A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and stroller that work together. However they can be costly.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them up. This is a great choice for families who spend a lot of time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller simple. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combos because they usually come with an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They can be used for infants as well as older children. Many of the car-and stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet attached, which can be used as a secure alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
A 2 in 1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, most brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat in conjunction with another stroller.
When shopping for a travel set be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used within the first year. If you plan to keep the seat after this point, choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a higher maximum weight.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can be used as a booster for older children. This is a great option, but it may not be practical for your needs.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a couple of years, look through our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. 2 in 1 stroller and car seat -tested favorites 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 springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also features a built in drape canopy that protects a child who is snoozing. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who regularly run the errands of their children or take them out on public transportation such as buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without worrying about waking them.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double as you expand your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly transform them into chariots for two. This is especially important if the car seat is your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps attached to the base to hold it in place. In our testing this method was generally harder to master than the one-step process of the Doona. It can pose a safety risk when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is convenient however, you must consider whether the strollers and infant car seats can work as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer required 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 combinations work best for babies through early childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system with larger strollers that can be used by older toddlers and older children. Also, keep in mind that you should always ensure your infant car seat is fitted correctly and never remove it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from the vehicle to a stroller and reverse the process, without disrupting or waking them. This is particularly useful when you're running errands or traveling, according to Rothman. To ensure extra security, opt for a car seat that is attached to a stroller via a rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure when used and will not fall off or fall off during transportation. Car seat and stroller combinations that be used with or without a base are good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used for the first 12 months of a child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat that can be used in the vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. It is essential to study the labels and follow all instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes to making sure your child is in the appropriate weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer buying separate items to build their own travel systems, others prefer pre-packaged stroller and car seats, it is not uncommon for companies to sell these sets. These sets are usually cheaper 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 offers a smooth ride with suspension that is all-wheel and springy and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby's equipment. The car seat is low-profile and features 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 with four harness heights, as well as an insert that is cushioned for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean and has one-hand fold, making it convenient for storage.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system to enjoy the ease of moving your baby from car to stroller and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to think about one. You should also choose one that is elegant, well-balanced and comes with a range of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
The travel systems that are the most efficient include an infant car, stroller and car seat base in one package to help you to move from your vehicle to the street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer a bassinet attachment for strolls during nap time (safety research has shown that babies sleep better in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to fold and move. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can accommodate several shopping bags. For 2 in 1 stroller with car seat 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 seat after your child has outgrown 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 a year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families looking for an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from the car seat to the stroller and back again, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, so you can board and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures across the globe. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.