A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that incorporates a car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that work together. However they can be costly.
pram pushchair 2 in 1 make it easy for parents to transport a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great choice for families who spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller simple. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combos since they typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They are suitable for both infants and older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combos that make our list have bassinet attachments as well and can be an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a two-in-one travel system with car seat may cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing them all in one package. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family later, most brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with an alternative stroller.
When looking for a travel set keep in mind that most of these sets include an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. They are designed to be used in the first year. If you intend to keep the seat after this point make sure you choose a model which has a convertible car-seat that is suitable for toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a great option however, it's not necessary and might not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Our editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features to help you and your baby remain comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to shield a sleepy child. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them a great option for families who frequently ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who frequently run errands, or take their children on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double when your family grows. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot two. This is particularly crucial if the car seat is your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complex conversion methods. You may have to manually connect the car seat to stroller or use straps attached to base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in 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 combination of a car seat and stroller is a good idea however, you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for as long as you want them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns one. These car seats are not attached to a stroller once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models such as the Doona can be used as a car seat for toddlers with the seat belt booster when your child is no longer in the car seat for infants but is too tall to fit in the majority of strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for infants and toddlers until early childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants, you should look into purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you should always ensure that your infant car seat is installed correctly and never take it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from the vehicle to a stroller, and in reverse without disturbing or waking them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you're conducting errands or travel. For extra safety, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured during use, and will not fall off or come loose in the course of transport. Combinations of strollers and car seats that work with or without bases are also great options for vehicles that ride-share.
When looking for a new travel system, be sure to check the age and weight limits of both the car seat and stroller. Typically, the infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing, and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the car or converted into a stroller. Stanton advises parents to follow all instructions and labels particularly when it comes time to make sure that your child's weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer buying separate items to build their own travel systems, others prefer pre-packaged strollers and car seats, it is not uncommon for companies to sell these sets. These are often priced lower than purchasing the items separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket for everything your baby needs. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat features a headrest that is adjustable in four positions with four harness settings as well as padding to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and folds in one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system that makes it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up, however, that's not the only reason to consider buying one. You should also consider a model with a stylish design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features for your child's safety and for your own.
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 is easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even include an ottoman for napping (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better when they are in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to fold and move. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can fit many shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items, you should also check how the strollers and car seats are when folded.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat when your child is no longer using it. This allows for an additional 2 to 3 years of use. That's a great option if you plan to use the car seat for more than one year, or your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes via bus or train.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families looking for a solution that is all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also approved for air travel, so you can get on and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller so that you can take your child on excursions around the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.