A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as a stroller that can work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to transport a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them up. This is a great option for families that tend to spend the majority of their time on the go.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and 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 and a stroller that click together and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. Many of the car seats and strollers combinations on our list come with a bassinet attachment as well, which can be an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for naps.
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them all at once. If you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, many brands offer adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
When you are looking for a travel set, keep in mind that most of them come with an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. They are designed to be used within the first year. If you intend to keep the seat and using it beyond this time, you should look for one with an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems come with an additional seat that can be used to support older children. This is a nice feature, but it might not be appropriate for your needs.
Check out our top choices of car seats and strollers If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo are packed with features to help you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. These products have springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it a great option for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who frequently run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport such as buses and trains. You can easily move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to convert to a double as your family grows. 2 in 1 stroller with car seat like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is especially important when you intend to use the car seat for your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complicated conversion procedures. You may need to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or attach straps to the base to ensure it is secured. In our tests, this method was often harder to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If you lose or forget the straps, it can be a danger to your safety.
A car seat/stroller combination is a good idea however, you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can work in the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are made to be used until your child is 1. These car seats do not attach to strollers when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products like the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with an additional seat belt booster once your child outgrows the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit in the standard strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for infants and toddlers until early childhood. When your child is no longer in the infant car seats it is recommended to consider purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Never remove it from the car without first removing the straps.
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 extra safety, select a car seat which attaches to a stroller with a rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure when in use and that it will not come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used without or with the base are also an excellent option for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a travel system, check the weight and age limits of both the car seat and the stroller. Most infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. Many of these car seats change to a forward-facing seat that can be used in the vehicle or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. Stanton says it's crucial to follow all instructions and labels, especially when it's time to make sure your child's weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While 2 in 1 stroller and car seat prefer to buy separate products and design their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers combination sets. These sets are generally less expensive than buying them separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has an easy ride, with a springy all-wheel suspension and a large basket to hold all the baby's toys. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. It has a quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and padding for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds in one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the ease of moving your baby from stroller to car and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also choose an option with a fashionable design, which is easy to move around, and that has many other features to ensure your child's safety and for your own.
The travel systems that are the most effective include an infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base all in one box to allow you to transition from your vehicle to the street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it and some offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow naptime strolls (safety research shows that babies sleep best when in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with two in one travel systems are light and durable, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for city streets, a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. You also want to check how compact the stroller and car seat fold to make storage easier.
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 when you're planning to use the car seat for longer than a year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes via train or bus.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families seeking a solution that is all-in one. It's easy to transfer from a car seat to a stroller and back again, with the built-in LATCH system that secures the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, so you can get on and off public transport 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 world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will fit in with any outfit.