A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as a stroller which work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them up. 2 in 1 pushchairs is a great choice for families who spend a lot of time in the car.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only models because they usually include an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They are suitable for both infants and older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos on our list come with an attachment for a bassinet, which can be an alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat might cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing the two items together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat with an alternative stroller.
When looking for a travel set be aware that the majority of these sets include an infant car seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used within the first year. If you intend to keep the seat after this point make sure you choose a model which features a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a greater maximum weight.
Some travel systems have an additional seat that can be used to help older children. This is a nice feature, but it may not be suitable for your needs.
Check out our top picks of strollers and car seats if you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have numerous 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 has 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 a great option for families that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who frequently run errands or take their baby out on public transportation such as buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to transform to a double as your family grows. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is especially important in the event that you plan to use the car seat for your baby's only car seat.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps that attach to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It could pose an accident hazard when you forget or misplace the straps to attach the straps before using the travel system.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the stroller and car seat for your infant can work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats don't attach to strollers when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers like the Doona, can be used as a toddler car seat with an additional seat belt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too tall for the standard strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for infants and toddlers until early childhood. If your child has outgrown the car seats for infants, you should look into purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you must ensure the infant car seat is installed correctly and never take it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
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 get them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you are running errands and traveling. For added security, 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 is safe while being used, and will not fall off or come loose in the course of transport. Combinations of strollers and car seats that be used with or without bases are also great alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When shopping for a travel system, be sure to check the age and weight limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. Typically, the infant car seats that are 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 a vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to follow all instructions and labels, especially when it's time to ensure your child meets the weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and design their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are usually cheaper than buying them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller features an easy ride, with a springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket to store all your baby's equipment. The car seat has a low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat features a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and an insert that is cushioned for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean and it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system that makes it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up, but that's not the primary reason to think about buying one. You should also choose one that's stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The travel systems that are the most efficient include the infant car, stroller and car seat base in one package to make it easier for you to move from your car to the street. They typically come with a single car seat that is easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and sturdy, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Choose models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can hold multiple shopping bags. For easy storage make sure to check how the strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat included with an adult car seat when your child grows out of it. This allows for an additional 1-2 years use. This is an excellent option for parents who plan to use the seat for a longer period of time or if their partner is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families who are looking for a solution that is all-in one. It's simple to transfer from car seat to stroller, and back, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also a certified air travel, so you can get on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your little one to the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.