A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that work in tandem. However, they can be expensive.

These combos let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is an excellent option for families that are constantly moving.

Comfort

If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from the 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 could be what you need. These are different from stroller-only combinations because they usually come with an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They are suitable for both newborns and older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combos that make our list have an attachment for a bassinet which is an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.

A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family there are adaptors for most brands to allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with another stroller.

When shopping for a travel set, be aware that the majority of them come with an infant car-seat as well as stroller designed to work together. They are designed to be used in the first year. If you intend on keeping the car seat and using it after this point, consider one that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a higher weight limit.

Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can be used as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a great option however, it's not necessary and might not be practical based on your lifestyle.

If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats and strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller pram and pushchair 2 in 1 car seat combo come with many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. They have a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with an integrated drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who regularly use ride-sharing or have two cars.

Convenience

Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who regularly run errands or take their baby out on public transportation such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them up.

A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double when you have a growing family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot two. This is particularly important if your car seat will be the sole vehicle seat for your baby.

Other strollers and car seat combos have more complex conversion procedures that require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps that attach to the base to fix it. In our testing this method was generally more difficult to master than the single-step method of the Doona. If you lose or forget the straps, it could pose a safety hazard.

While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you must take into consideration whether the stroller and car seat for your infant can work together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats don't connect to strollers once they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with a seatbelt booster after your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.

Car seat/stroller combinations are best for newborns through early childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants, you should look into purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can handle older children and toddlers. Make sure that your infant car seat has been fitted correctly. Do not remove it from your car without first taking off the straps.

Safety

Car seats and strollers allow you to easily move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to wake them up. Rothman states that this is especially beneficial when you're doing errands or traveling. For extra safety, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secured during use, and will not fall off or become loose during the course of transport. Car seat and stroller combinations that can work without or with a base are good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.

When purchasing a travel set be sure to verify the weight and age restrictions for both the stroller and the car seat. Most infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. A lot of these car seats switch to a forward-facing seat that can be used in the vehicle or can be converted into a stroller compatible with it. It's important to study the labels and follow instructions precisely, advises Stanton particularly when it comes to making sure your child's height and weight are within the correct weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.

Some parents prefer to purchase separate items to create their own travel system and others prefer pre-packaged strollers and car seats It is not unusual to find companies that to sell these sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, a 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 protection. It's a simple and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and an insert that is cushioned for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and it folds with one hand.

Style

While it's tempting to buy an infant travel system due to the convenience of transferring your child from stroller to car and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to look into one. You should also choose an option with a fashionable design, that is simple to use and comes with a variety of other features for your child's safety and for your own.

The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one box for seamless transition from vehicle to street. These systems typically include a single car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies show that babies sleep better in the reclining position).

Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with two in one travel systems are light and durable, making them easy to move, push and fold. 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. To make it easier to store your items make sure to check how the strollers and car seats fold when folded.

Some travel systems let you replace the included infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, giving you an additional 1-2 in 1 car seat stroller years of use. That's a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes via bus or train.

Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families seeking an all-in one. The rigid system built into LATCH lets you easily change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can get on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, allowing you to take your little one on adventures around the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.