A two-in-one travel system that incorporates a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that can work together. They can be costly.
These combos let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families who are always on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transition your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat may be just what you're looking for. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combinations because they usually include an infant car seat and a stroller. They can be used for both infants and older children. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet attached that can be used as a secure alternative for a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the two items separately, however you'll save time and money by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family, most brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat in conjunction with an alternative stroller.
When shopping for a travel set, keep in mind that most of these sets include an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are designed to be used during the first year. If you intend to keep the car seat after this period, choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to help older children. While this is a nice option however, it's not necessary and may not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last a few years, check out our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Our editors' top picks, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features that will help you and your baby stay comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with an integrated drape canopy to protect children who are snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without a base, making it an ideal option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who frequently run the errands of their children or take them out on public transportation such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about wake them up.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double when you have a growing family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot two. This is particularly important if your car seat is the sole vehicle seat for your baby pram 2 in 1.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps that attach to the base to fix it. In our tests this method was generally more difficult to master than one-step procedure of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it could cause a safety risk.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should also consider whether the stroller and car seat for your infant will work together for the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. 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 rocker 2 in 1 products, such as the Doona, can be used as a toddler car seat with the seat belt booster when your child is no longer in the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best 2 in 1 car seat stroller for newborns through the early years of childhood. If your child has outgrown the car seats for infants it is recommended to consider purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat is properly installed. Never remove it from your car without first removing the straps.Safety
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily move infants from the vehicle to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or having to get them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you are doing errands or traveling. To ensure safety, select an automobile seat that connects to a stroller using the rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secured when it's used and won't come loose or fall off during transportation. Car seat and stroller combinations that can work without or with a base are good options for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel set be sure to verify the weight and age restrictions for both the stroller and the car seat. Typically, the infant car seats 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 seats change to a forward-facing seat that can be used in the vehicle or snap into a compatible stroller. It is important to study the labels and follow instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes to ensuring your child is within the correct weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate products to create their own travel system and others prefer buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats It is not unusual to find companies that offer these sets. They're usually cheaper than buying the products separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride with springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby pushchair 2 in 1's equipment. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. It is quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with a headrest that is adjustable in four positions, four harness settings and padding to ensure your child's safety. It's easy to clean and features a one-hand fold, which makes it easy to store.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the convenience of moving your child from stroller to car and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to think about one. You should also consider one that's stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features that ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one box for seamless transition from vehicle to street. These systems typically include an all-in-one car seat that is easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even include an ottoman for napping (safety studies show that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light sturdy, durable, and easy to fold and move. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for streets in cities, a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how small car seats and strollers can be when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with an adult car seat when your child grows out of it. This gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option for those who intend to use the seat for longer 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 makes a great choice for families looking for a solution that is all-in one. It's simple to transfer from a car seat to a stroller and back thanks to the LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and safely in your car seat 2 In 1 stroller. It is also certified for air travel, so you can board and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your child on global adventures. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that match any outfit.