A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that incorporates a car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that can work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them up. This is a great solution for families that are constantly in motion.
Comfort
If you’re looking for an easy way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat might be what you need. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combinations because they usually include an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They can be used for both infants and older children. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet attached and can be used as a secure alternative for a traditional stroller during naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the two items separately, however you’ll save money and time by purchasing them together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat are not right for your family there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat with another stroller.
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel set is that these sets usually include an infant car seat and a stroller made to work in tandem, which is designed to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat and using it after this period, look for a model with an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler’s seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature an additional seat that can serve as a booster for older kids. This is a nice option, but it may not be appropriate for your particular lifestyle.
Check out our top picks of car seats and strollers to find an affordable travel system that will last for several years. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also features an integrated drape canopy to protect children who are snoozing. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on cars that don’t have a base. This makes them a great option for families that frequently use ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who run errands or take their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your baby’s sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best strollers 2 in 1 and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double when your family grows. We love the Thule Urban Glide pram 2 in 1 uk Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is particularly important if the car seat is your baby’s sole vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps attached to the base to hold it in place. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona’s one-step conversion. 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 convenient, but you should also think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can work as long as you want them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 1. These car seats are not attached to strollers once they’re no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers like the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with an additional seat belt booster once your child is no longer in the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit in the majority of strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for infants and toddlers until early childhood. When your child is no longer in the infant car seats, you should look into purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Do not remove it from the car without first untying the straps.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from the vehicle to a stroller and reverse the process without disturbing them or waking them up. This is especially helpful when you’re doing errands or traveling, according to Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that attaches to the stroller with either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is safe when it’s used and will not come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of strollers and car seats that work without or with a base are good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When purchasing a travel set be sure to verify the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. Most infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing and only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child’s life. These car seats can be changed 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 particularly when it comes time to make sure that your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items to create their own travel systems, others prefer pre-packaged strollers and car seats, it is not uncommon for companies to offer these sets. These sets are typically less expensive than buying them separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. 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 is slim and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to put in. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness settings and a padded insert to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and has a one-hand fold, making it ideal for storage.
Style
While it’s tempting to buy a travel system to enjoy the convenience of transferring your child from stroller to car and back without having to wake them up, that’s not the only reason to consider one. You should also choose one with a sleek design, that is easy to move around and has many other features for your child’s comfort and yours.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one package for an effortless transition from car to street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible and some offer a bassinet attachment for naptime strolls (safety research suggests that babies sleep better in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to push, maneuver and fold. Look for models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can hold many shopping bags. Also, you should consider how small the stroller and car seat fold to make storage easier.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat when your child grows out of it. This allows for an additional 1-pushchairs 2 in 1 years use. This is an excellent option for those who plan to use the seat for longer than a year or if they have a companion who is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for Best all-terrain prams families who want an all-in-one solution. It’s easy to transfer from car seat to stroller and back again, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and securely in your car. It’s also certified for air travel so you can board and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your child on global adventures. It’s also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.
