A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that incorporates a car seat offers parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that can work together. However they can be costly.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from stroller to car and back without disturbing them. This is an excellent option for families who are always in motion.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from the car to stroller without awakening them, a travel system with an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat could be what you need. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only models because they usually come with an infant car seat in addition to a stroller. They can be used for both infants and older children. Many of the car-and stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet attached, which can be used as an alternative for a traditional stroller during naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat might cost more than separate items but you'll probably save time and money if you buy them all in one package. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family in the future there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat with another stroller.
When looking for a travel set keep in mind that most of these sets come with an infant car-seat and stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used during the first year. If you intend on keeping the car seat and using it past this point, consider a model that has an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a greater weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can be used as a booster seat for older children. While this is a nice option but it's not essential and may not be practical depending on your life style.
Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats to find an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep your child and you comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also has a built in drape canopy that can protect children who are snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it a perfect option for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who often run errands or take their baby out on public transportation such as buses and trains. They let you easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into 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 into a sleek chariot for two. This is especially crucial if the car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combos have more complex conversion methods that may require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to hold it in place. In our tests this method was generally harder to master than the one-step process of the Doona. If you lose or forget the straps, it could pose a safety hazard.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a good idea but you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers will work together in the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns one. 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 products, such as the Doona, can be used as a toddler car seat with the seat belt booster when your child outgrows the infant car seat but is too tall to fit in the standard strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for babies through the early years of childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat you can change the travel system to larger strollers which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you must always make sure your infant car seat is set up properly and never remove it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos allow you to easily transfer infants from the car to the stroller and back again without disrupting them or having to awake them. click here for info states that this is especially useful when you are conducting errands or travel. To ensure your safety, opt for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while in use and will not fall off or fall off in transit. Car seat and stroller combos that work without or with bases are also great alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel system make sure you check the weight and age restrictions for both the stroller and the car seat. Most infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat that can be used in the vehicle or converted into the stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to be aware of all labels and directions particularly when it comes time to ensure your child's weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items and build their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller offers an easy ride, with a springy all-wheel suspension and a large basket to hold all your baby's equipment. The car seat is low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat features an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness settings and a padded insert to ensure your child's safety. It's easy to clean and has one-hand fold, making it convenient to store.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system that makes it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them, but that's not the primary reason to think about buying one. You should also choose an option with a fashionable design, that is simple to use and comes with a variety of other features for your child's comfort and yours.
The best travel systems best include an infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base all in one box to allow you to move from your car to the street. They typically come with an all-in-one car seat that is easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better when they are in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with two in one travel systems are light and robust, making them simple to maneuver, push and fold. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front to allow for city streets, a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items it is important to know how the strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with an adult car seat when your child has outgrown it. This gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if they have a companion who travels by bus, train or ride-share.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families looking for an all-in-one solution. It's simple to transfer from car seat to stroller, and back, with the built-in LATCH system that secures the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, so you can get on and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into double strollers, allowing you to take your little one on global adventures. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any outfit.