A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that can work together. They can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great option for families who are constantly in motion.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller easy. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet attached, which can be used as a secure alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat may cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money if you buy the two items together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat are not right for your family in the future the majority of brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with an alternative stroller.
When 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 intended to be used in the first year. If you intend to keep the seat after this point you should choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to support older children. While this is a nice option however, it's not necessary and might not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top choices for car seats and strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have numerous features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. They have a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with a built-in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This is a great choice for families who frequently ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who regularly run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport like trains and buses. You can easily move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about awakening them.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double as you grow your family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot for two. This is especially important if your car seat will be the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the infant car seat onto the stroller or use the straps attached to the base to hold it in place. In our testing this method was generally more difficult to master than the one-step process of the Doona. It can pose dangerous in the event that you lose or forget to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient however, you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can work as long as you want them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. These car seats cannot be connected to a stroller after they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers such as the Doona is able to be used as a toddler car seat with an additional seat belt booster once your child has outgrown the car seat for infants but is too tall for most traditional strollers.
The best combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for babies to early childhood. If your child is out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system by a larger stroller that can be used by older children and toddlers. Always ensure that your infant car seat is fitted correctly. Never remove it from the car without first removing the straps.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from the vehicle to a stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them or waking them up. This is especially helpful when you're on the go or traveling, says Rothman. For extra safety, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller via an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is safe when it's in use and that it will not fall off or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also ideal for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When purchasing a travel set, be sure to check the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are only intended for use for the first 12 months of a child's life. Many of these car seats then change to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. It is essential to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes to making sure your child is in the appropriate weight and height limits 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 to see companies sell pre-packaged car seats and strollers combination sets. They're usually cheaper than purchasing the items separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller features an easy ride, with a springy suspension on all wheels, and a large basket to hold all your baby's gear. The car seat is slim and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat has a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and a padded insert for your little one's comfort. pram 2 in 1 is easy to clean and folds in one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system that makes it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them, however, that's not the only reason to think about buying one. You should also look for an option with a fashionable design, that is easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features for your child's comfort and yours.
The travel systems that are the most effective include the infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one package to make it easier for you to move from your vehicle to the street. They typically come with an all-in-one car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Choose models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can accommodate multiple shopping bags. You also want to check how compact the car seat and stroller are when they're folded to make it easier to store them.
Certain travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler seat as your child grows out of it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. That's a great option if you're planning on using the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner frequently uses ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. It's easy to move from a car seat to a stroller and back thanks to the LATCH system that locks the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It is also certified for air travel so you can get on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, allowing you to take your little one on adventures around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any outfit.