A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them up. This is a great choice for families who spend the majority of their time in the car.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller easy. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combinations on our list include a bassinet attachment as well, which can be an alternative to a stroller for naps.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with car seat could cost more than separate products however, you'll likely save time and money by buying the two items together. 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 another stroller.
One thing to be aware of when looking for a travel set is that they typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller made to work in tandem, which is intended to be used in the first 12 months. If you are planning on keeping the seat and using it after this period, look for one that has an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to help older children. This is a nice 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 picks for car seats and strollers. Our editor-tested favorites, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo come with a variety of features to ensure that you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. These products have springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with an integrated drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base, making it a perfect choice for families who frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who often do errands, or transport their babies on public transport like buses and trains. It is easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about wake them up.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double as your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly convert them into chariots for two. This is especially crucial if the car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complicated conversion methods. You may need to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or strap it to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you lose or forget the straps, it could be a danger to your safety.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should be aware of whether the infant car seat and stroller can work together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats are not attached to a stroller once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products such as the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with an additional seat belt booster once your child is no longer in the car seat for infants but is too tall to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for infants and toddlers until early childhood. Once your child outgrows the infant car seats and you are looking at buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can accommodate toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Don't remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat makes it easy to transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and vice versa, without disturbing them or waking them up. This is especially useful when you're on the go or travelling, says Rothman. For extra safety, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller via the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is secured while used and won't come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also a good option for vehicles that ride-share.
When you purchase a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions for both the stroller and the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only intended for use during the first 12 months of the child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. Stanton advises parents to be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it comes time to ensure your child meets the weight and height requirements of both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and design their own travel system, it's not uncommon for companies to offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. They're usually cheaper than buying the items individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller features a smooth ride with springy all-wheel suspension and a large basket to hold all your baby's gear. The car seat is slim and features a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. It has a quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's safety. 2 in 1 pram is easy to clean and features one-hand fold, making it ideal for storage.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to consider buying one. You should also choose a model with a stylish design, which is easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features for your child's comfort as well as yours.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one package for an effortless transition from car to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a compatible stroller and some offer a bassinet attachment for strolls to nap (safety research has shown that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to fold and maneuver. Look for 2 in 1 pram stroller with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit many shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items it is important to know how compact strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Some travel systems let you change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat when your child is no longer using it. This allows for an additional 1-2 years use. This is a great option when you plan to use the car seat for more than one year, or if your partner is frequently using ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families seeking an option that is all in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. 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 converted into a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures around the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that complement any wardrobe.