A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as a stroller that can work together. They can be costly.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great choice for families that spend much of their time on the go.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from car to stroller without waking them up the next morning, a travel set-up that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat could be what you need. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect, and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos on our list include an attachment for a bassinet which is an excellent alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. And if you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, a majority of manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use your selected car seat alongside a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When you are looking for a travel set, be aware that the majority of them come with an infant car-seat as well as stroller designed to work together. They are designed 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 has a convertible car-seat that is suitable for toddlers and has a greater maximum weight.
Some travel systems have an additional seat that can be used to support older children. While this is a nice option however, it's not necessary and might not be practical based on your life style.
Take a look at our top picks of car seats and strollers if you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for a long time. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination come with a variety of features to ensure that you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with a built-in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles that do not have a base, making it a great option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who frequently run errands or take their baby out on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening 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 Combo is a combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly transform them into chariots that can accommodate two. This is particularly important if the car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complex conversion methods. You may need to manually connect the car seat to stroller or use straps attached to base to ensure it is secured. In our testing this method was generally more difficult to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it may pose a safety hazard.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat will work as long as you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child is 1. These car seats cannot be attached to a stroller once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat, but it is too big to fit into traditional strollers.
The most effective combination is a car seat and stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants it is recommended to consider purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can be used by older children and toddlers. Also, remember that you should always ensure that your infant car seat is fitted properly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat allows you to easily transfer infants from a car to a stroller and vice versa without disturbing or waking them up. This is particularly useful when you're on the go or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure extra safety, select a car seat that is attached to a stroller using the rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured during use and won't fall off or become loose during the course of transport. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used without or with the base are an excellent option for ride-share vehicles.
When looking for a new travel system, check the age and weight limits of both the car seat and stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are designed to be used during the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be transformed into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. It is essential to read the labels and follow instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes to making sure your child's height and weight are within the appropriate weight and height guidelines for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and create their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket that can hold everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat features an adjustable headrest with four positions and four harness heights as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and folds in one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system for the ease of moving your child from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, that's not the only reason to think about one. You should also consider one that's elegant, well-balanced, and has a number of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and yourself.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one box to allow an effortless transition from car to street. They typically come with a one-piece car seat that is easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even come with a bassinet for naps (safety studies show that babies sleep better when they are in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to fold and maneuver. Choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for city streets, and a large cargo basket that can accommodate multiple shopping bags. Also, you should consider how compact the car seat and stroller fold to make storage easier.
Some travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat after your child has outgrown it, giving you an additional 1-2 years of use. That's a great option if you're planning on using the car seat for more than a year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes via bus or train.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families who are looking for a solution that is all-in one. 2 in 1 pushchairs www.pushchairsandprams.uk to move from the car seat to the 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 certified for air travel so you can board and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, allowing you to take your baby on adventures around the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any outfit.