Guide To 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat: The Intermediate Guide To 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that incorporates a car seat gives parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that can work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great choice for families that tend to spend the majority of their time on the go.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from the car to stroller without awakening them, a travel system with the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat could be the thing you're looking for. These are different from stroller-only combinations since they typically include an infant car seat as well as the stroller. They are suitable for infants as well as older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combinations on our list include a bassinet attachment as well which is an alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a two-in-one travel system with car seat may cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing them as a set. If you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't quite right for your family, a majority of manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
One thing to be aware of when you are shopping for a travel system is that they typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is designed to be used during the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the seat after this time make sure you choose a model which includes a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems come with a second seat which can be used to support older children. While this is a nice option but it's not essential and might not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
Check out our top picks of car seats and strollers If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for many years. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with many features that will keep your child and you comfortable. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with an integrated drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base, making it a great choice for families who frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who often run errands or take their baby out on public transport such as buses and trains. It is easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double when your family grows. We love the Thule Urban Glide pram 2 in 1 uk Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is particularly important when you intend to use the car seat as the baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated conversion methods. You may have to manually connect the car seat to stroller or use straps attached to the base to ensure it is secured. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. It could pose a safety risk when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should also consider whether the infant car seat and stroller will work 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 1. These car seats cannot be attached to a stroller once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the infant car seat but it is too big to fit into traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for babies through the early years of childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants and you are looking at buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can be used by older children and toddlers. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been properly installed. Don't remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller and back again without disrupting them or having to wake them up. This is especially helpful when you're running errands or traveling, says Rothman. For added security, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller via an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secured during use, and will not fall off or come loose in transit. Combinations of car seats and stroller 2 in 1 that can be used without or with the base are an excellent option for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel set be sure to verify the weight and age restrictions for the stroller as well as the car seat. Most infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing, and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle, or snapped into the stroller. Stanton advises parents to read all labels and instructions, especially when it's time to make sure your child's weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer buying separate products to create their own travel system and others prefer pre-packaged stroller and car seats it is not unusual to find companies that to sell these sets. These are often priced lower than buying the items individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride with springy suspension on all wheels, and a large basket to store all your baby's equipment. The car seat is slim and features a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to put in. The car seat features an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings, as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean and features a 1-hand fold, which makes it easy to store.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system for the convenience of transferring your child from car to stroller and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also consider one that's stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and yourself.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one box for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. These systems typically include a one-piece car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even include a bassinet for naps (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that integrate with 2 in 1 pram sale-in-1 travel systems are light, durable, and easy to fold and maneuver. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can fit several shopping bags. You also want to check how small the car seat and stroller fold to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child grows out of it. This gives you an additional two 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 travels by 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 simple to transfer from a car seat to a stroller, and back, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also approved 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, which allows you to take your baby to the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.