A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as a stroller which work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to transport a sleeping baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them up. This is a great solution for families that are constantly in motion.
Comfort
Travel systems with an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos on our list include bassinet attachments as well, which can be an alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
While a two-in-one travel system with a car seat could cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing them all in one package. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family later the majority of brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat with an alternative stroller.
When you are looking for a travel set be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are designed to be used in the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat and using it past this period, look for one that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler car seat and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems come with an additional seat that can be used to help older children. This is a nice feature, but it might not be suitable for your lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last a couple of years, look through our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Our editors' top picks, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo are packed with features to ensure that you and your baby remain comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect for protecting a snoozing child. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without a base making it a perfect choice for families who frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who run errands, or take their babies on public transportation such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about waking them.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double when you grow your family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is especially important when you intend to use the car seat as your baby's sole car seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion procedures. You may need to manually connect the car seat to stroller or strap it to the base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you forget or lose the straps, it could pose a safety hazard.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you must be aware of whether the infant car seat and stroller will work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats are not attached to a stroller once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with a seatbelt booster after your child is no longer in the infant car seat, but it is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
The most effective combination is a car seat and stroller for newborns to early childhood. Once your child outgrows the car seats for infants and you are looking at buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can handle toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you must always make sure the infant car seat is fitted correctly and never take it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from the vehicle to a stroller, and vice versa, without disrupting or waking them. Rothman says this is especially beneficial when you're conducting errands or travel. For added security, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller via the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secured during use and won't fall off or come loose in transportation. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used without or with the base are also a good option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When purchasing a travel set make sure you check the weight and age limits for both the stroller and the car seat. Most infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing and only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. A lot of these car seats change to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the vehicle or snap into a compatible stroller. It is essential to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions with care, says Stanton especially when it comes down to ensuring your child is within the appropriate weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and design their own travel system, it's not uncommon for companies to offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These sets are generally less expensive than buying them separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat features a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions and four harness heights as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.
2in1 travel system
While it's tempting to buy a travel system for the convenience of moving your baby from car to stroller and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also consider a model with a stylish design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one box to allow a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller and some include a bassinet attachment for strolls during nap time (safety research has shown that babies sleep best in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and sturdy, making them easy to push, maneuver and fold. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front to allow for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo and can hold multiple shopping bags. You also want to check how small the stroller and car seat fold to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler one when your child outgrows it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for those who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can hop on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your baby on global adventures. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that match any outfit.