A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as a stroller which work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it simple for parents to take a sleepy baby from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them. This is a great option for families that are constantly on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without awakening them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes a stroller seat and infant car seat may be just what you're looking for. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combos since they typically include an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They are suitable for both infants and older children. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos that make our list come with a bassinet attachment as well and can be an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for naps.
While a two-in-one travel system with car seat might cost more than separate products but you'll probably save time and money by purchasing them all in one package. And if you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't quite right for your family, most manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat with a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When shopping for a travel set, keep in mind that most of these sets come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used within the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat after this time make sure you choose a model which features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems include an additional seat that can be used to help older children. This is a nice feature, but it may not be suitable for your needs.
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. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have numerous features that will keep your child and you comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built-in drape canopy to protect the baby who is sleeping. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it a great choice for families who frequently use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who often run errands or take their children on public transport like buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double when your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly transform into chariots for two. This feature is particularly important if you plan to use the car seat as the baby's primary car seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated conversion methods. You may need to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or use straps attached to the base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can be an accident hazard if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is a great option however, you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers will work together as long as you want them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. The car seats do not connect to strollers once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers such as the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with the seat belt booster when your child has outgrown the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall for the majority of strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for babies through early childhood. Once your child outgrows the infant car seats it is recommended to consider purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Always make sure your infant car seat is properly installed. check out this site remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from the vehicle to a stroller, and in reverse without disrupting or waking them. Rothman says this is especially beneficial when you're doing errands or traveling. For added security, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller via an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain safe while being used and will not slide off or come loose in the course of transport. Car seat and stroller combinations that can work without or with a base are good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a travel system, be sure to check the age and weight limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only designed for use during the first 12 months of the child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle, or snapped into the stroller. It's important to read the labels and follow instructions precisely, advises Stanton especially when it comes to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the proper weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items and build their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These are often priced lower than buying the products separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket to store all of your baby gear. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple area for added security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. check out this site has a headrest that is adjustable in four positions with four harness settings, as well as padding to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean and it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system to make it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to think about buying one. You also want to choose a model that's stylish, maneuvers well, and has a number of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and yourself.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one box to allow a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls during nap time (safety research suggests that babies sleep best in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to push, maneuver and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for streets in cities and a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. You also want to check how compact the stroller and car seat are when they're folded for ease of storage.
Some travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, which gives you an additional 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for those who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if a partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families that want an all-in-one solution. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch from stroller to car seat and back. It is also certified for air travel, so you can board and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, allowing you to take your baby on adventures around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any outfit.