2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat: A Simple Definition
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system with car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to transport a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families that tend to spend a lot of time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller easy. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. A lot of the car seat and stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet attachment as well and can be an excellent alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
While a 2 in 1 travel system with a car seat might cost more than separate items however, you'll likely save time and money by buying the two items together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family the majority of brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with another stroller.
One thing to be aware of when you are shopping for a travel system is that these sets typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller made to work together, which is meant to be used in the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the car seat and using it past this period, look for a model with a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler car seat and has a higher weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can be used as a booster for older kids. This is a great feature, but it may not be appropriate for your needs.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top choices for car seats and strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. 2 in 1 stroller with car seat feature a springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also features a built in drape canopy that can protect children who are snoozing. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without 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 great for parents who often run out for errands or take their child out on public transportation 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 converted to a double as you have a growing family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be pushed into position to instantly transform into chariots for two. This feature is especially important if you plan to use the car seat as your baby's only car seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complicated conversion procedures. It is possible to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or use straps attached to base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can pose an accident hazard in the event that you lose or forget to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combination is a great option however, you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for in the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats do not attach to strollers when they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers like the Doona, can be used as a toddler car seat with a seat belt booster after your child is no longer in the car seat for infants but is too tall to fit into most traditional strollers.
The best combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for babies to early childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system by an extra large stroller that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat is properly installed. Never remove it from your car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos allow you to easily move infants from the vehicle to the stroller, and back without disrupting them or having to get them up. This is particularly useful when you're doing errands or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure safety, select a car seat which attaches to a stroller via the rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is safe when it's in use and that it will not come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used without or with the base are also an excellent option for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only designed for use for the first 12 months of the child's life. A majority of these car seats change to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. Stanton says it's crucial to be aware of all labels and directions particularly when it comes time to ensure your child's weight and height requirements of the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items and build their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. They are usually priced lower than purchasing the items separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller features a smooth ride with springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket that can be used to store all of your baby's equipment. The car seat has a low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to put in. The car seat has an adjustable headrest with four positions and four harness heights as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and has a one-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the ease of moving your baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to think about one. You should also look for a model with a stylish design, which is easy to move around, and that has many other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one box for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. These systems typically include a single car seat that is easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies show that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front to allow for city streets and a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. For easy storage, you should also check how small car seats and strollers can be when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler car seat once your child grows out of it. This gives you an additional 1-2 years use. This is an excellent option for those who intend 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 makes a great choice for families seeking an option that is all in one. It's easy to move from a car seat to a stroller, and back, thanks to the LATCH system that secures the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can board and get off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures across the globe. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.