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 and stroller that are able to work together. They can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families who spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transition your baby from the car to stroller without awakening them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat may be just what you need. These are different from stroller-only models because they usually come with an infant car seat in addition to a stroller. They are suitable for both newborns and older children. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet attached that can be used as a secure alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
pushchairsandpramsuk -in-one travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. And if you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't quite right for your family, most brands offer adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One thing to be aware of when you are shopping for a travel system is that these sets typically include an infant car seat and a stroller made to work together, and is meant to be used during the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the seat and using it beyond this time, you should look for an option with a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler car seat and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature an additional seat that can be used as a booster for older kids. While this is a nice option but it's not essential and might not be feasible based on your life style.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last a few years, check out our top picks for car seats and strollers. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination come with a variety of features that will help you and your baby remain comfortable. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also features an integrated drape canopy that protects children who are snoozing. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This is a great choice for families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who frequently run errands, or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. You can easily move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about wake them up.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert to a double as your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be clicked into position to instantly transform into chariots for two. This feature is particularly important in the event that you plan to use the car seat for your baby's primary car seat.
Other stroller and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use the straps that are attached to the base to fix it. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you lose or forget the straps, it could pose a safety hazard.
A car seat/stroller combination is convenient however, you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers will work together as long as you want them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns 1. The car seats can't be attached to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, such as the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with the seat belt booster when your child outgrows the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for babies through early childhood. If your child has outgrown the car seats for infants, you should look into purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you should always ensure the infant car seat is installed correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from a car to a stroller and vice versa without disturbing them or waking them up. This is especially useful when you're on the go or traveling, says Rothman. For added security, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller using either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe when in use and that it will not come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are a good option for ride-share vehicles.
When shopping for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. Typically, the infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing, and are only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the car or converted into the stroller. Stanton advises parents to follow all instructions and labels, especially when it's time to make sure that your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items to create their own travel system, others prefer pre-packaged strollers and car seats it is not unusual to see companies to offer these sets. They're usually cheaper than buying the items individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride, springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket that can hold everything you need for your baby. The car seat has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat features a four-position headrest and four harness heights as well as padding for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system that makes it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller without waking them, but that's not the primary reason to buy one. You should also look for one with a sleek design, which is simple to use and has many other features to ensure your child's safety and for your own.
Travel systems that are the most efficient include the infant car, stroller and car seat base in one package to allow you to move from your vehicle to the street. These systems typically include a one-piece car seat that is easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even include an ottoman for napping (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for city streets and a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items make sure to check how compact strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Certain travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler seat as your child grows out of it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option for those who intend to use the seat for a longer period of time or if a partner is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families who want an all-in-one solution. It's simple to transfer from car seat to stroller and back again, thanks to the LATCH system that locks the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, so you can hop on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures across the globe. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will fit in with any outfit.