A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that can work together. They can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great option for families who spend much of their time in the car.
Comfort
Travel systems with an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked, and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car-and stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet included, which can be used as a secure alternative to a stroller during naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat may cost more than separate items however, you'll likely save time and money by buying them all in one package. If two in one pram decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, a majority of brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your selected car seat with a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
When looking for a travel set, be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car-seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. They are designed to be used within the first year. If you plan on keeping the car seat and using it beyond this point, consider a model that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a higher 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 however, it's not necessary and might not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
Check out our top choices of car seats and strollers if you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension 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 that do not have 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 do errands, or transport their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. They let you easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be converted to a double as you expand your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly transform them into chariots for two. This is especially crucial if the car seat will be your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complex conversion methods. You may need to manually connect the car seat to stroller or attach straps to the base to ensure it is secured. In our testing this method was generally more difficult to master than one-step procedure of the Doona. It can be a safety risk when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combination is a good idea however, you must think about whether the strollers and infant car seats can be used together for in the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child is 1. These car seats do not connect to strollers once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
The ideal combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. If your child has outgrown the infant car seats, you should look into purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can be used by toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you must always make sure your infant car seat is installed correctly and never remove it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from the vehicle to a stroller and in reverse without disrupting or waking them. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you're conducting errands or travel. For extra safety, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller via an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured when used and won't come loose or fall off during transport. Combinations of strollers and car seats that can work without or with a base are good options for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel set be sure to verify the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are designed to be used during the first 12 months of the life of a child. A lot of these car seats then transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or can be converted into a stroller compatible with it. Stanton advises parents to read all labels and instructions particularly when it's time to make sure your child's weight and height requirements of the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer to buy separate items to build their own travel system and others prefer buying pre-packaged stroller and car seats, it is not uncommon to find companies that to offer these sets. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket for everything you need for your baby. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat features a four-position headrest, four harness heights and an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the main reason to buy one. You should also choose one with a sleek design, which is easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
2 in 1 prams include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one box to allow a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically come with an all-in-one car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even include an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies show that babies sleep better in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight sturdy, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can hold many shopping bags. Also, you should consider how the stroller and car seat can be folded to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler car seat when your child has outgrown it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families who are looking for an all-in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to easily change from stroller to car seat and back. It is also certified for air travel, so you can hop onto 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 excursions around the globe. 2 in 1 pram stroller is available in a range of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.