure 2in1 travel system , opt for a car seat that is attached to the stroller using either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secure while in use and will not slide off or come loose in transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used with or without the base are also ideal for vehicles that ride-share.
When purchasing a travel set be sure to verify the weight and age limits for the stroller as well as the car seat. Typically, the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing, and are only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle, or snapped into the stroller. It is important to read the labels and follow all instructions precisely, advises Stanton, especially when it comes to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the correct weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products to create their own travel system and others prefer to buy pre-packaged strollers and car seats it is not unusual for companies offer these sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket that can hold everything your baby needs. The car seat is low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. It is quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features an adjustable headrest with four positions and four harness heights as well as a padded insert for your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and has one-hand fold, which makes it easy for storage.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system to enjoy the convenience of transferring your baby from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, that's not the only reason to look into one. You also want to choose a model that's elegant, well-balanced, and has a number of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
Travel systems that are the best include the infant car, stroller and car seat base in one package to help you to transfer from your car to the street. These systems typically include an all-in-one car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even include a bassinet for naps (safety studies show that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to fold and move. Look for models that have rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for city streets, a large cargo basket and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items, you should also check how the strollers and car seats are when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler seat as your child grows out of it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for a longer period of time or if they have a companion who commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families looking for an option that is all in one. The rigid system built into LATCH lets you easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel, so you can board and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures across the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.