A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that can work together. However they can be costly.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great choice for families who spend much of their time in the car.
Comfort
2in1 travel system systems that include an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. These are different from stroller-only models because they usually include an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They are suitable for infants as well as older children. A lot of the car seat and stroller combinations on our list come with a bassinet attachment as well, which can be an alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat might cost more than separate products however, you’ll likely save time and money if you buy them as a set. And if you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren’t the right fit for your family, a majority of brands have adaptors that let you to use your chosen car seat with a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One thing to be aware of when you are shopping for a travel set is that these sets usually comprise an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work in tandem, which is designed to be used during the first 12 months. If you are planning on keeping the car seat and using it after this time, you should look for an option with a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature a second seat that can serve as a booster for older children. This is a nice feature, but it may not be appropriate for your particular lifestyle.
Check out our top choices of strollers and car seats if you’re looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors like 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 feature springy all-wheel-suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also features a built in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This is a great choice for families who frequently ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who frequently run errands, or take their children on public transport like buses and trains. They let you easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double when you grow your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly transform them into chariots that can accommodate two. This is particularly crucial if the car seat is the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other stroller and car seat combinations have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually attach the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps that attach to the base to fix it. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona’s one-step conversion. It could pose dangerous if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combination 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 seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats don’t snap onto a stroller when they’re no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the car seat for infants, but 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 infant car seats, you should look into buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can be used by toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Do not remove it from your car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat allows you to easily transfer infants from the vehicle to a stroller and in reverse without disrupting or waking them. Rothman says this is particularly beneficial when you’re conducting errands or travel. To ensure extra safety, choose an automobile seat that connects to a stroller via the rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while being used, and will not fall off or come loose in transportation. Combinations of strollers and car seats that be used with or without a base are good options for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel system make sure you check the weight and age limit 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 car seats then change to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the vehicle or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. It is important to study the labels and follow instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes to making sure your child is within the appropriate weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products to create their own travel systems, others prefer to buy pre-packaged stroller and car seats it is not unusual to find companies that to sell these sets. They are usually priced lower than buying the products separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat is slim and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat features a headrest that is adjustable in four positions, four harness settings and a padded insert to ensure your child’s safety. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.
Style
It’s tempting to buy an accessory for travel 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 with a stylish design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features for your child’s comfort as well as yours.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one box to allow an effortless transition from car to street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a compatible stroller and some include the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls during nap time (safety research suggests that babies sleep best in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items it is important to know how the strollers and car seats are when folded.
Certain travel systems let you replace the included infant car seat with a toddler’s seat after your child has outgrown it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option if you’re planning on using the car seat for Pushchairsandprams longer than one year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes by bus or train.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families seeking an option that is all in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch between car seats and strollers and back. It’s also certified 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 across the world. It’s also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.
