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 are able to work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great option for families that tend to spend a lot of time in the car.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller simple. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect, and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car seats and strollers combinations on our list include a bassinet attachment as well, which can be a safe alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them all together. And if you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, a majority of brands have adaptors that let you to use your selected car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One thing to keep in mind when you are shopping for a travel system is that these sets usually comprise an infant car seat and a stroller made to work together, and is meant to be used in the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the car seat after this period you should choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and is able to support a higher maximum weight.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can be used as a booster seat for older children. While this is a good option, it's not a necessity and might not be practical based on your life style.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last for a couple of years, look through our top picks for car seats and strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also features a built in drape canopy that protects the baby who is sleeping. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them a great option for families who frequently ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who often run errands or take their baby out on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double as your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot two. This feature is especially important when you intend to use the car seat for your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combos have more complex conversion methods that may require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to fix it. 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 secure the straps prior using the travel system.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat will work together for the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 1. The car seats can't be attached to a stroller once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models, such as the Doona is able to be used as a toddler car seat with an additional seat belt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat but is too tall for the majority of strollers.
The best combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for newborns to early childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants, you should look into purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can be used by toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. try this out remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to awake them. This is especially useful when you're on the go or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure extra security, opt for an automobile seat that connects to a stroller with a rigid 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 transport. Combinations of strollers and car seats that can be used with or without a base are good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When shopping for a travel system, check the weight and age limits of both the car seat and the stroller. The majority of the infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing, and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle or converted into a stroller. Stanton advises parents to follow all instructions and labels particularly when it's time to make sure that your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items and build their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers combination sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller features smooth riding with springy all-wheel suspension and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby's gear. The car seat is low-profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat comes with a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system that makes it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller without waking them up, but that's not the main reason to buy one. You also want to choose one that is elegant, well-balanced and comes with a range of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one box for 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 come with an ottoman for napping (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to push, maneuver, and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for city streets and a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. For easy storage make sure to check how the strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler car seat when your child is no longer using it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is a great option for those who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if a partner is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families looking for an all-in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to easily change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also certified for air travel, so you can hop on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, allowing you to take your little one on global adventures. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.