Guide To 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat: The Intermediate Guide For 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that incorporates a car seat gives parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that work together. They can be costly.
These combinations make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them up. This is a great solution for families who are always moving.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transfer your baby from the car to stroller without disturbing them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes a stroller seat and infant car seat might be what you need. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together, and can be used with toddlers and newborns. Many of the car seats and strollers combos on our list come with an attachment for a bassinet and can be an alternative to a stroller for naps.
A 2 in 1 pushchair in 1 travel system that comes with a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, most brands offer adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One important thing to remember when looking for a travel set is that these sets typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work together, and is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat and using it after this period, look for one that has an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to help older children. While this is a good option however, it's not necessary and might not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top choices for car seats and strollers. Our editor-tested favorites include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo are packed with features that will help you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. They have a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with a built-in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families that frequently use ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who frequently run out for errands or take their child out on public transport such as trains and buses. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or waking them.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double as you have a growing family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot two in one pram. This feature is particularly important in the event that you plan to use the car seat as the baby's sole car seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complex conversion methods. You may have to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or attach straps to the base to secure it. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than one-step process of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it could pose a safety hazard.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must be aware of whether the infant car seat and stroller can work together for as long as you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for newborns through the early years of childhood. When your child has grown out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with an extra large stroller that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Don't remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
Car seats pram and pushchair 2 in 1 strollers make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller and back again without disrupting them or having to get them up. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you are running errands and traveling. For added security, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller with either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secured during use, and will not fall off or come loose in transit. Car seat and stroller combos that can be used with or without a base are also good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When looking for a new stroller, make sure you know the age and weight limits of both the car seat and the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only intended for use during the first 12 months of a child's life. These car seats can be transformed to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle or converted into the stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to read all labels and instructions, especially when it comes time to make sure your child's weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate items to create their own travel system, others prefer to buy pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations It is not unusual to see companies offer these sets. They're usually cheaper than buying the items individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller features smooth riding with springy suspension on all wheels and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby's gear. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It is quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings, as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure the comfort of your child. It's easy to clean and comes with one-hand fold, making it convenient to store.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the convenience of transferring your child from stroller to car and back without having to wake them up, that's not the only reason to look into one. You should also look for a model with a stylish design, which is easy to maneuver and has many other features to ensure your child's safety and for your own.
The best travel systems most effective include the infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one package to allow you to move from your car to the street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it and some offer a bassinet attachment for naptime strolls (safety research has shown that babies sleep best in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo and can hold multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items make sure to check how the strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Certain travel systems let you replace the included infant car seat with a toddler one as your child grows out of it, which gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option when you're planning on using the car seat for more than one year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-share services or commutes via train or bus.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families who want an all-in-one solution. The rigid system built into LATCH allows you to easily switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also approved for air travel so you can hop onto and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller so you can take your child on excursions around the globe. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.