A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that work together. They can be costly.
These combos make it simple for parents to transport a sleeping baby from stroller to car and back without disturbing them up. This is a great choice for families that tend to spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect, and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car seats and strollers combos on our list include a bassinet attachment as well, which can be an alternative to a stroller for naps.
While a 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat may cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money if you buy the two items together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family later there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat in conjunction with another stroller.
When shopping for a travel set keep in mind that most of these sets include 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 to keep the seat and using it past this point, consider one that has an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler car seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems also have an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a great option, it's not a necessity and may not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
Check out our top choices of car seats and strollers to find an affordable travel system that will last for many years. Our editor-tested favorites, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo come with a variety of features that will aid you and your baby to remain comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to shield a sleepy child. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base. This is a great choice for families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
These are great for parents who do errands, or transport their babies on public transport like buses and trains. They let you easily transfer your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert to a double as your family grows. 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 for two. This feature is especially important if you plan to use the car seat as your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use the straps that are attached to the base to fix it. In our tests this method, it was more difficult to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. It could pose dangerous in the event that you lose or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is a good idea, but you should also think about whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together as long as you want them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns one. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products such as the Doona, can be used as a car seat for toddlers with the seat belt booster when your child outgrows the car seat for infants but is too tall to fit in most traditional strollers.
The most effective combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for babies to early 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. Make sure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Do not remove it from the car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back without disturbing them or having to get them up. This is especially useful when you're on the go or traveling, according to Rothman. To ensure security, opt for a car seat that is attached to a stroller with a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while being used, and will not fall off or come loose in the course of transport. Combinations of strollers and car seats that work with or without a base are good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When purchasing a travel set be sure to verify the weight and age restrictions for the stroller as well as the car seat. Typically, the infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these seats switch to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the vehicle or can snap into a stroller that is compatible. It is essential to be aware of the labels and follow all instructions with care, says Stanton especially when it comes to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the proper weight and height limits for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products to create their own travel system, others prefer pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations It is not unusual to see companies offer these sets. These are often priced lower than purchasing the items separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat has an adjustable headrest with four positions, four harness heights and padding for your little one's comfort. It's easy to clean and comes with one-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the ease of moving your child from car to stroller and back again without waking them up, it's not the only reason to look into one. You should also look for a model with a stylish design, which is easy to move around and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child's safety and for your own.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one package for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller compatible with it, and some even offer an attachment for a bassinet for naptime strolls (safety research shows that babies sleep best when in reclined positions).
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. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can fit multiple shopping bags. pram 2 in 1 want to check how small the stroller and car seat are when they're folded to make storage easier.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child grows out of it. This gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option when you plan to use the car seat for more than a year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes via train or bus.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families who want an all-in-one solution. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also approved for air travel, so you can hop on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your child to the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.