15 Terms That Everyone In The 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat Industry Should Know
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and a stroller that can work in tandem. They can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them up. This is a great solution for families that are constantly on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that can be linked, and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet included, which can be used as a safe alternative for a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. And if you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't quite right for your family, most manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use your chosen car seat with a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
When shopping for a travel set, be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. They are designed to be used within the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat after this time make sure you choose a model which features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and has a greater maximum weight.
Some travel systems include 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 practical depending on your life style.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last a couple of years, look through our top picks for car seats and strollers. Our editors' top picks include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo come with a variety of features that will aid you and your baby to stay comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has a built-in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base, making it a great option for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who often run errands, or take their children on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be turned to a double as you grow your family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is particularly important in the event that you plan to use the car seat for your baby's primary car seat.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion techniques that require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps attached to the base to hold it in place. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can pose dangerous when you forget or misplace the straps to attach the straps before using the travel system.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you must take into consideration whether the infant car seat and stroller will work as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. The car seats do not attach to strollers when they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit into most conventional strollers.
The most effective combination is a car seat and stroller for babies to early childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system by larger strollers that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Don't remove it from the car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller, and back without disrupting them or having to awake them. This is particularly useful when you're running errands or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure safety, choose an automobile seat that connects to a stroller via an incredibly strong LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured when it's in use and that it won't come loose or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used without or with the base are also an excellent option for vehicles that ride-share.
When pram 2 in 1 purchase a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions for both the stroller and the car seat. The majority of the infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing and only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. Many of these car seats then switch to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. It is important to study the labels and follow all instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes down to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the proper weight and height limits for both the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate items to create their own travel system, others prefer buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats It is not unusual to see companies to offer these sets. They are usually priced lower than buying the items individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket that can hold everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. 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 your child's safety. It's easy to clean and has a one-hand fold, which makes it easy for storage.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the convenience of moving your baby from stroller to car and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to consider one. You should also choose one that's elegant, well-balanced, and has a number of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one box for an effortless transition from car to street. They typically come with an all-in-one car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even come with an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with two in one travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to maneuver, push, and fold. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a large cargo basket that can fit several shopping bags. For easy storage make sure to check how compact strollers and car seats are when folded.
Some 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 1-2 years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if a partner is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families looking for a solution that is all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch between car seats and strollers and back. It 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 transformed into a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.