A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as a stroller that can work together. However they can be costly.
These combos make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from car to stroller and back without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families that tend to spend the majority of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems with an 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 come with an infant car seat in addition to a stroller. They are suitable for infants as well as older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combinations on our list come with an attachment for a bassinet, which can be an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a two-in-one travel system with a car seat may cost more than separate products but you’ll probably save time and money by buying them all in one package. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren’t suitable for your family, most brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat with a different stroller.
When you are looking for a travel set keep in mind that most of these sets include an infant car-seat as well as stroller designed to work together. They are designed to be used during the first year. If you plan to keep the seat and using it after this point, consider a model with a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a higher weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can be used as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a good option however, it’s not necessary and may not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a fantastic travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats and strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller 2in1 and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. They have a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect for protecting a snoozing child. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families that frequently use ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who frequently run errands, or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. You can easily transfer your baby’s sleeping body from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double as your family grows. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot two. This is particularly important if your car seat will be your baby’s sole vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion methods that may require you to manually attach the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that are attached to the base to fix it. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona’s one-step conversion. If you misplace or forget the straps, it may cause a safety risk.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a good idea however, you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats are not attached to a stroller once they’re no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers like the Doona can be used as a car seat for toddlers with a seat belt booster after your child has outgrown the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit into the majority of strollers.
The most effective combination is a car seat and stroller for newborns to early childhood. Once your child outgrows the infant car seats, you should look into purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can accommodate toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Do not remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.
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. Rothman says this is particularly beneficial when you’re running errands and traveling. For added security, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller using either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain safe while being used and will not slide off or become loose during transportation. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also an excellent option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When purchasing a travel system make sure you check the weight and age limits for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are designed to be used for the first 12 months of the life of a child. Many of these seats switch to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or snap into a compatible stroller. It is important to be aware of the labels and follow instructions with care, says Stanton particularly when it comes to ensuring your child is within the proper weight and height guidelines 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 unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket to store everything your baby needs. The car seat is low-profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. It has a quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness heights, as well as padding for your little one’s comfort. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.
Style
It’s tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them, but that’s not the primary reason to consider buying one. You should also choose one with a sleek design, that is easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child’s comfort as well as yours.
Travel systems that are the most effective include an infant car, stroller and car seat base in one box to make it easier for you to move from your vehicle to the street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller, and some even offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow naptime strolls (safety research has shown that babies sleep best when in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to maneuver, push, and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for city streets and a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. Also, you should consider how small the stroller and car seat fold for ease of storage.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat included with an adult car seat when your child grows out of it. This allows you to enjoy 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 your partner frequently uses ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families looking for an all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. It’s also certified for air travel so you can board and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so that you can take your child on excursions around the world. It’s also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any outfit.