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, as well as stroller that work in tandem. They can be costly.
These combos make it simple for parents to transport a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them. This is a great option for families who spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller simple. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and stroller that connect and can be used with toddlers and newborns. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos on our list have a bassinet attachment as well and can be a safe alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
While a two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat may cost more than separate items but you'll probably save time and money if you buy them as a set. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, most brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with an alternative stroller.
One thing to be aware of when looking for a travel set is that these sets typically 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 on keeping the car seat after this period you should choose a model that features a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and has a higher maximum weight.
2 in 1 pram and pushchair feature a second seat that can serve as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a great option, it's not a necessity and may not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top choices for car seats and strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also has a built in drape canopy that can protect children who are snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without a base, making it an ideal option for families that frequently use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who often run errands or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double as your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly convert into chariots for two. This is particularly important if the car seat will be the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other strollers and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that are attached to the base to hold it in place. In our testing this method was generally more difficult to master than the one-step process of the Doona. It can pose a safety risk in the event that you lose or forget to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should also consider whether the stroller and car seat for your infant will work as long as you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products use rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child is 1. These car seats cannot be connected to a stroller after they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, such as the Doona, can be used as a toddler car seat with the seat belt booster when your child is no longer in the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall for the standard strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for newborns through the early years of childhood. Once your child outgrows the car seats for infants it is recommended to consider purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can handle toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you should always ensure that your infant car seat is installed correctly and never take it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from the vehicle to a stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing or waking them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you are running errands and traveling. For extra safety, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller via a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is safe when it's in use and will not fall off or fall off during transport. Car seat and stroller combos that be used with or without a base are good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a travel system, check the age and weight limits of both the car seat and the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only intended for use during the first 12 months of a child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. It is important to study the labels and follow all instructions precisely, advises Stanton particularly when it comes to making sure your child's height and weight are within the proper weight and height requirements for 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 sell pre-packaged car seats and strollers combination sets. They are usually priced lower than buying the items individually. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket for everything your baby needs. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to put in. 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 comes with a 1-hand fold, which makes it easy for storage.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system for the convenience of transferring your baby from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to consider one. You should also look for an option with a fashionable design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features for your child's comfort as well as yours.
The most effective travel systems comprise 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 can be easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even include an ottoman for napping (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with two in one travel systems are light and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push, and fold. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for streets in cities, a large cargo basket and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. To make storage easier, you should also check how compact strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Certain travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat as your child grows out of it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option for those who plan 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 a great option for families who are looking for an all-in one. It's easy to transfer from car seat to stroller and back with the built-in LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, so you can board and get off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to double strollers, allowing you to take your baby on global adventures. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that complement any wardrobe.