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 stroller that work together. However they can be costly.
These combos make it easy for parents to transport a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them. 2in1 travel system is a great solution for families that are constantly moving.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. These are different from stroller-only combos since they typically include an infant car seat in addition to a stroller. They can be used for both newborns and older children. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos that make our list have a bassinet attachment as well which is an alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
While a two-in-one travel system with a car seat could cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money by buying the two items together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, most brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with a different stroller.
One thing to be aware of when looking for a travel set is that these sets usually include an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work together, which is designed to be used in the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat and using it past this period, look for an option that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems have an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. While this is a good option however, it's not necessary and might not be practical based on your life style.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last a couple of years, look through our top choices for car seats and strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. 2in1 travel system comes with a built in drape canopy that protects the baby who is sleeping. These products also feature 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 great for parents who often run errands or take their baby out on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about wake them up.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to transform to a double as your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is particularly important in the event that you plan to use the car seat as your baby's only car seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complex conversion methods. It is possible to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or strap it to the base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you misplace or forget the straps, it can pose a safety hazard.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should be aware of whether the infant car seat and stroller will work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, like 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 it is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for newborns through the early years of childhood. If your child has outgrown the car seats for infants, you should look into buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you must ensure your infant car seat is set up properly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily move infants from their car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or having to get them up. This is especially useful when you're on the go or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that attaches to the stroller via a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while in use and that it will not fall off or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are an excellent option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When you are looking for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age limits of both the car seat and stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are only intended for use during the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be transformed into a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle or converted into the stroller. It is important to read the labels and follow instructions carefully, adds Stanton especially when it comes to making sure your child is in the appropriate weight and height limits for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and create their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies sell pre-packaged car seats and strollers combination sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller features a smooth ride with suspension that is all-wheel and springy and a large basket to store all the baby's toys. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. It has a quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has an adjustable headrest with four positions with four harness heights, as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds with just one hand.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system for the ease of moving your baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to look into one. You should also choose one that is elegant, well-balanced and comes with a variety of other features that ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
The best travel systems most effective include an infant car, stroller and car seat base in one box to allow you to transfer from your vehicle to the street. These systems typically include a one-piece car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies show that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and sturdy, making them easy to maneuver, push, and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit several shopping bags. For easy storage, you should also check how small car seats and strollers fold when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, which gives you an additional two years of use. That's a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner frequently uses ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top choice 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 allows you to secure 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 and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your child on global adventures. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.