Don't Make This Silly Mistake On Your 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that incorporates a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that work together. They can be costly.
These combos let parents 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 who spend the majority of their time on the go.
Comfort
Travel systems that include an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. These are different from stroller-only models because they usually come with an infant car seat and a stroller. They are suitable for infants as well as older children. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos that make our list have an attachment for a bassinet which is an alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than buying the products separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat are not right for your family there are adaptors for most brands that allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with an alternative stroller.
One important thing to remember when you are shopping for a travel set is that they typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is intended to be used in the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the seat after this time make sure you choose a model which includes a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also have an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older kids. While two in one pram is a good option but it's not essential and may not be practical depending on your life style.
Take a look at our top picks of car seats and strollers if you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for many years. 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. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also features an integrated drape canopy that protects the baby who is sleeping. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families that frequently use ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who often run errands or take their children on public transport such as trains and buses. They allow you to easily move 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 to a double as your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is particularly important when you intend to use the car seat as your baby's sole car seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complicated conversion procedures. You may have to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or attach straps to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It could pose a safety risk in the event that you lose or forget to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is convenient but you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers will work together in the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. These car seats are not connected to a stroller after they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers such as the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with a seat belt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat but is too tall to fit into most traditional strollers.
The best combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for babies to early childhood. If your child has outgrown the car seats for infants and you are looking at purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can be used by older children and toddlers. Make sure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Never remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing or waking them up. This is especially useful when you're on the go or traveling, according to Rothman. To ensure security, opt for a car seat which attaches to a stroller using a rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure while in use, and will not fall off or loosen during transportation. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are a good option for vehicles that ride-share.
When purchasing a travel set make sure you check the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only intended for use for the first 12 months of the child's life. A lot of these seats switch to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or snap into a stroller that is compatible. Stanton says it's crucial to be aware of all labels and directions particularly when it's time to make sure your child's weight and height requirements of the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items to create their own travel systems, others prefer to buy pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations it is not unusual to find companies that offer these sets. They are usually priced lower than buying the products separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket for all of your baby gear. The car seat has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. It's a simple and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness settings and an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and has a 1-hand fold, making it convenient to store.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to consider buying one. You should also consider one with a sleek design, which is simple to use and comes with a variety of other features for your child's safety and for your own.
The travel systems that are the best include an infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base in one box to allow you to transition from your car to the street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller compatible with it and some include an attachment for a bassinet for strolls to nap (safety research has shown that babies sleep best when in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and durable, making them easy to move, push and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for city streets, a large cargo basket and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how small car seats and strollers fold when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler one as your child grows out of it, which gives you an extra 1-2 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 is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families seeking a solution that is all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly change from stroller to car seat and back. It is also certified for air travel so you can hop onto and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures across the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.