A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that work together. 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 a great option for families that are constantly on the move.

Comfort

If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat may be just what you're looking for. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked, and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car seats and strollers combos that make our list include a bassinet attachment as well, which can be 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 products separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family, most brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat with an alternative stroller.

One thing to be aware of when shopping for a travel set is that these sets typically include a car seat for infants and City Prams a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is intended to be used during the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat after this point make sure you choose a model which includes a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a greater weight limit.

Some travel systems come with an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. While this is a great option, it's not a necessity and may not be feasible based on your life style.

If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last a few years, check out our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with an integrated drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who frequently ride-share or have two cars.

Convenience

Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who regularly run errands or take their baby out on public transport like buses and trains. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without worrying about wake them up.

Some of the best 2 in 1 car seat stroller stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double as your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 pram pushchair Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is especially important if you plan to use the car seat for your baby's primary vehicle seat.

Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion methods that may require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use the straps that attach to the base to hold it in place. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can pose dangerous when you forget or misplace the straps to attach the straps before using the travel system.

A car seat/stroller combo is a good idea however, you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for in the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 1. The car seats can't be attached to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, but it is too big to fit into traditional strollers.

The most effective combination is a car seat and stroller for newborns to early childhood. When your child grows out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with a larger stroller that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Also, keep in mind that you must ensure the infant car seat is fitted correctly and never take it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.

Safety

Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or needing to awake them. Rothman states that this is especially beneficial when you're running errands and traveling. To ensure your security, opt for an automobile seat that connects to a stroller via a rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure while in use and won't fall off or come loose in transit. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used without or with the base are also ideal for ride-share vehicles.

When you purchase a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limits for the stroller as well as the car seat. Most infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and are only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these car seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or snap into a compatible stroller. It is essential to read the labels and follow the instructions with care, says Stanton, especially when it comes down to ensuring your child is within the correct weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.

While some parents prefer to buy separate products and create their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. They're usually cheaper than buying the products separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has smooth riding with springy suspension on all wheels, and a large basket to hold all your baby's gear. The car seat is slim and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. It is quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness heights, as well as padding for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and has one-hand fold, making it ideal to store.

Style

It's tempting to buy a travel system that makes it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, without waking them, however, that's not the only reason to consider buying one. You also want to choose one that's stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and you.

The travel systems that are the most effective include the infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base all in one box to make it easier for you to transfer from your car to the street. They typically come with an all-in-one car seat that is easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).

Strollers and infant car seats made to work with pushchairs 2 in 1 in 1 travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to push, maneuver, and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for streets in cities as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how small the stroller and car seat are when they're folded for ease of storage.

Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, giving you an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if they have a companion who is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.

Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH lets you easily change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel so you can board and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller 2in1, which allows you to take your child to the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will fit in with any outfit.