A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant and a stroller which are able to work together. They can be expensive.These combos let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families who spend much of their time on the go.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller easy. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos that make our list include bassinet attachments as well, which can be an alternative to a stroller for naps.
A 2 in 1 travel system that comes with a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save time and money by purchasing them all at once. And if you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, a majority of brands offer adaptors that allow you to use the car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
One important thing to remember when looking for a travel system is that they typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller made to work in tandem, which is intended to be used during the first 12 months. If you intend on keeping the seat and using it past this point, consider a model with a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler's seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to boost older children. While this is a good option but it's not essential and might not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
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 a long time. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep your child and you comfortable. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with a built-in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base making it an ideal option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who frequently run the errands of their children or take them out on public transportation such as buses and trains. They let you easily transfer your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double as your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 travel system with car seat Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot for two. This is particularly important if your car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to hold it in place. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than the single-step method of the Doona. It can be dangerous if you misplace or forget to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat will work as long as you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats don't snap onto a stroller when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat, but it is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
The ideal combination is a car seat and stroller for infants and children in the early years of 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 ensure that your infant car seat has been fitted correctly. Don't remove it from your car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from a car to a stroller, and in reverse without disturbing or waking them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you are conducting errands or travel. For extra safety, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller with either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured when it's in use and will not fall off or fall off during transportation. Car seat and stroller combos that can be used with or without a base are good options for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. Typically, the infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing, and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A lot of these car seats then change to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the vehicle or snap into a stroller that is compatible. Stanton advises parents to be aware of all labels and directions particularly when it's time to make sure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer buying separate products to create their own travel system and others prefer to buy pre-packaged stroller and car seats, it is not uncommon for companies to offer these sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket that can hold all of your baby gear. The car seat has a low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to install. The car seat has a four-position adjustable headrest, four harness settings and a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and twin prams, click through the up coming post, comes with a 1-hand fold, which makes it easy for storage.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them, however, that's not the only reason to consider buying one. You should also consider one with a sleek design, which is easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features for your child's comfort and yours.
The travel systems that are the most efficient include the infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base in one box to allow you to transition from your car to the street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller compatible with it and some include an attachment for a bassinet for naptime strolls (safety research suggests that babies sleep best in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push, and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front to allow for city streets, a large cargo basket, Stroller Rocker 2 In 1 and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make storage easier, you should also check how the strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, giving you an additional 1-2 years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for longer than a year or if a partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One car seat 2 in 1 stroller Seat and Stroller is a great option for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. It's easy to move from a car seat to a stroller and back again, with the built-in LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, so you can board and get off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any outfit.