A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant and a stroller which work together. However they can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them. This is a great option for families that are constantly in motion.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and 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 include an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos on our list include a bassinet attachment as well which is an alternative to a stroller for naps.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with car seat might cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by buying them all in one package. If you decide that the stroller and car seat are not right for your family in the future the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat in conjunction with an alternative stroller.
When shopping for a travel set be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car-seat as well as stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used within the first year. If you plan on keeping the car seat and using it past this point, consider an option that has an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems come with an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. This is a wonderful feature, but it might not be practical for your particular lifestyle.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top choices for car seats and strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also has a built in drape canopy that protects the baby who is sleeping. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base. This makes them a great option for families that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
These are great for parents who frequently run errands, or take their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double when your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly transform them into chariots for two. This feature is particularly important in the event that you plan to use the car seat for your baby's only vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to hold it in place. In our tests this method, it was more difficult to master than one-step procedure of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it can pose a safety hazard.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat will work together for as long as you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of one. The car seats can't be attached to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit into most conventional strollers.
The most effective combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for newborns to early childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system by a larger stroller that can be used by older children and toddlers. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been properly installed. Do not remove it from the car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back without disturbing them or having to wake them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you are running errands and traveling. To ensure safety, choose an automobile seat that connects to a stroller with a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will be safe while being used and will not slide off or come loose in transportation. Car seat and stroller combinations that work without or with a base are also good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat as well as the stroller. The majority of the infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these car seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that will stay in the vehicle or can snap into a stroller that is compatible. It is important to study the labels and follow the instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes down to ensuring your child is within the appropriate weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products to create their own travel systems, others prefer pre-packaged stroller and car seats It is not unusual to find companies that to offer these sets. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them individually. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller features an easy ride, with a springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket to hold all your baby's gear. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. It is quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. Push Chairs And Prams features an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings, as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's safety. It's easy to clean and features one-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
While it's tempting to buy an infant travel system due to the convenience of moving your baby from stroller to car and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to consider one. You should also look for one with a sleek design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features for your child's comfort and yours.
The best travel systems most effective include an infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one box to allow you to move from your car to the street. They typically come with a single car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and robust, making them simple to push, maneuver, and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for streets in cities and a large cargo basket and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. Also, you should consider how the stroller and car seat can be folded to make it easier to store them.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat when your child has outgrown it. This gives you an additional 2 to 3 years of use. That's a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes via bus or train.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families that want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to transfer from the car seat to the stroller and back thanks to the LATCH system that secures the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can hop on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into double strollers, allowing you to take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any outfit.