A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that can work together. They can be costly.
2 in 1 prams let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families that tend to spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transition your baby from the car to stroller without disturbing them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat might be what you need. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combinations on our list come with a bassinet attachment as well which is a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat are not right for your family there are adaptors for most brands that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller.
One important thing to remember when shopping for a travel set is that they typically include an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work together, which is designed to be used in the first 12 months. If you intend on keeping the car seat and using it past this point, consider one that has an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler's seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems include an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. While this is a nice option, it's not a necessity and may not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
Check out our top picks of strollers and car seats If you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for several years. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. 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. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them a great option for families who frequently ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who regularly run out for errands or take their child 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 waking them up.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double as your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot two. This is particularly crucial if the car seat is the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other stroller and car seat combinations have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps attached to the base to hold it in place. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you lose or forget the straps, it may cause a safety risk.
A car seat/stroller combination is convenient, but you should also consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can work in the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. These car seats don't connect to strollers once they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with the seatbelt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat however, it is too large to fit into traditional strollers.
The best combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for newborns to early childhood. If your child has outgrown the car seats for infants, you should look into buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can accommodate toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you must ensure that your infant car seat is fitted correctly and never take it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back without disturbing them or needing to awake them. This is especially helpful when you're running errands or travelling, says Rothman. For added security, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller using either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be safe while being used and won't fall off or loosen during the course of transport. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used with or without the base are an excellent option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When purchasing 2 in 1 pram 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 meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these car seats change to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. Stanton advises parents to be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it comes time to make sure your child meets the weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and create their own travel system, it's not unusual for companies to offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller features a smooth ride with springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to hold all your baby's gear. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It has a quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a four-position adjustable headrest, four harness settings and a padded insert to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean, and folds in one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system for the convenience of moving your baby from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also look for an option with a fashionable design, that is easy to maneuver, and that has many other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
Travel systems that are the most efficient include the infant car, stroller and car seat base in one box to make it easier for you to move from your car to the 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 come with an ottoman for napping (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better when they are in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight and durable. They are also easy to maneuver and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front to allow for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how small the car seat and stroller fold for ease of storage.
Some travel systems let you change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat when your child has outgrown it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 1-2 years use. That's a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for more than one year, or if your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes via bus or train.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. It's easy to move from the car seat to the stroller and back with the built-in LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's 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 double strollers, allowing you to take your little one on adventures around the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.