A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and stroller that work together. However they can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families that spend the majority of their time on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy way to transition your baby from car to stroller without waking them up, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat might be what you're looking for. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combos because they usually come with an infant car seat and a stroller. They are suitable for infants as well as older children. Many of the car-and stroller combinations on our list include a bassinet that can be used as an alternative for a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family, most brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat with a different stroller.
When shopping for a travel set, keep in mind that most of these sets come with an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. They are intended to be used during the first year. If you plan to keep the car seat after this period you should choose a model that has a convertible car-seat that can be used by toddlers and has a greater weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can be used as a booster for older children. While his comment is here is a good option, it's not a necessity and might not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last a few years, check out our top picks for car seats and strollers. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination, have plenty of features to ensure that you and your baby remain comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also features a built in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base, making it an ideal choice for families who frequently use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who often run errands or take their baby out on public transportation such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double when your family expands. We love 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 especially important in the event that you plan to use the car seat for your baby's sole car seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complex conversion methods. You may have to manually connect the car seat to stroller or attach straps to the base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It could pose a safety risk in the event that you lose or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combination is convenient, but you should also think about whether the strollers and infant car seats can work in the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats are not connected to a stroller after they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers, such as the Doona is able to be used as a toddler car seat with the seat belt booster when your child outgrows the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall for most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for infants and toddlers until early childhood. Once your child outgrows the infant car seats it is recommended to consider buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been properly installed. Do not remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from a car to a stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them or waking them up. Rothman says this is especially beneficial when you're running errands and traveling. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that attaches to the stroller using either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is secure while in use and that it won't come loose or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also a good option for vehicles that ride-share.
When looking for a new stroller, make sure you know the age and weight limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only designed for use during the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be transformed to a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle or converted into the stroller. It is important to read the labels and follow instructions precisely, advises Stanton particularly when it comes to making sure your child is within the correct weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and create their own travel system, it's not unusual for companies to offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers combination sets. They are usually priced lower than buying the items individually. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller has an easy ride, with a springy suspension on all wheels and a large basket to store all your baby's equipment. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for added security. It's a simple and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a four-position adjustable headrest, four harness settings and an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and folds in one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up, but that's not the main reason to think about buying one. You also want to choose one that is stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a range of other features to make it comfortable for your child and you.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one package for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller compatible with it and some include a bassinet attachment for strolls during nap time (safety research shows that babies sleep best when in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with two in one travel systems are light and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how compact strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat when your child outgrows it, giving you an additional two years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for longer than a year or if a partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families looking for an all-in-one solution. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can board and get off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures across the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.