The Ultimate Glossary For Terms Related To 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat offers parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that work together. However they can be costly.
These combinations make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them up. This is an excellent option for families who are always on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from car to stroller without awakening them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat could be what you need. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and stroller that connect, and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos that make our list have an attachment for a bassinet, which can be an alternative to a traditional stroller for naps.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save time and money by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat are not right for your family later the majority of brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller.
When looking for a travel set be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used during the first year. If you intend to keep the seat after this time, choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems include a second seat which can be used to support older children. This is a nice feature, but it may not be practical for your particular lifestyle.
Check out our top picks of car seats and strollers to find an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination are packed with features to ensure that you and your baby stay comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also has an integrated drape canopy to protect the baby who is sleeping. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who frequently run the errands of their children or take them out on public transportation such as trains and buses. They allow you to easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them up.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double when you grow your family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is particularly important if you plan to use the car seat as your baby's sole car seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complicated conversion methods. It is possible to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or attach straps to base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you forget or lose the straps, it can cause a safety risk.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should also consider whether the infant car seat and stroller can work together for as long as you need 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 cannot be attached to strollers once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with a seatbelt booster after your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for infants and toddlers until early childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system by a larger stroller which can be used for older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you must always make sure your infant car seat is set up correctly and never remove it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from the vehicle to a stroller, and reverse the process without disrupting or waking them. Rothman states that this is especially beneficial when you're running errands and traveling. For extra safety, look 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 secured when it's in use and that it will not come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are ideal for vehicles that ride-share.
When you are looking for a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and stroller. 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. These car seats can be changed to a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the car, or snapped into a stroller. Stanton insists that you be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it comes time to make sure that your child's weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel systems, others prefer buying pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations it is not unusual to see companies offer these sets. These sets are generally less expensive than buying them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller features a smooth ride with suspension that is all-wheel and springy, and a large basket to hold all the baby's toys. The car seat is low-profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to put in. The car seat comes with a four-position headrest with four harness heights, as well as padding for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds with just one hand.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the convenience of moving your baby from car to stroller and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to look into one. You should also choose one with a sleek design, that is easy to move around, and that has many other features to ensure your child's comfort and yours.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one box for an effortless transition from car to street. They usually include a one-piece car seat that is easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight and durable. They are also easy to maneuver and fold. Find two in one pram with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit several shopping bags. You should also consider how small the car seat and stroller are when they're folded to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child is no longer using it. This allows you to enjoy an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for those who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
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 effortlessly change from stroller to car seat and back. It's also approved for air travel, so you can get on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, which allows you to take your baby on adventures around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.