A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system with car seat offers parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great option for families that spend much of their time in the car.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller simple. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combos since they typically include an infant car seat in addition to a stroller. They can be used for infants as well as older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combinations on our list include bassinet attachments as well, which can be an alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. If you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, most manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel set is that these sets typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller designed to work together, which is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the seat after this point you should choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems have an additional seat that can be used to help older children. This is a great feature, but it might not be appropriate for your needs.
Check out our top picks of car seats and strollers if you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. Our editor-tested favorites include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features that will aid you and your baby to stay in a comfortable position. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also features an integrated drape canopy that can protect the baby who is sleeping. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it a great option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who regularly run errands or take their baby out on public transportation such as trains and buses. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed to a double as you expand your family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is particularly important if your car seat will be the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complex conversion methods. You may need to manually connect the car seat to stroller or attach straps to the base to ensure it is secured. In our tests, this method was often more difficult to master than the one-step process of the Doona. If you lose or forget the straps, it could pose a safety hazard.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat can work together for as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns 1. These car seats are not attached to a stroller once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, such as the Doona can be used as a toddler car seat with the seat belt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too tall to fit into the standard strollers.
The most effective combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system by larger strollers that can be used by older toddlers and older children. Also, keep in pushchairsandprams that you must ensure your infant car seat is set up correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily move infants from their car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or needing to awake them. This is especially helpful when you're on the go or travelling, says Rothman. For added security, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller via a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is secured when in use and 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 also an excellent option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When purchasing a travel set be sure to verify the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are only intended for use for the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle or converted into the stroller. It is essential to be aware of the labels and follow instructions with care, says Stanton especially when it comes down to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the correct weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies sell pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller features a smooth ride with springy suspension on all wheels, and a large basket to hold all your baby's equipment. The car seat is slim and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to install. The car seat has a four-position adjustable headrest, four harness settings and a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and it folds with one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the convenience of moving your child from stroller to car and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to consider one. You also want to choose one that is stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a range of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one box to allow a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller compatible with it and some include a bassinet attachment for strolls to nap (safety research has shown 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 and durable. They are also easy to fold and maneuver. Look for models that have rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for city streets, a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. You also want to check how the stroller and car seat fold for ease of storage.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child has outgrown it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if a partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top choice for families that want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from car seat to stroller, and back, thanks to the LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also approved 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 you can take your child on adventures around the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.