A 2 in 1 Travel System
A stroller and car seat combination is the best choice, whether you want to travel with ease or design a more modern version of the traditional pram. Make sure to check the specifications to make sure that your car seat and stroller are compatible, or you can consider buying an adaptor.
Editor-tested travel systems allow you to transport your newborn in a smooth and seamless way from the car to the stroller without having to disturb them. Some even include a carrycot for natural sleep.
Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system includes an infant car seat and stroller that snaps together. This is a great choice for parents who regularly do errands or take their child on rideshares or public transport. " 2 in 1 stroller and car seat 'll have less equipment to deal with," explains Graco spokeswoman Rachel Stanton. "And it's great for families who switch between carpooling with other moms and taking public transportation."
The best option is the Doona infant car seat and latch base, which has an incredible 90 percent of five-star reviews on Amazon. It's a rear-facing vehicle seat that transforms to a stroller that can be turned into a rolling one. The change is a matter of seconds. When not in use, the wheels can be folded under and it's compact. The Doona can also be attached to a car's backseat using the sturdy LATCH base or to taxi-safety belt paths. This makes it perfect for urban families.
The Mamas and Papas Pramette is yet another great car seat/stroller combination, featuring the pram having the hood as well as a front seat that open to allow you to lie your child down to sleep or feedings. It has a spacious basket, cup holders and a basket for all the necessities for your baby and a tray for parents and sun shade. The stroller seat is a multi-position reclining seat and can recline to a flat position, so your baby is comfortable for every ride.
Other important car seat features to be considered are the weight and height limits as well as whether the infant car seat can be used with only a backseat car belt or has an additional layer of protection, with a built-in rigid LATCH system. Also look for a lock on the handle to keep it safe in its place and the possibility of tilting the handle toward the rear seatback for an anti-rebound bar.
It's worth noting that travel systems only work with infant car seats--and extended-use car seats that are able to later turn forward-facing do not transform into strollers. This is why many moms choose to purchase an additional car seat and stroller when their baby grows out of the infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is an essential piece of equipment for any new parent. Some travel systems have a baby stroller that can transform into a cosy infant carrycot, so your little one can sleep peacefully in the car, making them ideal for parents with newborns or who do not want to disturb them while traveling. Depending on the brand, some also feature an automobile seat and stroller combo that clicks into each other. This means you can keep your child safely secured in the car seat, and then transfer them to a stroller without disturbing them, which is ideal for long drives and shopping malls that are crowded.
A quality stroller must be equipped with a variety of features to make it practical and user-friendly. It should include a large basket to store essentials such as nappies, toys, and snacks. 2 in 1 stroller and car seat can also recline so that your baby can rest comfortably. It should have a canopy to protect your child from the sun and also a lockable wheel at the front to ensure safety. It should also be light and compact for storage and transport to and from the vehicle.
Editor-tested travel system strollers such as the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo, Chicco Keyfit Caddy and Doona Combo all offer convenience by connecting with a range of top car seats that can be attached to the frame and fold up easily. Some have a single wheel at each leg, making them more maneuverable and roll across different surfaces.
Ideal strollers should be capable of carrying your child throughout the stage of toddlerhood, and beyond, so that you can continue to use it to take them to and from activities like school, play dates, and so on. To do this, choose a stroller with a seat that faces the world (and reclines) once your baby outgrows the car seat.
If you intend to use your 2-in-1 travel system on public transport choose a model with an ISOFIX base so it's safe to hop on and off trains or buses. Some models, like the Doona can be installed on trains and planes to make travelling with your baby easier.