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, as well as stroller that are able to work together. 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 solution for families who are always moving.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat might be the thing you're looking for. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combos because they usually include an infant car seat and a stroller. They can be used for infants as well as older children. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet included, which can be used as a safe alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
While a two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat could cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money if you buy them all in one package. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family in the future there are adaptors for most brands to allow you to use the car seat with another stroller.
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel set is that these sets usually include a car seat for infants and a stroller that is designed to work together, which is designed to be used for the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the car seat after this period you should choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and is able to support a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems also feature a second seat that can be used as a booster for older kids. While this is a great option, it's not a necessity and may not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
Check out our top picks of strollers and car seats If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for a long time. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination, have plenty of features that will help you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. They have a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat has an integrated drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it a great option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who run errands, or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. They allow you to easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double as your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is especially important if you plan to use the car seat as the baby's only car seat.
Other strollers and car seat combos have more complex conversion techniques that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps attached to the base to fix it. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you misplace or forget the straps, it could cause a safety risk.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, but you should also consider whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together in the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats are not attached to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models like the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with the seat belt booster when your child is no longer in the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit in the standard strollers.
The best combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for infants and children in the early years of childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat you can change the travel system to a larger stroller that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you should always ensure the infant car seat is installed properly and never remove it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to get them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you're doing errands or traveling. To ensure extra safety, select a car seat which attaches to a stroller using the rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secured during use and will not slide off or come loose in transit. Car seat and stroller combos that can be used with or without bases are also great alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When shopping for a travel system, check the age and weight limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. 2 in 1 stroller and car seat include rear-facing infant car seats that are only intended for use for the first 12 months of the child's life. These car seats can be transformed to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the car or converted into the stroller. Stanton advises parents to read all labels and instructions, especially when it comes time to make sure your child meets the weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer to buy separate items to create their own travel systems, others prefer buying pre-packaged stroller and car seats It is not unusual for companies to offer these sets. They're usually cheaper than purchasing the items separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride with springy suspension on all wheels and a large basket to store all the baby's toys. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat has a headrest that is adjustable in four positions with four harness settings as well as padding to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to buy one. You should also choose a model that's stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features that make it comfortable for your child and you.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one box for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a compatible stroller, and some even offer an attachment for a bassinet for strolls to nap (safety research has shown that babies sleep best when in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to move, push and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for streets in cities as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how small the stroller and car seat can be folded to make storage easier.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with an adult car seat when your child has outgrown it. This gives you 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 is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families that want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from a car seat to a stroller and back thanks to the LATCH system that secures the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It is also certified for air travel, so you can get on and off public transport 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 globe. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.