A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that incorporates a car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it simple for parents to move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them up. This is a great option for families who spend the majority of their time on the go.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from the car to stroller without awakening them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat may be just what you're looking for. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller that can be linked and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also include a bassinet, which can be used as a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat might cost more than separate products but you'll probably save time and money by buying them as a set. If you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, most manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use your chosen car seat alongside a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When you are looking for a travel set, keep in mind that most of these sets come with an infant car-seat and stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used in the first year. If you intend to keep the seat and using it beyond this time, you should look for an option that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems come with a second seat which can be used to support older children. This is a wonderful feature, but it might 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. Our editor-tested favorites include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination come with a variety of features to help you and your baby remain comfortable. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also has an integrated drape canopy that protects children who are snoozing. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on vehicles without a base. This makes them a great option for families who regularly use ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who frequently do errands, or transport their babies on public transport like buses and trains. They let you easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double when you have a growing family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot two. This feature is particularly important when you intend to use the car seat as your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combos have more complex conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that are attached to the base to fix it. In our testing this method, it was more difficult to master than the single-step method of the Doona. It can pose dangerous when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should also consider whether the infant car seat and stroller can work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. The car seats can't be attached to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models, such as the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with a seat belt booster after your child outgrows 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 is out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with larger strollers that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you should always ensure the infant car seat is set up correctly and never take it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to transfer infants from the car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or needing to wake them up. Rothman says this is especially useful when you're doing errands or traveling. For extra safety, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secure while in use and won't fall off or come loose in transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are a good option for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a travel system, check the age and weight limits of both the car seat as well as the 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. A majority of these car seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that will stay in the vehicle or snap into a compatible stroller. It is important to read the labels and follow instructions precisely, advises Stanton especially when it comes to ensuring your child is in the appropriate weight and height limits for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products to create their own travel system, others prefer pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations it is not unusual to find companies that to offer these sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them separately. 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 to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to install. The car seat features a headrest that is adjustable in four positions with four harness settings, as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's safety. It's easy to clean and has a 1-hand fold, making it convenient for storage.
Style
It's tempting to buy an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them, but that's not the primary reason to consider buying one. You should also choose one that is elegant, well-balanced, and has a number of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and yourself.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one box to allow a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically come with a one-piece car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to move, push, and fold. Look for models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for city streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can hold many shopping bags. For easy storage make sure to check how compact strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Some travel systems let you replace the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat when your child outgrows it, giving you an additional two years of use. This is a great option when you're planning on using the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner regularly uses ride-share services or commutes via train or bus.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families who want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to transfer from a car seat to a stroller and back again, 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 confidence. 2 in 1 pushchairs -in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to complement any outfit.