A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system with car seat offers parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combinations make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them up. This is a great option for families who spend the majority of their time in the car.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller easy. These are different from stroller-only combos because they usually include an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They can be used for both newborns and older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combos on our list have bassinet attachments as well which is an excellent alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
A 2 in 1 pushchair pram in 1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the items separately, but you’ll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren’t suitable for your family there are adaptors for most brands that allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with an alternative stroller.
When you are looking for a travel set, be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are designed to be used in the first year. If you plan to keep the seat after this point, choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a higher maximum weight.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can be used as a booster seat for older children. While this is a great option, it’s not a necessity and might not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats to find an affordable travel system that will last for many years. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many 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 has an integrated drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them a great option for families that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who regularly run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport such as trains and buses. It is easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or waking them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double when your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly convert into chariots for two. This feature is especially important when you intend to use the car seat for your baby’s primary vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps that attach to the base to secure it. In our tests, this method was often more difficult to master than one-step procedure of the Doona. It can be 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 great option, but you should also think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can work as long as you want them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns 1. The car seats do not attach to strollers when they’re no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the car seat for infants, but it is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for infants and toddlers until the early years of childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system by a larger stroller that can be used by older toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you should always ensure your infant car seat is installed properly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from the vehicle to a stroller and vice versa without disrupting or waking them. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you’re conducting errands or travel. For added security, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller via a simple click or rigid LATCH 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 combinations that work with or without a base are good options for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel set 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 only intended for use during the first 12 months of the life of a child. A majority of these seats switch to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the vehicle or snap into a compatible stroller. It’s important to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions with care, says Stanton particularly when it comes to making sure your child’s height and weight are within the proper weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer buying separate products to create their own travel system and others prefer to buy pre-packaged strollers and car seats it is not unusual to see companies offer these sets. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them individually. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller features smooth riding with springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby’s gear. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat has an adjustable headrest with four positions, four harness heights and a padded insert to ensure your child’s comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds in one hand.
Style
It’s tempting to buy an accessory for travel to make it easier to move 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 consider a model with a stylish design, which is easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child’s comfort and yours.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all 2 in 1 pram one package for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller and some include the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls during nap time (safety research suggests that babies sleep best when in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats made 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, a swivel wheel on the front to allow for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items it is important to know how the strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Some travel systems let you change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child is no longer using it. This allows for an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for longer than a year or if their partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families looking for an option that is all 2 in 1 car seat and pram one. It’s simple to transfer from car seat to stroller and back with a built-in rigid LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and safely in your car. It’s also approved for air travel, so you can hop on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller 2 in 1 so you can take your child on adventures around the globe. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that complement any wardrobe.