A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great option for families who are constantly moving.
Comfort
Travel systems with an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller easy. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together, and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that make our list also include a bassinet, which can be used as a secure alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with car seat could cost more than separate products but you'll probably save time and money by purchasing them as a set. And if you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, most manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat with another 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 these sets typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you intend on keeping the car seat and using it beyond 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 also feature a second seat that can be used as a booster seat for older children. While this is a nice option but it's not essential and may not be practical based on your life style.
Check out our top picks of strollers and car seats to find an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also features a built-in drape canopy that protects the baby who is sleeping. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on cars that don't have a base. This is a great choice for families that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who often run out for errands or take their child out on public transportation such as buses and trains. It is easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be turned to a double as you have a growing family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is especially important when you intend to use the car seat as your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complicated conversion methods. pram 2 in 1 may have to manually connect the car seat to stroller or strap it to base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you misplace or forget the straps, it can be a danger to your safety.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a good idea, but you should also consider whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together in the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child is the age of one. These car seats don't connect to strollers once they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat but it is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for newborns through early childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system with a larger stroller that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat is fitted correctly. Don't remove it from the car without first removing the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to transfer infants from the car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or needing to awake them. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you are doing errands or traveling. For extra safety, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is secure when used and will not fall off or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used without or with the base are also ideal for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When you are looking for a travel system, check the age and weight limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. Typically, the 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 car seats then switch to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the vehicle or can snap into a compatible stroller. Stanton insists that you be aware of all labels and directions, 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.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel system, others prefer pre-packaged stroller and car seats, it is not uncommon to see companies to offer these sets. These sets are usually cheaper than buying them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller offers smooth riding with springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket that can be used to store all of your baby's gear. The car seat is slim and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It has a quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings as well as padding to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and folds in one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system that makes it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the main reason to consider buying one. You should also look for an option with a fashionable design, which is easy to move around and has many other features for your child's safety and for your own.
The best travel systems best include the infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base in one package to make it easier for you to transition from your vehicle to the street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible and some include a bassinet attachment for strolls to nap (safety research shows that babies sleep better in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can hold multiple shopping bags. For easy storage, you should also check how compact strollers and car seats are when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler's seat when your child outgrows it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for a longer period of time or if they have a companion who commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to easily change from stroller to car seat and back. It's also approved for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, allowing you to take your baby to the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any outfit.