A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat offers parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a 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 up. This is a great choice for families that tend to spend the majority of their time on the go.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from car to stroller without waking them up the next morning, a travel set-up that includes a stroller seat and infant car seat may be just what you need. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only models because they usually include an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They are suitable for infants as well as older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combos on our list have an attachment for a bassinet which is an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A 2-in-1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them all at once. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family there are adaptors for most brands to allow you to use the car seat with a different stroller.
When shopping for a travel set be aware that a majority of these sets include an infant car seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used in the first year. If you plan to keep the seat and using it past this time, you should look for one that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a greater weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can be used as a booster seat for older kids. This is a great option, but it may not be appropriate for your particular lifestyle.
Check out our top picks of car seats and strollers to find an affordable travel system that will last for several years. Our editors' top picks include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo are packed with features that will aid you and your baby to remain comfortable. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with an integrated drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it an ideal option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who do errands, or transport their babies on public transportation such as trains and buses. It is easy to transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert to a double as your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is especially important if the car seat will be the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion methods that may require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use the straps attached to the base to fix it. In our tests, this method was often harder to master than the one-step process of the Doona. If you lose or forget the straps, it can cause a safety risk.
A car seat/stroller combo is convenient, but you should also consider whether the strollers and infant car seats can work in the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. These car seats are not attached to a stroller once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the infant car seat, but is too big to fit into traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for infants and toddlers until early childhood. When your child is no longer in the infant car seats, you should look into purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Also, keep in mind that you must ensure your infant car seat is set up correctly and never take it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily move infants from their car to the stroller and back without disrupting them or having to wake them up. Rothman says this is especially useful when you are doing errands or traveling. For added security, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller using either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure when used and will not fall off or fall off during transport. Car seat and stroller combos that can work without or with 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. Most infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing and only intended 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 the stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to read all labels and instructions particularly when it's time to make sure your child meets the weight and height requirements of both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items and build their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller has smooth riding with springy suspension on all wheels, and a large basket to store all the baby's toys. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat has a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system that makes it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them, but that's not the primary reason to buy one. You should also choose one that's stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features to make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one box for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. 2 in 1 travel system feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible and some include an attachment for a bassinet for strolls to nap (safety research shows that babies sleep best in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight sturdy, durable, and easy to fold and maneuver. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for streets in cities as well as a large basket for cargo and can hold multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items, you should also check how the strollers and car seats are when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler's seat as your child grows out of it, giving you an additional 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for those who intend to use the seat for longer than a year or if their partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families who are looking for an all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. It is also certified for air travel, so you can get on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, which allows you to take your baby on global adventures. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.