A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that incorporates a car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great choice for families that tend to spend much of their time in the car.
Comfort
Travel systems with an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked, and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos on our list have a bassinet included and can be used as a safe alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If 2in1 pram decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, a majority of brands have adaptors that let you to use your chosen car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel system is that these sets typically include an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work in tandem, which is designed to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the seat after this time, choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and is able to support a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to support older children. While this is a good option, it's not a necessity and might not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last a few years, check out our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also has a built-in drape canopy that can protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it an ideal choice for families who frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who often run out for errands or take their child out on public transportation such as trains and buses. They let you easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double when you grow your family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is especially important if the car seat will be your baby's sole vehicle seat.
2 in 1 pushchairs and car seat combinations have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that are attached to the base to fix it. In our tests this method, it was more difficult to master than the one-step process of the Doona. If you lose or forget the straps, it can be a danger to your safety.
A car seat/stroller combo is a great option but you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 1. The car seats do not connect to strollers once they're 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 a seatbelt booster after your child is no longer in the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit into traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for infants and toddlers until the early years of childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system by larger strollers which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Never remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to transfer infants from the car to the stroller and back without disrupting them or having to wake them up. This is especially useful when you're running errands or travelling, says Rothman. For added security, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller using either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure when it's in use and that it won't come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of strollers and car seats that can work with or without a base are also good options for ride-share vehicles.
When shopping for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age limits of both the car seat and stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only designed for use during the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the car, or snapped into the stroller. It is essential to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the appropriate weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel system and others prefer buying pre-packaged stroller and car seats, it is not uncommon for companies to offer these sets. They're usually cheaper than buying the products separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller features an easy ride, with a springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket to hold all the baby's toys. The car seat is slim and features a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. It's a simple and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and padding for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and features a one-hand fold, which makes it easy for storage.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the convenience of moving your baby from stroller to car and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to look into one. You should also choose one that is stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features to make it comfortable for your child and yourself.
The best 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 typically come with a single car seat that can be 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 in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are compatible 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 and a swivel wheel at the front to allow for city streets and a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. To make storage easier it is important to know how the strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler seat after your child has outgrown it, giving you an additional two years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for longer than a year or if they have a companion who travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families that want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to transfer from the car seat to the stroller and back with a built-in rigid LATCH system that locks the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures across the globe. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any outfit.