A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A two-in-one travel system with car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that can work together. However they can be expensive.

These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them up. This is a great choice for families that spend much of their time on the move.

Comfort

If you're looking for an easy way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without waking them up the next morning, a travel set-up that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat might be what you need. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together, and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet included that can be used as a safe alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.

A 2-in-1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. And if you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't the right fit for your family, a majority of brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your chosen car seat with a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).

One thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel system is that these sets usually comprise an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work together, which is designed to be used during the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the car seat and 2 in 1 travel system with Car Seat using it past this period, look for one that has an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a higher weight limit.

Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to help older children. While this is a nice option, it's not a necessity and may not be feasible based on your lifestyle.

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 several years. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo have numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with a built-in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it a great option for families who regularly use ride-share services or have two cars.

Convenience

Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who regularly run the errands of their children or take them out on public transportation such as buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about awakening 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 pushchair pram 2 in 1 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot two. This feature is especially important when you intend to use the car seat as your baby's primary car seat.

Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complex conversion methods. You may need to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or attach straps to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you misplace or forget the straps, it may be a danger to your safety.

A car seat/stroller combo is convenient however, you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 1. These car seats are not attached to a stroller once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models such as the Doona is able to be used as a toddler car seat with the seat belt booster when your child outgrows the car seat for infants but is too tall for the majority of strollers.

Car seat/stroller combinations work best for newborns through the early years of childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat, you can change the travel system to an extra large stroller which can be used for older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you must always make sure that your infant car seat is installed correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.

Safety

The combination of the car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them or waking them up. Rothman says this is especially useful when you are doing errands or traveling. For added security, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller via a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secure while in use, and will not fall off or come loose in transportation. Combinations of strollers and car seats that work without or with a base are good options for ride-share vehicles.

When shopping for a travel system, check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat as well as the stroller. Most infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the car, or snapped into a stroller. Stanton insists that you be aware of all labels and directions particularly when it comes time to make sure that your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of the car seat and the stroller.

Some parents prefer buying separate items to create their own travel system, others prefer to buy pre-packaged stroller and car seats It is not unusual for companies offer these sets. These are often priced lower than buying the products separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat is slim and has a SafeCell crumple area for added 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 with four harness heights, as well as padding to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds with just one hand.

Style

While it's tempting to buy an infant travel system due to the convenience of moving your baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also consider a model with a stylish design, that is easy to move around and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.

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 come with a single car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even come with an ottoman for napping (safety studies show that babies sleep better when they are in the reclining position).

Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push, and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items make sure to check how the strollers and car seats fold when folded.

Certain travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat once your child grows out of it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 1-2 years use. This is a great option for those who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.

The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top choice for families that want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from car seat to stroller and back with a built-in rigid LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures across the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.