A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system with car seat gives parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that can work together. They can be costly.
These combos make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from car to stroller and back without disturbing them up. This is a great solution for families who are constantly on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy way to transition your baby from the car to stroller without waking them up, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat could be the thing you're looking for. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and stroller that connect, and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet attached that can be used as an alternative for a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them all at once. If you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, most brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your chosen car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
One important thing to remember when shopping for a travel system is that they typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you intend on keeping the seat and using it beyond this period, look for a model that has a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a greater weight limit.
2 in 1 stroller have an additional seat that can be used as a booster seat for older children. This is a nice feature, but it may not be suitable for your needs.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats and strollers. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination, have plenty of features that will ensure that you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also has a built-in drape canopy to protect children who are 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 that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who often run out for errands or take their child out on public transport like trains and buses. They let you easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double when your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be clicked into position to instantly transform into chariots for two. This feature is especially important if you plan to use the car seat as your baby's sole car seat.
Other car seat and stroller combinations have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps that are attached to the base to hold it in place. In our testing this method, it was more difficult to master than single-step method of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it may cause a safety risk.
A car seat/stroller combination is a good idea but you must consider whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together as long as you want them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child is 1. These car seats are not attached to strollers once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models such as the Doona can be used as a toddler car seat with a seat belt booster after your child has outgrown the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit into the majority of strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for infants and toddlers until the early years of childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat, you can change the travel system to a larger stroller which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat has been properly installed. Don't remove it from the car without first removing the straps.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from the vehicle to a stroller and in reverse, without disturbing or waking them up. Rothman says this is especially useful when you're running errands and traveling. To ensure your safety, select a car seat which attaches to a stroller using a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secured when it's in use and will not come loose or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are ideal for ride-share vehicles.
When looking for a new travel system, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and the stroller. 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. Many of these car seats switch to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the vehicle or can be converted into a stroller compatible with it. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes down to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the correct weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and create their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them individually. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller features smooth riding with suspension that is all-wheel and springy, and a large basket to hold all your baby's equipment. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. It has a quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions and four harness heights as well as an insert that is cushioned for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them up, however, that's not the only reason to consider buying one. You should also look for one with a sleek design, which is simple to use and comes with a variety of other features for your child's comfort as well as yours.
Travel systems that are the best include an infant car, stroller and car seat base all in one box to allow you to transition from your vehicle to the street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a compatible stroller, and some even offer a bassinet attachment for strolls during nap time (safety research suggests that babies sleep best in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant cars seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are light, durable, and easy to fold and maneuver. Look for models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can hold several shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how compact strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child grows out of it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 1-2 years use. That's a great option if you plan to use the car seat for more than one year, or your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes by bus or train.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families looking for an all-in-one solution. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to easily switch from stroller to car seat and back. It is also certified for air travel, so you can get on and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your little one to the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that match any outfit.