A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that are able to work together. However they can be expensive.
These combinations make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them. This is a great option for families who spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that include an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller simple. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect, and can be used with toddlers and newborns. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos on our list come with a bassinet attachment as well and can be a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. And if you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, most manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a travel set is that they typically include an infant car seat and a stroller made to work together, which is intended to be used during the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the seat after this time, choose a model that has a convertible car-seat that is suitable for toddlers and has a greater maximum weight.
Some travel systems also feature an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older children. This is a great feature, but it might not be practical for your particular lifestyle.
Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats if you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep you and your child 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 children who are snoozing. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on vehicles without a base. This makes them a great option for families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who frequently run out for errands or take their child out on public transport like buses and trains. You can easily move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you have a growing family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot for two. This is especially important if the car seat will be the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other strollers and car seat combos have more complex conversion techniques that require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that are attached to the base to secure it. In our tests this method was generally harder to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. It could pose a safety risk in the event that you lose or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat will work the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of one. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers such as the Doona can be used as a toddler car seat with a seat belt booster after your child outgrows the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit in most traditional strollers.
The best combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for newborns to early childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with larger strollers which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat has been properly installed. Don't remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back without disturbing them or having to wake them up. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you're running errands and traveling. To ensure 2 in 1 stroller and car seat , opt for car seats that can be attached to the stroller with either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secure while in use and will not slide off or become loose during the course of transport. Car seat and stroller combos that work without or with bases are also great options for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a travel system, be sure to check the age and weight limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are designed to be used during the first 12 months of the child's life. These car seats can be transformed to a forward facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle, or snapped into the stroller. Stanton insists that you be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it's time to make sure that your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer buying separate products to create their own travel system, others prefer to buy pre-packaged strollers and car seats, it is not uncommon for companies offer these sets. They're usually cheaper than buying the items individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket for everything your baby needs. The car seat has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. It is quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings, as well as padding to ensure your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and has a one-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
While it's tempting to buy an infant travel system due to the ease of moving your baby from stroller to car and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to look into one. You should also choose one that is stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a variety of other features to make it comfortable for your child and yourself.
The most effective 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 come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible and some include an attachment for a bassinet for strolls during nap time (safety research suggests that babies sleep best in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to push, maneuver, and fold. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for streets in cities as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items it is important to know how small car seats and strollers fold when folded.
Certain travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler one after your child has outgrown it, giving you an additional 1-2 years of use. This is a great option when you plan to use the car seat for more than one year, or your partner is frequently using ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families looking for an all-in-one solution. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also certified for air travel, so you can get on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures around the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will fit in with any outfit.