A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system with car seat gives parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that can work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great solution for families that are constantly moving.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transition your baby from the car to stroller without waking them up, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat could be what you need. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked and can be used with toddlers and newborns. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that we have listed have a bassinet included and can be used as a safe alternative for a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a two-in-one travel system with car seat could cost more than separate items however, you'll likely save time and money by buying them as a set. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family in the future, most brands have adaptors that allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with another stroller.
One thing to be aware of when looking for a travel set is that they typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work in tandem, which is meant to be used in the first 12 months. If you are planning on keeping the seat and using it after this period, look for an option with a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems have an additional seat that can be used to support older children. This is a great feature, but it may not be suitable for your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last a couple of years, look through our top picks for car seats and strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it an ideal option for families that frequently use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who often run errands or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. They let you easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you have a growing family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be pushed into position to instantly transform into chariots for two. This is especially important if your car seat is your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combos have more complex conversion techniques that require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use the straps that attach to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If pram 2 in 1 misplace or forget the straps, it can be a danger to your safety.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must also consider whether the infant car seat and stroller will work together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 1. The car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
The best combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for babies to early childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system by a larger stroller which can be used for older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you should always ensure the infant car seat is installed correctly and never remove it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily transfer infants from the car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or needing to get them up. This is especially useful when you're running errands or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, choose a car seat which attaches to a stroller via a rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure when used and will not come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used with or without the base are ideal for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When purchasing pram 2 in 1 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 are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the car, or snapped into the stroller. Stanton insists that you follow all instructions and labels particularly when it's time to make sure that your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of 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 to buy pre-packaged strollers and car seats, it is not uncommon to see companies to offer these sets. They're usually cheaper than buying the products separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket that can hold everything your baby needs. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat has a four-position adjustable headrest, four harness settings and an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and it folds with 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 waking them, however, that's not the only reason to consider buying one. You also want to choose one that is stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
The travel systems that are the best include an infant car, stroller and car seat base all in one box to allow you to transfer from your vehicle to the street. These systems typically include an all-in-one car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even come with an ottoman for napping (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can hold multiple shopping bags. Also, you should consider how the stroller and car seat can be folded to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat as your child grows out of it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for more than one year, or your partner regularly uses ride-share services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families seeking an all-in one. It's simple to transfer from a car seat to a stroller, and back, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that locks the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel so you can get on and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so that you can take your child on excursions around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.