A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that can work together. However they can be costly.
These combinations make it easy for parents to transport a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them up. This is an excellent option for families that are constantly on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect, and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos that we have listed include a bassinet and can be used as an alternative for a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat might cost more than separate items but you'll probably save time and money by purchasing them as a set. If you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, many brands have adaptors that let you to use the car seat with a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
One important thing to remember when you are shopping for a travel set is that they typically include an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work in tandem, which is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the car seat and using it after this period, look for an option that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to boost older children. While this is a great option however, it's not necessary and may not be feasible based on your life style.
Check out our top choices of strollers and car seats if you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for a long time. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have numerous features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also features a built-in drape canopy to protect the baby who is sleeping. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles without a base. This makes them a great option for families who regularly use ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who regularly run errands or take their baby out on public transportation such as buses and trains. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without worrying about waking them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double when your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly convert them into chariots for two. This is particularly important if your car seat is your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to fix it. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than the one-step process of the Doona. It could pose dangerous when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is a good idea, but you should also consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can work in the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're 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 an additional seat belt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat but is too tall to fit into most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for babies through the early years of childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system by an extra large stroller which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you must always make sure your infant car seat is installed correctly and never take it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller and reverse the process without disturbing them or waking them up. This is particularly useful when you're doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, select 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 loosen during the course of transport. Car seat and stroller combos that be used with or without a base are also good options for vehicles that ride-share.
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 seats which are designed to be used for the first 12 months of the life of a child. A majority of these car seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that will stay in the car or snap into a compatible stroller. It is important to read the labels and follow all instructions precisely, advises Stanton especially when it comes to ensuring your child is in the correct weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While 2 in 1 pram pushchair prefer to buy separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. They are usually priced lower than buying the products separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has an easy ride, with a suspension that is all-wheel and springy and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby's gear. The car seat has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat has an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and features a 1-hand fold, making it ideal for storage.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the ease of moving your child from stroller to car and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to consider one. You should also choose one that is elegant, well-balanced and comes with a variety of other features to make it comfortable for your child and you.
The most effective travel systems include 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 easily into a compatible stroller and some offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls during nap time (safety research has shown that babies sleep best in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push, and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how the stroller and car seat are when they're folded for ease of storage.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat when your child has outgrown it. This gives you an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top choice for families who want an all-in-one solution. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch between car seats and strollers and back. It is also certified for air travel so you can hop onto 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 across the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that complement any wardrobe.