A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat offers parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that 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 choice for families who spend the majority of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with 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 usually have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos that make our list also have a bassinet attached, which can be used as a safe alternative for a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with car seat may cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money if you buy them all in one package. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family later the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat in conjunction with a different stroller.
When you are looking for a travel set keep in mind that most of these sets come with an infant car-seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used within the first year. If you plan on keeping the car seat after this period, choose a model that has a convertible car-seat that is suitable for toddlers and is able to support a higher maximum weight.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can serve as a booster for older kids. This is a great feature, but it might not be appropriate for your particular lifestyle.
Check out our top choices of car seats and strollers if you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo are packed with features that will help you and your baby remain comfortable. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with an integrated drape canopy that protects a child who is snoozing. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it a great choice for families who frequently use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who often run errands, or take their children on public transport like buses and trains. They let you easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double when your family grows. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot for two. This is particularly important if the car seat is your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use the straps attached to the base to hold it in place. In our tests, this method was often harder to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it may pose a safety hazard.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient but you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can work as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns 1. The car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat but it is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for infants and toddlers until the early years of childhood. Once your child outgrows the infant car seats, you should look into purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can handle toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat is installed correctly. Don't remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos allow you to easily transfer infants from the car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or needing to wake them up. This is especially useful when you're on the go or traveling, says Rothman. For extra safety, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller using either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure while in use and that it will not fall off or fall off during transport. Car seat and stroller combinations that can work without or with bases are also great options for vehicles that ride-share.
When you purchase a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only intended for use for the first 12 months of the life of a child. A majority of these car seats then switch to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the car or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. It is essential to study the labels and follow the instructions precisely, advises Stanton especially when it comes to ensuring your child is within the proper weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate items to create their own travel system, others prefer to buy pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations, it is not uncommon to find companies that offer these sets. They're usually cheaper than buying the products separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket that can hold everything your baby needs. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to put in. The car seat features a headrest that is adjustable in four positions, four harness settings and a padded insert to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean, and it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up, but that's not the main reason to think about buying one. stroller 2 in 1 car seat should also consider a model that's stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a range of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and you.
The best travel systems best include an infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base in one box to help you to move from your car to the street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller, and some even offer an attachment for a bassinet for strolls to nap (safety research has shown that babies sleep best in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with two in one travel systems are light and durable, making them easy to move, push and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for streets in cities and a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. Also, you should consider how the car seat and stroller are when they're folded to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler one when your child outgrows it, which gives you an additional 1-2 years of use. That's a great option if you're planning 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 a top choice for families that want an all-in-one solution. 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 hop onto and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your baby to the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.