A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as a stroller which work in tandem. However they can be expensive.
These combinations make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from stroller to car and back without disturbing them up. This is a great solution for families that spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that include an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller simple. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combinations because they usually come with an infant car seat and a stroller. They can be used for infants as well as older children. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations on our list include a bassinet and can be used as a secure alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a 2 in 1 travel system with a car seat may cost more than separate products however, you'll likely save time and money if you buy the two items together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family in the future the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat in conjunction with an alternative stroller.
When shopping for a travel set be aware that the majority of these sets come with an infant car-seat and stroller designed to work together. They are intended to be used in the first year. If you plan to keep the car seat after this period make sure you choose a model which features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature a second seat that can serve as a booster for older kids. While this is a nice option however, it's not necessary and might not be practical based on your life style.
If you're looking for a fantastic 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 include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features that will ensure that you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built-in drape canopy to protect the baby who is sleeping. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base, making it an ideal option for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who often run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport such as trains and buses. They let you easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double as you have a growing family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly transform into chariots for two. This feature is particularly important if you plan to use the car seat as your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complicated conversion procedures. It is possible to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or use straps attached to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can pose an accident hazard in the event that you lose or forget to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is a great option however, you must consider whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together as long as you want them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. The car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for newborns through early childhood. If your child is out of the car seat for infants, you can change the travel system to larger strollers that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Do not remove it from your car without first removing the straps.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller and in reverse without disrupting or waking them. This is particularly useful when you're running errands or traveling, according to Rothman. For added security, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller via an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is safe when it's in use and that it will not come loose or fall off during transportation. Car seat and stroller combinations that can work with or without a base are also good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limits for the stroller as well as the car seat. The majority of the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle or converted into a stroller. It is important to study the labels and follow all instructions precisely, advises Stanton particularly when it comes to ensuring your child is within the proper weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer buying separate items to create their own travel system and others prefer buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats It is not unusual to find companies that to offer these sets. They are usually priced lower than purchasing the items separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller is smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to store all of your baby gear. The car seat has a low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It is quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. 2 in 1 pram and pushchair comes with an adjustable headrest with four positions, four harness heights and an insert that is cushioned for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, making it convenient to store.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the convenience of transferring your baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to consider one. You also want to choose one that's stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features that make it comfortable for your child and yourself.
Travel systems that are the most effective include the infant car, stroller and car seat base all in one box to make it easier for you to transition from your car to the street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller compatible with it, and some even offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls during nap time (safety research has shown that babies sleep best when in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to fold and move. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for streets in cities as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how compact the stroller and car seat fold to make storage easier.
Certain travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler seat as your child grows out of it, which gives you an additional 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 they have a companion who commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families looking for an all-in one. The rigid system built into LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also a certified air travel, so you can hop on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your little one to the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.