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 and a stroller that can work in tandem. However they can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is an excellent option for families that are constantly in motion.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller simple. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and stroller that connect and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos that make our list include a bassinet attachment as well, which can be an alternative to a stroller for naps.
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. If you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, a majority of brands have adaptors that let you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
When looking for a travel set, keep in mind that most of these sets include an infant car-seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used in the first year. If you plan on keeping the car seat after this period, choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and has a greater maximum weight.
Some travel systems also feature an additional seat that can be used as a booster seat for older kids. This is a nice option, but it may not be practical for your particular lifestyle.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last a couple of years, look through our top picks for car seats and strollers. Our editors' top picks, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features to help you and your baby remain comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to shield a sleepy child. Learn Even more Here come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations 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 sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double as your family grows. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is particularly important if the car seat will be your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated conversion procedures. You may have to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or use straps attached to base to secure it. In our testing this method, it was more difficult to master than one-step procedure of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it may be a danger to your safety.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a good idea however, you must consider whether the strollers and infant car seats can work in the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns one. The car seats can't be connected to a stroller after they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products like the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with an additional seat belt booster once your child outgrows the car seat for infants but is too tall for the majority of strollers.
The ideal combination is a car seat and stroller for babies to early childhood. When your child is no longer in the infant car seats, you should look into purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can handle older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you must ensure your infant car seat is set up correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to transfer infants from the car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or needing to wake them up. This is especially useful when you're on the go or traveling, says Rothman. For extra safety, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller with either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is safe while in use and that it won't come loose or fall off during transport. Combinations of strollers and car seats that be used with or without a base are good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When you are looking for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and stroller. The majority of the infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing, and are only intended 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 a vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes to ensuring your child is within the proper weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. These are often priced lower than buying the items individually. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller features an easy ride, with a springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket to store all the baby's toys. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for added security. It is quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. 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 is easy to clean, and folds with just one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system for the convenience of transferring your baby from stroller to car and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to think about one. You also want to choose a model that's stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a range of other features that ensure it's comfortable for your child and you.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one box for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it and some include the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls during nap time (safety research suggests that babies sleep best when in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to push, maneuver, and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can fit many shopping bags. To make storage easier make sure to check how compact strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler seat as your child grows out of it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. That's a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for more than one year, or your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes via train or bus.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families seeking an all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily change between car seats and strollers and back. It is 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 be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any outfit.