A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that can work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back without disturbing them up. This is a great solution for families that tend to spend much of their time in the car.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transition your baby from the car to stroller without disturbing them, a travel system with an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat might be what you need. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that we have listed have a bassinet attached and can be used as a safe alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
A 2 in 1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, most brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your chosen car seat with a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
When shopping for a travel set, keep in mind that most of these sets come with an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used in the first year. If you are planning to keep the seat and using it past this point, consider a model that has an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler's seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems include a second seat which can be used to support older children. This is a nice option, but it may not be suitable for your lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a couple of years, look through our top choices for car seats and strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep your child and you comfortable. 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. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without a base, making it a great option for families that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who frequently do errands, or transport their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double as your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is crucial if you plan to use the car seat for your baby's only vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually attach the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps that attach to the base to fix it. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you lose or forget the straps, it can be a danger to your safety.
A car seat/stroller combo is a great option but you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers will work together in the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos are rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats are not connected to a stroller after they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat however, it is too large to fit into traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for infants and toddlers until the early years of childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system by larger strollers that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you must always make sure your infant car seat is installed correctly 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 reverse the process without disturbing them or waking them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you're doing errands or traveling. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that attaches to the stroller via a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured when it's used and will not come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of strollers and car seats that work without or with bases are also great alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel set, be sure to check the weight and age limits for the stroller as well as the car seat. The majority of the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A lot of these car seats then transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or can snap into a compatible stroller. Stanton insists that you follow all instructions and labels, especially when it comes time to make sure that your child meets the 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 system and others prefer buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats, it is not uncommon for companies to sell these sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket for all of your baby gear. The car seat has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for added security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted 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 it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system that makes it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up, but that's not the primary reason to think about buying one. You should also consider an option with a fashionable design, which is easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one box for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer an attachment for a bassinet for naptime strolls (safety research has shown that babies sleep better in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with two in one travel systems are light and robust, making them simple to push, maneuver and fold. Choose 2 in 1 pram with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can hold multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how small the stroller and car seat are when they're folded to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler seat as your child grows out of it, which gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families looking for an all-in-one solution. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly change from stroller to car seat and back. It is also certified for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your baby on global adventures. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.