A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that incorporates a car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. However they can be expensive.
These combinations make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them up. This is a great choice for families who spend the majority of their time on the move.
Comfort
If you’re looking for a simple method to move your baby from car to stroller without waking them up the next morning, a travel set-up that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat might be what you’re looking for. These all-in-ones 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 seats and strollers combinations on our list come with an attachment for a bassinet and can be an alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A 2 in 1 travel system with car seat in 1 travel system that comes with a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the two items separately, however you’ll save time and money by purchasing them together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family in the future the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat in conjunction with another stroller.
When shopping for a travel set be aware that a majority of these sets come with an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used during the first year. If you plan to keep the seat after this time, choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older kids. This is a wonderful feature, but it might not be suitable for your lifestyle.
Take a look at our top picks of car seats and strollers if you’re looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also features a built-in drape canopy that protects a child who is snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it a great option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who regularly run out for errands or take their child out on public transport like trains and buses. It is easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about waking them.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you expand your family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot two. This feature is especially important when you intend to use the car seat as the baby’s sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complex conversion methods. It is possible to manually connect the car seat to stroller or strap it to base to secure it. In our testing this method was generally more difficult to master than the one-step process of the Doona. It can pose an accident hazard 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 must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of one. These car seats are not connected to a stroller after they’re no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat but it is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
The ideal combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for babies to early childhood. Once your child outgrows the infant car seats it is recommended to consider purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can be used by toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat is properly installed. Don’t remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat makes it easy to transfer infants from a car to a stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing or waking them up. Rothman says this is especially beneficial when you’re conducting errands or travel. To ensure safety, choose an automobile seat that connects to a stroller via a rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secure when in use and that it will not come loose or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used without or with the base are an excellent option for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a travel system, be sure to check the age and weight limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are designed to be used for the first 12 months of a child’s life. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle or converted into the stroller. Stanton insists that you be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it comes time to make sure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items and build their own travel system, it’s not uncommon for companies to offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby’s bestselling Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller is smooth ride, springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket that can hold all of your baby gear. The car seat is low-profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. It’s a simple and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has an adjustable headrest with four positions, four harness heights and an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child’s comfort. It is easy to clean and features a 1-hand fold, making it ideal for storage.
Style
It’s tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller 2 in 1 car seat without disturbing them, but that’s not the main reason to buy one. You should also consider a model that’s stylish, easy to maneuver, and has a number of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and yourself.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one box to allow seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller compatible with it and some include the option of a bassinet attachment to allow naptime strolls (safety research shows that babies sleep best when in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight sturdy, durable, and easy to fold and maneuver. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front to allow for city streets and a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how compact strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler seat after your child has outgrown it, giving you an extra 1-2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend 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 is a great option for families who are looking for an all-in one. The rigid system built into LATCH lets you easily change between car seats and strollers and back. It’s also approved for air travel, so you can board and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into double strollers, allowing you to take your child on global adventures. It’s also available in a variety of vibrant colors to complement any outfit.