A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes 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 make it simple for parents to transport a sleeping baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them. This is a great option for families who spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transition your baby from car to stroller without waking them up an infant car seat, a travel system that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat could be what you're looking for. In what is it worth to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together, and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos that make our list also include a bassinet and can be used as a safe alternative for a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all at once. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family there are adaptors for most brands to allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with another stroller.
updated blog post to be aware of when you are shopping for a travel set is that these sets usually comprise an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is meant to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the seat and using it past this period, look for a model that has an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems include a second seat which can be used to help older children. While this is a nice option however, it's not necessary and might not be feasible based on your life style.
Check out our top picks of strollers and car seats to find an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features that will ensure that you and your baby remain comfortable. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride, and the PIPA car seat has a built-in drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base. This makes them a great option for families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who frequently run the errands of their children or take them out on public transportation such as buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed to a double as you have a growing family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly transform them into chariots for two. This is especially crucial if the car seat will be the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other stroller and car seat combos have more complex conversion methods that may require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that are attached to the base to secure it. In our testing, this method was often harder to master than the single-step method of the Doona. It can be an accident hazard in the event that you lose or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a good idea but you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can work in the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. The car seats can't 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 car seat for toddlers with an additional seat belt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too tall for most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for newborns through the early years of childhood. If your child has outgrown the infant car seats it is recommended to consider purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can be used by toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you must always make sure your infant car seat is set up correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from a car to a stroller, and in reverse without disrupting or waking them. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you are doing errands or traveling. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that is attached to the stroller via the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe when used and won't come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of strollers and car seats that work without or with bases are also great options for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system make sure you check the weight and age restrictions for both the stroller and the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only designed for use for the first 12 months of the child's life. A majority of these car seats then transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or can snap into a stroller that is compatible. It is important to read the labels and follow all instructions precisely, advises Stanton particularly when it comes to ensuring your child is within the correct weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and create their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are usually cheaper than buying them separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket that can hold everything you need for your baby. The car seat is slim and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It has a quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. updated blog post features a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings, as well as a padded insert to ensure the comfort of your child. It's easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, which makes it easy for storage.
Style
It's tempting to buy an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them, but that's not the main reason to consider buying one. You also want to choose one that is elegant, well-balanced and comes with a range of other features that make it comfortable for your child and yourself.
The best travel systems best include the infant car, stroller and car seat base all in one box to allow you to move from your car to the street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it, and some even offer a bassinet attachment for naptime strolls (safety research suggests that babies sleep better in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight sturdy, durable, and easy to 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. To make storage easier, you should also check how small car seats and strollers are when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat when your child has outgrown it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 1-2 years use. This is a great option if you're planning on using the car seat for more than one year, or your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes via train or bus.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families that want an all-in-one solution. The rigid system built into LATCH allows you to easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can hop on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your little one on global adventures. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will fit in with any outfit.