A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and a stroller which work in tandem. However 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 that tend to spend much of their time on the go.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from car to stroller without waking them up, a travel system with the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat may be just what you need. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and stroller that connect, and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos on our list include a bassinet, which can be used as an alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a two-in-one travel system with a car seat may cost more than separate items but you'll probably save time and money by purchasing them as a set. And if you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't the right fit for your family, a majority of manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat with a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a travel system is that these sets usually include a car seat for infants and a stroller made to work together, and is intended to be used during the first 12 months. If you are planning to keep the car seat and using it after this point, consider a model with a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can be used as a booster for older children. While this is a nice option however, it's not necessary and may not be practical depending on your life style.
Check out our top picks of strollers and car seats If you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for many years. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built-in drape canopy to protect children who are snoozing. These seats also come with LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles without a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families that frequently use ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who regularly run errands or take their baby out on public transport such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them up.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double when your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be clicked into position to instantly transform into chariots for two. This is particularly important if the car seat is the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated conversion methods. You may need to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or use straps attached to the base to secure it. In our tests this method was generally harder to master than the single-step method of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it may cause a safety risk.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a great option, but you should also consider whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together as long as you want them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit into most conventional strollers.
The best combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for infants and children in the early years of childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system with a larger stroller that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you should always ensure that your infant car seat is set up properly and never remove it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from the vehicle to a stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them or waking them up. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you are conducting errands or travel. To ensure your safety, select a car seat that is attached to a stroller with the rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secured during use and will not slide off or become loose during transit. Car seat and stroller combos that can 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 limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. Typically, the infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing, and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A lot of these car seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the vehicle or can snap into a stroller that is compatible. It is important to read the labels and follow the instructions with care, says Stanton particularly when it comes to ensuring your child is within the proper weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items to build their own travel system, others prefer buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats it is not unusual for companies to sell these sets. 2in1 travel system than buying the products separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has smooth riding with springy all-wheel suspension and a large basket to hold all the baby's toys. The car seat is low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. It is quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest with four positions, four harness heights and a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and comes with one-hand fold, which makes it easy to store.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up, however, that's not the only reason to think about buying one. You should also choose one that's stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features to make it comfortable for your child and yourself.
The best travel systems most effective include an infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one package to allow you to transition from your vehicle to the street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible and some include a bassinet attachment for strolls to nap (safety research shows that babies sleep better in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to move, push, and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front to allow for city streets and a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items make sure to check how compact strollers and car seats are when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler car seat once your child has outgrown it. This allows you to enjoy an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for those who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. It's easy to transfer from a car seat to a stroller and back thanks to the LATCH system that locks the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, so you can board and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.