A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that can work together. However they can be costly.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families that spend much of their time on the go.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes a stroller seat and infant car seat may be just what you need. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together, and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos that make our list also include a bassinet that can be used as a safe alternative for a traditional stroller during naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat could cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by buying the two items together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat are not right for your family later there are adaptors for most brands to allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with a different stroller.
When shopping for a travel set be aware that a majority of these sets include an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used during the first year. If you plan on keeping the car seat and using it beyond this point, consider an option that has an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems come with an additional seat that can be used to help older children. This is a nice option, but it may not be suitable for your needs.
Check out our top choices of strollers and car seats to find an budget-friendly travel system that can last for many years. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with an integrated drape canopy that protects children who are snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base, making it a great choice for families who frequently use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who regularly run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport such as buses and trains. They let you easily transfer your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them up.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double as your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly convert into chariots for two. This is particularly crucial if the car seat will be your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complex conversion methods. You may have to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or strap it to base to ensure it is secured. In our testing, this method was often harder to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. It can be an accident hazard in the event that you lose or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is a great option however, you must think about whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together in the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. These car seats do not attach to strollers when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models, such as the Doona is able to be used as a toddler car seat with an additional seat belt booster once your child is no longer in the car seat for infants but is too tall to fit in the standard strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for newborns through the early years of childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system with an extra large stroller which can be used for older children and toddlers. Also, remember that you must ensure the infant car seat is fitted properly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to transfer infants from the car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to get them up. Rothman states that this is especially beneficial when you're doing errands or traveling. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that attaches to the stroller with either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secure while in use and won't fall off or loosen during transportation. Combinations of strollers and car seats that work with or without bases are also great options for ride-share vehicles.
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 included in these systems are rear-facing and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. It's important to read the labels and follow instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the correct weight and height limits for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller offers smooth riding with springy suspension on all wheels and a large basket to store all your baby's gear. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It has a quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has an adjustable headrest with four positions with four harness heights, as well as an insert that is cushioned for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean and features a one-hand fold, which makes it easy to store.
pram 2 in 1 tempting to buy a travel system to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, without waking them, but that's not the primary reason to buy 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 comfort and yours.
Travel systems that are the best include an infant car, stroller and car seat 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 the option of a bassinet attachment to allow naptime strolls (safety research suggests 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 robust, making them simple to push, maneuver, and fold. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front to allow for city streets and a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. Also, you should consider how small the car seat and stroller can be folded for ease of storage.
pram 2 in 1 allow you to change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat when your child grows out of it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families seeking an option that is all in one. It's easy to move from car seat to stroller, and back, thanks to the LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can get on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, allowing you to take your baby on adventures around the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any outfit.