A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that incorporates a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that can work together. However they can be costly.
These combinations make it easy for parents to transport a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families who are always in motion.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy way to transition your baby from the car to stroller without disturbing them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat might be the thing you're looking for. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combinations since they typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They can be used for both infants and older children. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet included, which can be used as a secure alternative to a traditional stroller during naptime walks.
A 2-in-1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all at once. If you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't quite right for your family, many brands have adaptors that let you to use your chosen car seat with a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
When shopping for a travel set be aware that the majority of these sets include an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used within the first year. If 2 in 1 pram plan to keep the seat after this point, choose a model that 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 support older children. While this is a good option but it's not essential and may not be practical based on your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat has an integrated drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors which 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 ideal for parents who frequently run out for errands or take their child out on public transport like buses and trains. They let you easily transfer your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you grow your family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is crucial when you intend to use the car seat for your baby's primary car seat.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion methods that may require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps attached to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can be an accident hazard when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a great option however, you must think about whether the strollers and infant car seats can work in the time you need them to. 2 in 1 pram 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 are not attached to strollers once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models such as the Doona, can be used as a toddler car seat with a seat belt booster after your child is no longer in the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit in the majority of strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for newborns through early childhood. Once your child outgrows the car seats for infants, you should look into purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can handle older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you must ensure that your infant car seat is fitted properly and never remove it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from a car to a stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing or waking them up. This is especially helpful when you're doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that is attached to the stroller via the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured while used and will not come loose or fall off in transit. Car seat and stroller combos that be used with or without bases are also great options for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. Most infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing, and are 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 a vehicle or converted into a stroller. It's important to read the labels and follow the instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes to making sure your child is in the proper weight and height guidelines for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items to build their own travel systems, others prefer buying pre-packaged strollers and car seats, it is not uncommon to find companies that offer these sets. They are usually priced lower than purchasing the items separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller features an easy ride, with a suspension that is all-wheel and springy and a large storage basket to store all your baby's gear. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple area for added security. It's a simple and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with a headrest that is adjustable in four positions, four harness settings and an insert that is cushioned to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and folds in one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system to make it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller without disturbing them, but that's not the primary reason to buy one. You should also consider one that is elegant, well-balanced and comes with a range of other features to make it comfortable for your child and yourself.
The most effective 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 feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller, and some even offer an attachment for a bassinet for strolls during nap time (safety research shows that babies sleep best when in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to push, maneuver, and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front to allow for city streets and a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how compact the stroller and car seat can be folded for ease of storage.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat when your child has outgrown it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 1-2 years use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families looking for a solution that is all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily switch 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 & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so you can take your child on excursions around the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any outfit.