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 an infant car seat and stroller that can work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from car to stroller and back without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families who are always moving.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from car to stroller without waking them up, a travel system with the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat could be what you're looking for. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked, and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet included that can be used as a safe alternative to a stroller during naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all at once. And if you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't quite right for your family, most brands have adaptors that let you to use the car seat with a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
One important thing to remember when looking for a travel set is that they typically include an infant car seat and a stroller made to work together, and is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the car seat after this period, choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also have an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a good 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 to find an affordable travel system that will last for many years. Our editor-tested favorites include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo come with a variety of features to help you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. These products have springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to protect a child who is snoozing. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them a great option for families that frequently use ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who frequently run errands or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. They allow you to easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double when your family grows. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is particularly important when you intend to use the car seat as the baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combinations have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually connect the infant car seat onto the stroller or use the straps that are attached to the base to hold it in place. In Related Homepag was generally more difficult to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If you lose or forget the straps, it can cause a safety risk.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you must also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat will work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. The car seats can't be attached to a stroller once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the car seat for infants, however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for infants and toddlers until early childhood. When your child is no longer in the infant car seats it is recommended to consider purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Also, remember that you should always ensure that your infant car seat is set up correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat makes it easy to transfer infants from the vehicle to a stroller, and vice versa without disrupting or waking them. This is especially helpful when you're on the go or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that attaches to the stroller with either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured while in use and that it will not come loose or fall off during transportation. Car seat and stroller combos that can work without or with a base are also good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When purchasing a travel system make sure you check the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. Most infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that will stay in the vehicle or snap into a compatible stroller. It is essential to be aware of the labels and follow all instructions precisely, advises Stanton, especially when it comes to making sure your child is within the appropriate weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer buying separate products to create their own travel system and others prefer to buy pre-packaged strollers and car seats it is not unusual to see companies offer these sets. These are often priced lower than buying the items individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has an easy ride, with a springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket to hold all the baby's toys. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It is quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features an adjustable headrest with four positions and four harness heights as well as padding for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and has a 1-hand fold, making it ideal for storage.
Style
It's tempting to buy an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to buy one. You should also choose a model with a stylish design, that is easy to move around and comes with a variety of other features for your child's comfort and yours.
The best travel systems most efficient include an infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base in one package to make it easier for you to transition from your car to the street. These systems typically include a one-piece car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even come with an ottoman for napping (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to fold and move. Look for models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit multiple shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how the strollers and car seats are when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler one after your child has outgrown it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for more than one year, or your partner regularly uses ride-share services or commutes via train or bus.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families looking for an all-in one. It's easy to move from a car seat to a stroller and back thanks to the LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and securely in your car. 2 in 1 stroller is also certified for air travel, so you can get on and off public transportation 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 is available in a range of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.