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 together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping 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 way to transition your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat might be what you're looking for. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combos because they usually include an infant car seat and the stroller. They are suitable for both infants and older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combos that make our list come with bassinet attachments as well and can be a safe alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
A 2-in-1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the items separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. And if you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't the right fit for your family, most brands offer adaptors that allow you to use the car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a travel set is that these sets usually include a car seat for infants and a stroller designed to work together, which is designed to be used during the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the seat after this time, choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also have an additional seat that can serve as a booster for older kids. While this is a nice option, it's not a necessity and may not be practical based on your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last a few years, check out our top choices for car seats and strollers. Our editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination are packed with features to help you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also has a built-in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. These seats also come with LATCH connectors that are rigid and 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
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who regularly run errands or take their baby out on public transport like trains and buses. It is easy to transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double when you have a growing family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is particularly important if your car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complex conversion methods. You may have to manually connect the car seat to stroller or strap it to base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can be dangerous in the event that you lose or forget to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat will work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats cannot be attached to strollers once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models, such as the Doona, can be used as a toddler car seat with a seat belt booster after your child is no longer in the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall for the majority of strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for newborns through early childhood. When your child has grown out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with larger strollers that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat is installed correctly. Never remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and in reverse without disturbing or waking them up. This is especially helpful when you're doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secured during use and will not slide off or come loose in transit. Combinations of strollers and car seats that work without or with bases are also great options for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel system make sure you check 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 meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. A lot of these car seats then transition to a forward-facing car seat that will stay in the vehicle or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. It's important to read the labels and follow instructions carefully, adds Stanton especially when it comes to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the appropriate weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and create their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them individually. For pram pushchair 2 in 1 , UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller is smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket for all of your baby gear. The car seat is slim and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. It is quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings as well as padding to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and features one-hand fold, making it convenient to store.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system to enjoy the convenience of moving your baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to look into one. You should also consider a model that's stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features that ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one box for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer a bassinet attachment for strolls to nap (safety research shows that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and robust, making them simple to push, maneuver and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate several shopping bags. For easy storage make sure to check how small car seats and strollers are when folded.
Some travel systems let you change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat once your child has outgrown it. This allows for an additional 1-2 years use. This is an excellent 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 an excellent choice for families seeking an all-in one. It's simple to transfer from the car seat to the stroller, and back, thanks to the LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also a certified air travel, which means you can board and get off public transport with ease. 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's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.