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, as well as a stroller that can work in tandem. However they can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great option for families who are always moving.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes a stroller seat and infant car seat could be what you're looking for. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked, and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combinations on our list have bassinet attachments as well, which can be a safe alternative to a stroller for naps.
While a two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat could cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing the two items together. And if you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't quite right for your family, many manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use your chosen car seat alongside a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When you are looking for a travel set keep in mind that most of these sets come with an infant car seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used during the first year. If you plan on keeping the car seat after this period make sure you choose a model which includes a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and has a greater weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can be used as a booster for older kids. This is a wonderful feature, but it might not be appropriate for your needs.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top choices for car seats and strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built-in drape canopy that can protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base, making it a perfect choice for families who frequently use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who often run out for errands or take their child out on public transport such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double when your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be clicked into position to instantly transform them into chariots for two. This feature is especially important when you intend to use the car seat as the baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion procedures. It is possible to manually connect the car seat to stroller or attach straps to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you lose or forget the straps, it may cause a safety risk.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should be aware of whether the stroller and car seat for your infant will work together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats cannot be connected to a stroller after they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat however, it is too large to fit into traditional strollers.
The ideal combination is a car seat and stroller for babies to early childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system with larger strollers that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you should always ensure your infant car seat is installed properly and never remove it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to awake them. This is particularly useful when you're doing errands or travelling, says Rothman. For extra safety, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is secure when it's used and won't come loose or fall off during transport. Car seat and stroller combinations that work without or with bases are also great options for vehicles that ride-share.
When looking for a new travel system, check the weight and age limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. Most infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these seats switch to a forward-facing seat that can be used in the vehicle or can snap into a compatible stroller. It is important to study the labels and follow all instructions precisely, advises Stanton especially when it comes down to ensuring your child is in the correct weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products to create their own travel systems, others prefer pre-packaged stroller and car seats It is not unusual to find companies that to offer these sets. These are often priced lower than buying the products separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket that can hold everything you need for your baby. The car seat has a low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for added security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat comes with a headrest that is adjustable in four positions with four harness settings, as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure the comfort of your child. It's easy to clean and has a 1-hand fold, making it convenient to store.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the ease of moving your baby from stroller to car and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to consider one. You should also consider a model that's stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features to make it comfortable for your child and yourself.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one box to allow a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically come with an all-in-one car seat that is easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even come with an ottoman for napping (safety studies show that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with two in one travel systems are light and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for city streets and a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. For easy storage, you should also check how small car seats and strollers fold when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for those who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
2 in 1 stroller -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 car seat to stroller, and back, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also approved for air travel so you can hop onto and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, which allows you to take your baby to the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to complement any outfit.