Don't Make This Silly Mistake When It Comes To Your 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as stroller that are able to work together. However they can be costly.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them up. This is a great solution for families that tend to spend a lot of time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and 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 attached and can be used as an alternative to a stroller during naptime walks.
While a two-in-one travel system with a car seat may cost more than separate items but you'll probably save time and money if you buy them as a set. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, most brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat with another stroller.
One important thing to remember when shopping for a travel set is that they typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller made to work together, and is intended to be used in the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat after this point make sure you choose a model which features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and is able to support a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can serve as a booster for older kids. This is a nice feature, but it might not be practical for your particular lifestyle.
If 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top choices for car seats and strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect for protecting a snoozing child. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it a perfect option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or 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 like buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to transform to a double as your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot two. This is especially important if the car seat is your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated 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 more difficult to master than one-step procedure of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it may cause a safety risk.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must be aware of whether the infant car seat and stroller will work together for as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. These car seats cannot be connected to a stroller after they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models like the Doona is able to 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 in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for babies through the early years of childhood. When your child grows out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with a larger stroller that can be used by older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you should always ensure your infant car seat is set up correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to transfer infants from the car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or having to wake them up. 2in1 pushchair is especially useful when you're running errands or traveling, according to Rothman. To ensure your security, opt for a car seat which attaches to a stroller via a rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secured during use and won't fall off or come loose 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 stroller, make sure you know the weight and age limits of both the car seat and the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only intended for use for the first 12 months of a child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle, or snapped into the stroller. It is important to study the labels and follow all instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the appropriate weight and height guidelines for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel system and others prefer to buy pre-packaged strollers and car seats it is not unusual to see companies to sell these sets. These are often priced lower than buying the items individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride, springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket for all of your baby gear. The car seat is slim and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat has a four-position adjustable headrest, four harness settings and an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and has one-hand fold, which makes it easy to store.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system to enjoy the ease of moving your child from car to stroller and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to consider one. You also want to choose one that's stylish, easy to maneuver, and has a number of other features that make it comfortable for your child and you.
The travel systems that are the best include the infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base all in one box to make it easier for you to transfer from your car to the street. These systems typically include an all-in-one car seat that is easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even come with an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better when they are in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and sturdy, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for city streets and a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make storage easier make sure to check how small car seats and strollers can be when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat when your child has outgrown it. This allows for an additional two years of use. This is a great option when you plan to use the car seat for longer than a year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-share services or commutes by train or bus.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families that want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to transfer from a car seat to a stroller and back with a built-in rigid LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and safely 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 around the globe. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that match any outfit.