A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system with car seat gives parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that can work together. They can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families who spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transfer your baby from the car to stroller without awakening them, a travel system with an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat might be the thing you're looking for. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect, and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos on our list include bassinet attachments as well, which can be an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat are not right for your family later there are adaptors for most brands that allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with another stroller.
One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a travel system is that these sets typically include an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work together, which is designed to be used in the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat after this time, choose a model that has a convertible car-seat that can be used for toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to help older children. This is a nice option, but it may not be practical for your particular lifestyle.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats and strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These products have springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to shield a sleepy child. These seats also have LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them a great option for families who regularly use ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who frequently run errands, or take their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double when you have a growing family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is especially important if your car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complicated conversion methods. It is possible to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or attach straps to base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. It could pose a safety risk when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combination is a great option but you must consider whether the strollers and infant car seats can work as long as you want them to. The majority of car seats and strollers 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 product, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with the seatbelt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for babies through the early years of childhood. Once your child outgrows the infant car seats, you should look into buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you must ensure the infant car seat is set up correctly and never take it from the vehicle without taking off 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 vice versa without disturbing them or waking them up. Rothman says this is especially useful when you are conducting errands or travel. To ensure your safety, select an automobile seat that connects to a stroller using an incredibly strong LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure while in use, and will not fall off or loosen during the course of transport. Car seat and stroller combos that work without or with bases are also great options for ride-share vehicles.
When looking for a new travel system, check the weight and age limits of both the car seat and the stroller. The majority of the infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle, or snapped into the stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to be aware of all labels and directions particularly when it comes time to ensure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and design their own travel system, it's not uncommon for companies to offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket for all of your baby gear. The car seat is slim and has a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to install. The car seat comes with a headrest that is adjustable in four positions, four harness settings and a padded insert to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and features a one-hand fold, making it ideal for storage.
Style
It's tempting to purchase 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 primary reason to consider buying one. You should also consider a model with a stylish design, which is easy to maneuver and has many other features for your child's comfort and yours.
The best travel systems most efficient include an infant car, stroller and car seat base in one box to make it easier for you to transition from your vehicle to the street. They typically come with a one-piece car seat that is easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies show that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are light sturdy, durable, and easy to fold and move. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front to allow for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. You should also consider how small the car seat and stroller are when they're folded to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child is no longer using it. This gives you an additional 1-2 years use. 2 in 1 pushchair is an excellent option for parents who plan to use the seat for a longer period of time or if their partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All-in-One 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 effortlessly switch between car seats and strollers and back. It is also certified for air travel so you can get on and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into double strollers, allowing you to take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.