A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that are able to work together. They can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great choice for families that spend the majority of their time on the go.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from the car to stroller without waking them up, a travel system with the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat could be what you need. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together, and can be used with toddlers and newborns. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos on our list have a bassinet attached that can be used as a secure alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A 2 in 1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't the right fit for your family, a majority of brands offer adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When shopping for a travel set, be aware that the majority of these sets include an infant car-seat and stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used in the first year. If you plan to keep the seat after this point you should choose a model that has a convertible car-seat that is suitable for toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can be used as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a good option but it's not essential and might not be practical based on your lifestyle.
Check out our top picks of strollers and car seats If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for many years. Our editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination come with a variety of features to ensure that you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also features a built in drape canopy to protect the baby who is sleeping. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without a base, making it a perfect option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who frequently run errands or take their baby out on public transportation such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double when your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is especially important in the event that you plan to use the car seat as your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to hold it in place. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It could pose an accident hazard when you forget or misplace the straps to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a good idea, but you should also consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for in the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. 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 toddler car seat with a seat belt booster after your child outgrows the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall for the standard strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for babies through early childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat, you can change the travel system to a larger stroller which can be used for older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you must ensure your infant car seat is fitted correctly and never take it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from a car to a stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them or waking them up. This is especially helpful when you're running errands or traveling, according to Rothman. To ensure safety, select a car seat which attaches to a stroller via an incredibly strong LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secure while in use, and will not fall off or come loose in transportation. Car seat and stroller combos that can be used with or without a base are also good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When purchasing a travel system make sure you check the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are designed to be used during 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 snapped into the stroller. It's important to read the labels and follow instructions with care, says 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 buying separate products to create their own travel system, others prefer pre-packaged stroller and car seats, it is not uncommon for companies to offer these sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket for everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat features a four-position headrest and four harness heights as well as padding to ensure your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and comes with one-hand fold, making it convenient 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 disturbing them up, but that's not the primary reason to think about buying one. You should also choose one with a sleek design, that is easy to move around and comes with a variety of 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 seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually include an all-in-one car seat that is easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even come with an ottoman for napping (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Look for models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can hold several shopping bags. To make storage easier make sure to check how the strollers and car seats can be when folded.
two in one pram allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler one when your child outgrows it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option when you're planning on using the car seat for longer than a year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes via train or bus.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families looking for an all-in-one solution. It's simple to transfer from a car seat to a stroller and back again, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also a certified air travel, which means you can board and get off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into double strollers, allowing you to take your child to the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any outfit.