A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as stroller that work together. However, they can be expensive.

These combos make it simple for parents to move a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great option for families who are constantly on the move.

Comfort

If you're looking for a simple way to transition your baby from the car to stroller without awakening them, a travel system with an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat may be just what you need. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that make our list also include a bassinet, which can be used as a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.

While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat might cost more than separate products however, you'll likely save time and money if you buy them as a set. If you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, a majority of manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).

When shopping for a travel set be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used in the first year. If you intend on keeping the seat and using it after this time, you should look for an option with an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler 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 but it's not essential and might not be practical depending on your lifestyle.

If you're looking for a great travel system that will last a few years, check out our top choices for car seats and strollers. Our editors' top picks, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination come with a variety of features that will aid you and your baby to stay in a comfortable position. These products have springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has an integrated drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. These seats also have LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles without a base. This is a great choice for families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.

Convenience

Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who frequently run out for errands or take their child out on public transport such as buses and trains. It is easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up.

Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double as you expand your family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is especially crucial if the car seat is the sole vehicle seat for your baby.

Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps attached to the base to fix it. In our tests, this method was often more difficult to master than one-step procedure of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it can pose a safety hazard.

A car seat/stroller combination is a good idea but you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers will work together as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats don't snap onto a stroller when they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models like the Doona can be used as a toddler car seat with an additional seat belt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat but is too tall to fit in the majority of strollers.

The best combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for newborns to early childhood. If your child is out of the car seat for infants, you can change the travel system to larger strollers that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been properly installed. Never remove it from the car without first removing the straps.

Safety

Car seats and strollers allow you to easily transfer infants from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them or having to awake them. This is especially useful when you're doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, choose a car seat that is attached to a stroller using the rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is safe when it's used and will not come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used without or with the base are also a good option for vehicles that ride-share.

When looking for a new stroller, make sure you know the age and weight limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only intended for use during the first 12 months of a child's life. Many of these car seats then change to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the vehicle or snap into a stroller that is compatible. It is important to read the labels and follow all instructions precisely, advises Stanton, especially 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 as well as the stroller.

Some parents prefer to purchase separate products to create their own travel systems, others prefer buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats It is not unusual for companies to offer these sets. They are usually priced lower than purchasing the items separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller is smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket that can hold everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple area for added security. It is quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a four-position headrest with four harness heights, as well as a padded insert for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean and has a 1-hand fold, making it ideal to store.

Style

It's tempting to buy an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them, but that's not the main reason to consider buying one. You should also consider one with a sleek design, which is simple to use and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child's comfort and yours.

The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one box for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually include an all-in-one car seat that is easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even include an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).

Strollers and infant car seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are light, durable, and easy to fold and maneuver. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can fit several shopping bags. To make storage easier it is important to know how small car seats and strollers fold when folded.

Some travel systems let you replace the included infant car seat with a toddler seat as your child grows out of it, which gives you an additional 1-buggy 2 in 1 years of use. That's a great option if you plan to use the car seat for more than a year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.

Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families who are looking for a solution that is all-in one. It's easy to transfer from car seat to stroller, and back, with the built-in LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat quickly and safely in your car. It is also certified for air travel so you can hop onto and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to double strollers, allowing you to take your child on global adventures. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.