A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that work in tandem. They can be costly.
These combos make it simple for parents to move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them. This is a great option for families who are always moving.
Comfort
Travel systems that include an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller easy. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and stroller that connect, and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combinations on our list include a bassinet attachment as well, which can be an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat could cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money if you buy the two items together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family later there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat with an alternative stroller.
When shopping for a travel set be aware that the majority of them come with an infant car-seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used within the first year. If you intend on keeping the seat and using it beyond this period, look for one that has an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler car seat and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems come with a second seat which can be used to boost older children. While this is a great option, it's not a necessity and might not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last a few years, check out our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to smooth out the ride. 2 in 1 travel system has a built in drape canopy to protect children who are snoozing. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on vehicles without a base. This is a great choice for families who frequently ride-sharing 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 transport like buses and trains. They let you easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double when you expand your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be clicked into position to instantly transform into chariots for two. This feature is crucial in the event that you plan to use the car seat as the baby's only vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combos have more complex conversion techniques that require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use the straps that are 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 be a safety risk if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is a great option but you must think about whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together in the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of one. The car seats do not attach to strollers when they are 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 an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
The most effective combination is a car seat and stroller for newborns to early childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system by larger strollers which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat has been properly installed. Never remove it from your car without first removing the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to transfer infants from the car to the stroller and back without disrupting them or having to awake them. This is particularly useful when you're doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. For added security, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller with either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is secure while used and will not fall off or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used with or without the base are also ideal for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a travel system, check the age and weight limits of both the car seat and stroller. The majority of the infant car seats that are 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 transformed to a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle or converted into a stroller. It is essential to read the labels and follow the instructions with care, says Stanton especially when it comes to ensuring your child is within the appropriate weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel systems, others prefer to buy pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations It is not unusual to find companies that offer these sets. They're usually cheaper than purchasing the items separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket to store all of your baby gear. The car seat is slim and features a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat comes with a four-position headrest with four harness heights, as well as a padded insert for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean and has one-hand fold, making it convenient to store.
Style
While it's tempting to buy an infant travel system due to the convenience of moving your child from stroller to car and back without having to wake them up, that's not the only reason to consider 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 you.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one package for an effortless transition from car to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible and some offer a bassinet attachment for strolls to nap (safety research suggests that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate several shopping bags. To make storage easier it is important to know how the strollers and car seats are when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child has outgrown it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 1-2 years use. That's a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for more than one year, or your partner regularly uses ride-share services or commutes via train or bus.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families looking for an option that is all in one. It's easy to transfer from the car seat to the stroller, and back, thanks to the LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel so you can board and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your child to the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will fit in with any outfit.