A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as a stroller that can are able to work together. However they can be expensive.
two in one pram allow parents to easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great solution for families who spend the majority of their time in the car.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without waking them up, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat could be the thing you're looking for. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combinations since they typically include an infant car seat as well as the stroller. They are suitable for both newborns and older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos on our list have bassinet attachments as well, which can be a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a 2 in 1 travel system with a car seat may cost more than separate items but you'll probably save time and money by buying them all in one package. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family in the future there are adaptors for most brands that allow you to use the car seat with a different stroller.
One thing to keep in mind when you are shopping for a travel set is that these sets typically include an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work together, which is meant to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat after this point make sure you choose a model which features a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and has a greater maximum weight.
Some travel systems include an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. While this is a great option but it's not essential and might not be practical based on your lifestyle.
Check out our top choices of car seats and strollers to find an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep your child and you comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also has an integrated drape canopy that protects children who are snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it a great choice for families who frequently use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who regularly run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport such as buses and trains. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double as you have a growing family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot two. This feature is crucial when you intend to use the car seat as your baby's primary car seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complex conversion methods. You may need to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or strap it to base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can pose a safety risk when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a good idea, but you should also think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can work in 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 one. 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 products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat, but is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
The ideal combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. If your child has outgrown the infant car seats, you should look into purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Always ensure that your infant car seat is installed correctly. Do not remove it from the car without first removing the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or having to awake them. This is particularly useful when you're on the go or travelling, says Rothman. For added security, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller via a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secured during use and won't fall off or become loose during the course of transport. Combinations of strollers and car seats that work with or without a base are good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel set make sure you check the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. Typically, the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and are only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. Many of these seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. Stanton insists that you be aware of all labels and directions particularly when it comes time to ensure your child's weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items to create their own travel system and others prefer pre-packaged strollers and car seats it is not unusual for companies to sell these sets. These sets are usually cheaper than buying them separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket for everything your baby needs. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat features an adjustable headrest with four positions and four harness heights as well as a padded insert for your little one's comfort. It's easy to clean and features one-hand fold, making it convenient to store.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up, however, that's not the only reason to buy one. You should also consider one with a sleek design, that is easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child's comfort and yours.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one package for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically come with a single car seat that is easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even come with an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are light, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for streets in cities as well as a large basket for cargo and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. Also, you should consider how the car seat and stroller can be folded to make it easier to store them.
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 two years of use. That's a great option if you plan to use the car seat for more than one year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families looking for a solution that is all-in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also certified for air travel so you can get on and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, which allows you to take your little one to the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any wardrobe.