A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that incorporates a car seat gives parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that can work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great option for families that are constantly on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from car to stroller without waking them up the next morning, a travel set-up that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat might be what you're looking for. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. Learn Even more Here of the car seat-and-stroller combos that make our list have a bassinet attachment as well and can be a safe alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all at once. If you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, many brands have adaptors that let you to use the car seat with a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
When shopping 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 intended to be used during the first year. If you are planning on keeping the seat and using it beyond this period, look for a model that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler car seat and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a great option however, it's not necessary and might not be practical based on your life style.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top choices for car seats and strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also has a built-in drape canopy that can protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it a perfect choice for families who frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who regularly run out for errands or take their child out on public transport like trains and buses. They allow you to easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double when your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller as well as a infant 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 the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other stroller and car seat combos have more complex conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps attached to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you lose or forget the straps, it can cause a safety risk.
A car seat/stroller combo is a great option however, you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for in the time you need 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 one. The car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the car seat for infants, however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
The ideal combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for babies to early childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with larger strollers that can be used by older toddlers and older children. Also, keep in mind that you should always ensure your infant car seat is installed correctly and never remove it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller and back without disrupting them or having to wake them up. This is especially helpful when you're running errands or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure extra safety, select a car seat which attaches to a stroller via an incredibly strong LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secured while in use and that it will not fall off or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used with or without the base are an excellent option for vehicles that ride-share.
When you purchase a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. Typically, the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A lot of these car seats switch to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. It is important to study the labels and follow the instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes down to ensuring your child is in the appropriate weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and create their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. They're usually cheaper than buying the items individually. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller has smooth riding with suspension that is all-wheel and springy and a large storage basket to store all your baby's equipment. The car seat has a 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 has a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions and four harness heights as well as an insert that is cushioned for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean and comes with a one-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to think about buying one. You should also consider a model with a stylish design, which is simple to use, and that has many other features for your child's safety and for your own.
Travel systems that are the most effective include an infant car, stroller and car seat base all in one box to allow you to transition from your vehicle to the street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it, and some even offer an attachment for a bassinet for naptime strolls (safety research has shown that babies sleep best in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to move, push and fold. Look for models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can hold many shopping bags. You should also consider how the stroller and car seat can be folded for ease of storage.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler car seat once your child has outgrown it. This allows for an additional 1-2 years use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for a longer period of time or if a partner 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 all-in one. The rigid system built into LATCH allows you to easily change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel, so you can get on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to double strollers, allowing you to take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any wardrobe.