A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families who spend a lot of time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car seat-and-egg stroller 2 in 1 combos on our list include an attachment for a bassinet, which can be a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a two-in-one travel system with a car seat may cost more than separate products, you’ll likely save time and money if you buy the two items together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren’t suitable for your family later there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat with another stroller.
When shopping 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 plan to keep the car seat and using it past this period, look for an option that has an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler’s seat and has a greater weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can be used as a booster for older kids. While this is a great option but it’s not essential and may not be practical based on your lifestyle.
Check out our top choices of strollers and car seats to find an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep your child and you comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has an integrated drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it an ideal option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who often run errands, or take their children on public transport such as trains and buses. They allow you to easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best 2 in 1 pushchair strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double when your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot two. This is especially important if your car seat will be the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other stroller and car seat combos have more complex conversion methods that may require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps that attach to the base to hold it in place. In our tests, this method was often more difficult to master than one-step process of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it can be a danger to your safety.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient however, you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of one. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they’re no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products such as the Doona can 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 into most traditional strollers.
The most effective combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for babies to early childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with an extra large stroller which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat is installed correctly. Never remove it from your car without first removing the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat makes it easy to transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and in reverse without disturbing or waking them up. This is especially useful when you’re on the go or traveling, says Rothman. For added security, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller via the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be safe while being used, and will not fall off or come loose in transportation. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used without or with the base are a good option for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a travel system, be sure to check the age and weight limits of both the car seat and the stroller. Typically, the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child’s life. These car seats can be transformed to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the vehicle or converted into a stroller. Stanton says it’s crucial to follow all instructions and labels particularly when it comes time to make sure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer buying separate items to create their own travel system and others prefer buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats, it is not uncommon for companies to offer these sets. They are usually priced lower than buying the products separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket for everything your baby needs. 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 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 with just one hand.
Style
It’s tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that’s not the primary reason to buy one. You should also choose one with a sleek design, which is simple to use, and that has many other features to ensure your child’s comfort and yours.
The best travel systems most efficient include the infant car, stroller and car seat base in one box to help you to move from your vehicle to the 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 have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies show that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that work with cheap 2 in 1 prams-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to fold and move. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can accommodate many shopping bags. You also want to check how the stroller and car seat fold to make it easier to store them.
Certain travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler’s seat after your child has outgrown it, which gives you an extra 1-2 in 1 pushchair and car seat years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for longer than a year or if a partner is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
Graco’s All in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families seeking an all-in one. It’s easy to transfer from car seat to stroller, and back, thanks to the LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and securely in your car. It’s also approved for air travel, which means you can hop on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your child on global adventures. It’s also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any wardrobe.