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 which are able to work together. They can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great option for families who are constantly in motion.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller easy. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only models since they typically include an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They can be used for infants as well as older children. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet included and can be used as a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all at once. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family later, most brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with a different stroller.
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel system is that these sets usually include an infant car seat and a stroller made to work in tandem, which is intended to be used in the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the seat after this time, choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a higher 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 wonderful feature, but it may not be appropriate for your needs.
Check out our top choices of strollers and car seats if you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built-in drape canopy that can protect a child who is snoozing. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families that frequently use ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who often run errands or take their children on public transport like buses and trains. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about wake them up.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double when you have a growing family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot for two. Full Article is especially important if your car seat is your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion methods that may require you to manually connect the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to secure it. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than the single-step method of the Doona. It could pose dangerous when you forget or misplace the straps to attach the straps before using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must be aware of whether the infant car seat and stroller will work as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 1. These car seats cannot be connected to a stroller after they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with a seatbelt booster after your child is no longer in the car seat for infants, but is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
The ideal combination is a car seat and stroller for newborns to early childhood. When your child has grown out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with a larger stroller which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you must ensure that your infant car seat is set up correctly and never remove it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily transfer infants from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them or having to get them up. This is particularly useful when you're doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. For added security, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller via a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure when it's used and won't come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used without or with the base are ideal for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limits for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only intended for use for the first 12 months of the child's life. A majority of these car seats switch to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or snap into a stroller that is compatible. Stanton insists that you read all labels and instructions particularly when it comes time to make sure that your child's weight and height requirements of the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers combination sets. These are often priced lower than buying the products separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket for everything you need for your baby. The car seat is slim and has a SafeCell crumple area for added security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat features a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions and four harness heights as well as padding for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds in one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system that makes it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to consider buying one. You should also choose a model with a stylish design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
Travel systems that are the best include the infant car, stroller and car seat base in one package to make it easier for you to transition from your car to the street. They usually include an all-in-one car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even include a bassinet for naps (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better when they are in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front to allow for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo and can hold multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how small the car seat and stroller can be folded for ease of storage.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat included with an adult car seat when your child has outgrown it. This allows you to enjoy an additional two years of use. This is a great option when you're planning on using the car seat for more than one year, or if your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes via bus or train.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families seeking an all-in one. It's easy to transfer from the car seat to the stroller, and back, thanks to the LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, so you can get on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, allowing you to take your little one on adventures around the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any outfit.