A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seat offers parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that can work together. They can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them up. This is a great solution for families that spend the majority of their time on the go.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller easy. These are different from stroller-only combos because they usually include an infant car seat as well as the stroller. They are suitable for both infants and older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos that make our list include an attachment for a bassinet which is an alternative to a stroller for naps.
A 2-in-1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family later the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat in conjunction with a different stroller.
When shopping for a travel set, keep in mind that most of them come with an infant car-seat and stroller designed to work together. They are intended to be used during the first year. If you intend to keep the seat after this time make sure you choose a model which features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and has a greater maximum weight.
Some travel systems have an additional seat that can be used to support older children. While this is a good option but it's not essential and might not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
Check out our top picks of car seats and strollers If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. Our editors' top picks, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination come with a variety of features that will aid you and your baby to stay comfortable. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built-in drape canopy that protects the baby who is sleeping. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base, making it an ideal choice for families who frequently use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
2 in 1 pushchair are great for parents who frequently run errands, or take their babies on public transportation such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping newborn 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 when your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is particularly important if you plan to use the car seat for your baby's only vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion procedures. It is possible to manually connect the car seat to stroller or attach straps to the base to ensure it is secured. In our tests this method, it was more difficult to master than one-step process of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it can pose a safety hazard.
A car seat/stroller combination is a great option however, you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for as long as you want them to. The majority of car seats and strollers are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns 1. The car seats can't be attached to strollers once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the infant car seat however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for newborns through early childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants, you should look into purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can handle toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you must always make sure that your infant car seat is installed correctly and never remove it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to transfer infants from the car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or needing to wake them up. This is especially useful when you're doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure security, opt for a car seat that is attached to a stroller using an incredibly strong LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured when in use and won't come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are a good option for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age restrictions for both the stroller and the car seat. Most infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and are only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the car or converted into the stroller. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions with care, says Stanton, especially when it comes to making sure 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 and design their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies sell pre-packaged car seats and strollers combination sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them individually. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller has smooth riding with springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket to store all the baby's toys. The car seat is slim and features a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. It is quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions and four harness heights as well as a padded insert 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, but that's not the main reason to buy one. You should also consider one that's stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a variety of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
Travel systems that are the most effective include the infant car, stroller and car seat base in one package to make it easier for you to transfer from your vehicle to the street. These systems typically include a one-piece car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies show that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and durable, making them easy to push, maneuver and fold. Choose models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can fit multiple shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how the strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler one when your child outgrows it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner regularly uses ride-share services or commutes via train or bus.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families who are looking for a solution that is all-in one. It's easy to move from a car seat to a stroller and back with the built-in LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also approved for air travel so you can board and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.