A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it simple for parents to transport a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families that tend to spend a lot of time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combos since they typically include an infant car seat in addition to a stroller. They are suitable for both infants and older children. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet included and can be used as a safe alternative for a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A 2 in 1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the items separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family, most 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 these sets include an infant car seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used during the first year. If you plan to keep the seat and using it past this point, consider a model that has a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler's seat and has a higher weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can be used as a booster for older kids. This is a nice feature, but it might not be suitable for your needs.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Our editors' top picks like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features to aid you and your baby to stay in a comfortable position. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who often run out for errands or take their child out on public transport like trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double as your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and infant car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly convert them into chariots that can accommodate two. This feature is particularly important if you plan to use the car seat as the baby's sole car seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complicated conversion methods. It is possible to manually connect the car seat to stroller or use straps attached to base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you forget or lose the straps, it may cause a safety risk.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you should be aware of whether the stroller and car seat for your infant will work the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns 1. These car seats cannot be attached to strollers once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
The best combination is a car seat and stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. When your child grows out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with an extra large stroller that can be used by older children and toddlers. Make sure that your infant car seat is fitted correctly. Don't remove it from the car without first removing the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller and back without disturbing them or having to wake them up. Rothman says this is especially beneficial when you're conducting errands or travel. To ensure extra security, opt for a car seat which attaches to a stroller using an incredibly strong LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure when used and will not come loose or fall off during transport. Car seat and stroller combos that can work without or with a base are also good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a stroller, make sure you know 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 only intended for use during the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be transformed into a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the car, or snapped into the stroller. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions with care, says Stanton, especially when it comes to making sure your child is within the correct weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products to create their own travel systems, others prefer buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats, it is not uncommon to find companies that offer these sets. These are often priced lower than buying the products separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller offers an easy ride, with a springy suspension on all wheels, and a large basket to store all your baby's equipment. The car seat has a low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat has a four-position headrest with four harness heights, as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and folds in one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system for the convenience 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 look for an option with a fashionable design, which is simple to use, and that has many other features to ensure your child's comfort and yours.
The best travel systems most effective include an infant car, stroller and car seat base in one package to make it easier for you to move from your vehicle to the street. They usually include a one-piece car seat that is easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have an ottoman for napping (safety studies show that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
two in one pram and infant cars seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to fold and move. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can hold several shopping bags. You also want to check how the car seat and stroller are when they're folded for ease of storage.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler one as your child grows out of it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. 2 in 1 pram pushchair is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if a partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families seeking an option that is all in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH lets you easily switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also approved 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 you can take your child on adventures around the globe. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that complement any wardrobe.