A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant and a stroller which are able to work together. They can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them up. This is a great choice for families who spend much of their time in the car.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that can be linked and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos on our list come with bassinet attachments as well and can be an alternative to a stroller for naps.
While a 2 in 1 travel system with a car seat could cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing them as a set. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family, most brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with an alternative stroller.
One important thing to remember when looking for a travel set is that these sets usually comprise an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work together, which is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the seat and using it past this period, look for one that has a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems come with a second seat which can be used to boost older children. While this is a nice option, it's not a necessity and might not be practical depending on your life style.
Check out our top picks of strollers and car seats if you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for a long time. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They feature a 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 have LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This is a great choice for families that frequently use ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who often run errands or take their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. They allow you to easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double as your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is particularly important when you intend to use the car seat as your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complex conversion methods. You may have to manually connect the car seat to stroller or strap it to the base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you misplace or forget the straps, it could pose a safety hazard.
A car seat/stroller combo is a great option, but you should also consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can work as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos 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 required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the car seat for infants, but it is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for babies through early childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with a larger stroller that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat is properly installed. Do not remove it from the car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back again without disrupting them or having to get them up. Rothman says this is especially useful when you're running errands and traveling. To ensure your safety, opt for car seats that can be attached to the stroller via the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secure while in use and won't fall off or loosen during transit. Car seat and stroller combinations that work with or without a base are good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only intended for use during the first 12 months of a child's life. These car seats can be transformed into a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle, or snapped into the stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to follow all instructions and labels particularly when it's time to make sure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel systems, others prefer buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats It is not unusual for companies offer these sets. These are often priced lower than purchasing the items separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller is smooth ride, springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket for everything your baby needs. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest with four positions with four harness heights, as well as an insert that is cushioned for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them, but that's not the primary reason to consider buying one. You should also choose an option with a fashionable design, which is easy to move around and comes with a variety of other features for your child's safety and for your own.
2 in 1 pram pushchair www.pushchairsandprams.uk include the infant car, stroller and car seat base in one package to make it easier for you to move from your vehicle to the street. They usually include a one-piece car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better when they are in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are 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, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can accommodate many shopping bags. Also, you should consider how the stroller and car seat are when they're folded for ease of storage.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler's seat as your child grows out of it, which gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families who want an all-in-one solution. The rigid system built into LATCH lets you easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. 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 to a double stroller, so you can take your child on excursions around the globe. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will fit in with any outfit.