2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat: A Simple Definition
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as a stroller that can are able to work together. However they can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great option for families that spend much of their time on the go.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos that make our list come with an attachment for a bassinet and can be an alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a 2 in 1 travel system with car seat may cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing them as a set. If you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't quite right for your family, many brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your chosen car seat alongside a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a travel system is that these sets typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work in tandem, which is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat after this point you should choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and is able to support a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems come with an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. This is a nice option, but it may not be practical for your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last a few years, check out our top picks for car seats and strollers. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination are packed with features that will ensure that you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also has an integrated drape canopy that protects children who are snoozing. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without a base, making it a perfect option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who regularly run out for errands or take their child out on public transportation such as buses and trains. They let you easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert to a double as your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly transform into chariots for two. This is especially crucial if the car seat will be the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other strollers and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps that are attached to the base to hold it in place. In our testing this method, it was more difficult to master than the one-step process of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it may pose a safety hazard.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should also consider whether the infant car seat and stroller will work as long as you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. The car seats can't be attached to a stroller once they're no longer needed 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 has outgrown the car seat for infants but is too tall to fit into most traditional strollers.
The best combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for newborns to early childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat you can change the travel system to an extra large stroller that can be used by older toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you should always ensure that your infant car seat is installed correctly and never take it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or having to wake them up. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you are running errands and traveling. For extra safety, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller using either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. 2 in 1 pram Push Chairs & Prams 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 in conjunction with or without the base are a good option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
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 designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these car seats change to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or can snap into a stroller that is compatible. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes down to ensuring your child is in the appropriate weight and height requirements 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 for companies to offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them individually. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket for everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat features a four-position adjustable headrest, four harness settings and padding to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the ease of moving your baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to look into one. You should also look for one with a sleek design, which is easy to move around and comes with a variety of other features for your child's comfort and yours.
The travel systems that are the most effective include an infant car, stroller and car seat base in one package to help you to move from your car to the street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it and some include the option of a bassinet attachment to allow naptime strolls (safety research has shown that babies sleep best in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to fold and maneuver. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for streets in cities, a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how compact the stroller and car seat fold to make it easier to store them.
Certain travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, which gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option when you plan to use the car seat for more than a year, or if your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes via bus or train.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families looking for an option that is all in one. It's easy to transfer from car seat to stroller, and back, thanks to the LATCH system that locks the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures across the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any wardrobe.