A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that incorporates a car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combinations make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them up. This is an excellent option for families that are constantly on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller easy. These are different from stroller-only combos because they usually come with an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They can be used for infants as well as older children. A lot of the car seat and stroller combinations on our list have an attachment for a bassinet which is a safe alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them all at once. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family later the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat in conjunction with another stroller.
One important thing to remember when looking for a travel set is that these sets typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller designed to work together, and is designed to be used in the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the seat and using it beyond this point, consider a model that has an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a greater weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can serve as a booster for older kids. This is a wonderful feature, but it might not be appropriate for your needs.
Check out our top picks of car seats and strollers If you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Our editor-tested favorites include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination come with a variety of features to aid you and your baby to stay 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 protect a child who is snoozing. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them a great option for families who regularly use ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who frequently run out for errands or take their child out on public transportation such as buses and trains. They let you easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double when your family grows. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is crucial in the event that you plan to use the car seat as the baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps attached to the base to fix it. In our tests this method was generally more difficult to master than one-step process of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it can be a danger to your safety.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat can work together for the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 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 models such as the Doona can be used as a toddler car seat with a seat belt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat but is too tall for the standard strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for babies through the early years of childhood. Once your child outgrows the car seats for infants it is recommended to consider purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can accommodate toddlers and older children. Also, 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
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily move infants from their car to the stroller and back without disturbing them or needing to awake them. Rothman says this is particularly beneficial when you're running errands and traveling. To ensure security, opt for a car seat which attaches to a stroller using a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while being used and will not slide off or become loose during the course of transport. Car seat and stroller combos that can work with or without a base are also good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a travel system, check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat as well as the stroller. Most infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle or converted into a stroller. Stanton advises parents to be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it comes time to ensure your child's weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and design their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These are often priced lower than purchasing the items separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller offers an easy ride, with a springy suspension on all wheels, and a large basket to hold all the baby's toys. The car seat has a low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. It is quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. 2 in 1 pram has a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness heights, as well as a padded insert for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean, and it folds with one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the ease of moving your child from stroller to car and back again without waking them up, it's not the only reason to look into one. 2 in 1 pram should also choose one with a sleek design, that is easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of 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 to allow seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually include an all-in-one car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have an ottoman for napping (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight and durable. They are also easy to maneuver and fold. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can hold several shopping bags. You should also consider how the stroller and car seat fold to make it easier to store them.
Certain travel systems let you replace the included infant car seat with a toddler one when your child outgrows it, which gives you an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who plan to use the seat for longer than a year or if their partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families looking for an all-in-one solution. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can hop on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so you can take your child on excursions around the globe. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.