A 2 in 1 pram stroller in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that are able to work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to transport a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great solution for families who are constantly in motion.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller simple. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller that can be linked, and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car seats and strollers combinations on our list come with an attachment for a bassinet which is an alternative to a traditional stroller for naps.
While a 2 in 1 prams-in-1 travel system with a car seat may cost more than separate products, you’ll likely save time and money by buying the two items together. And if you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren’t right for your family, many manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use your chosen car seat with a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When shopping for a travel set keep in mind that most of them come with an infant car-seat as well as stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used during the first year. If you intend to keep the car seat and using it after this point, consider an option that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler’s seat and has a higher weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can serve as a booster seat for older children. While this is a great option but it’s not essential and may not be practical based on your lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a great travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top choices for car seats and strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with an integrated drape canopy that protects a child who is snoozing. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base. This is a great choice for families who regularly use ride-share or have 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 such as buses and trains. They allow you to easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert to a double as your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is especially important when you intend to use the car seat as your baby’s primary vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use the straps that are attached to the base to hold it in place. In our testing this method, it was harder to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If you lose or forget the straps, it could be a danger to your safety.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you must also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat will work together for as long as you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns one. These car seats cannot be attached to a stroller once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit into most conventional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for babies through early childhood. If your child has outgrown the infant car seats it is recommended to consider purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can be used by toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you must always make sure the infant car seat is fitted correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller, and back without disrupting them or having to awake them. 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 via an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while used and won’t come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also an excellent option for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used during the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be converted into a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the car, or snapped into the stroller. Stanton advises parents to follow all instructions and labels particularly when it’s time to make sure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate products to create their own travel system and others prefer to buy pre-packaged stroller and car seats, it is not uncommon for companies to offer these sets. These sets are generally 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 is smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket for everything your baby needs. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. It’s a simple and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and a padded insert to ensure your child’s comfort. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.
Style
It’s tempting to purchase a travel system that makes it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them, however, that’s not the only reason to think about buying one. You should also choose 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 best travel systems most effective include the infant car, stroller pram and stroller 2 in 1 car seat base in one package to allow you to transition from your car to the street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat pushchair 2 in 1 (watch this video) seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible and some offer a bassinet attachment for strolls during nap time (safety research suggests that babies sleep best in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that are compatible with pushchairs 2 in 1-in-1 travel systems are lightweight sturdy, durable, and easy to fold and maneuver. Look for models that have rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front to allow for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. You also want to check how the car seat and stroller fold for ease of storage.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat when your child is no longer using it. This allows for an additional 1-2 years use. This is a great option for those who plan 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 great option for families looking for an all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch from stroller to car seat and back. It is also certified for air travel, so you can get on and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures across the globe. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.
