A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system with car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that work together. They can be costly.
pushchair 2 in 1 make it simple for parents to take a sleepy baby from car to stroller and back without disturbing them up. This is a great choice for families who spend the majority of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that can be linked, and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet attached that can be used as a safe alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save time and money by purchasing them all together. And if you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, many brands have adaptors that let you to use your chosen car seat with another stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
When you are looking for a travel set, be aware that a majority of these sets include an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used in the first year. If you plan to keep the seat after this time make sure you choose a model which has a convertible car-seat that can be used by toddlers and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems have an additional seat that can be used to support older children. While this is a great option, it's not a necessity and might not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats to find an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to smooth out the ride. 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 in vehicles without a base, making it a perfect option for families who regularly use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who do errands, or transport their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without worrying about waking them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert to a double as your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot two. This feature is crucial in the event that you plan to use the car seat as the baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complex conversion methods. You may need to manually connect the car seat to stroller or use straps attached to base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you misplace or forget the straps, it could cause a safety risk.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you must be aware of whether the infant car seat and stroller will work the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns 1. These car seats do not connect to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, such as the Doona can be used as a toddler car seat with an additional seat belt booster once your child outgrows the infant car seat but is too tall to fit in the standard strollers.
The most effective combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for newborns to early childhood. Once your child outgrows the infant car seats and you are looking at purchasing a separate stroller 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 the car without first untying the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat makes it easy to transfer infants from a car to a stroller, and in reverse without disrupting or waking them. 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 via the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while being used and won't fall off or loosen during transit. Car seat and stroller combinations that be used with or without a base are good options for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age limits of both the car seat and stroller. The majority of 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. These car seats can be converted to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the car or converted into the stroller. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow all instructions with care, says Stanton especially when it comes to ensuring your child is within the correct 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 sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. These are often priced lower than buying the products separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller features smooth riding with springy suspension on all wheels, and a large basket to store all your baby's gear. The car seat has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to put in. The car seat has a four-position headrest with four harness heights, as well as padding for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and it folds with one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the ease of moving your child from car to stroller and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to consider one. You also want to choose one that is stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features to make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one package for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller compatible with it, and some even offer an attachment for a bassinet for strolls during nap time (safety research shows that babies sleep best in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with two in one travel systems are light and robust, making them simple to maneuver, push, and fold. Look for models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can hold many shopping bags. You also want to check how compact the car seat and stroller fold for ease of storage.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler's seat as your child grows out of it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option when you're planning to use the car seat for more than one year, or your partner is frequently using ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top choice for families who want an all-in-one solution. The rigid system built into LATCH allows you to easily change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also a certified air travel, so you can hop on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, allowing you to take your baby on adventures around the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.