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 a stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
2 in 1 pram stroller allow parents to easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them up. This is a great solution for families who are always moving.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car seats and strollers combinations on our list include an attachment for a bassinet, which can be an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A two-in-one 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 in the future the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat with another stroller.
One thing to be aware of when shopping for a travel system is that they typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work together, and is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you are planning on keeping the seat and using it beyond this point, consider a model that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems include an additional seat that can be used to support older children. This is a wonderful option, but it may not be practical for 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. Our editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features that will help you and your baby remain comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it an ideal choice for families who frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who often run errands or take their baby out on public transportation such as trains and buses. You can easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double as your family grows. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot for two. This is especially crucial if the car seat is your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combinations may have more complex conversion methods. You may have to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or use straps attached to base to secure it. 2 in 1 prams was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It could pose dangerous in the event that you lose or forget to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient but you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for as long as you want them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of one. These car seats are not attached to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too big to fit into traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for newborns through early childhood. If your child is out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system by an extra large stroller that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you must always make sure your infant car seat is installed properly and never remove it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller, and back without disrupting 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 the car seat is secured while in use and will not fall off or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used with or without the base are a good option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When you purchase a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age limits for both the stroller and the car seat. The majority of the infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A lot of these car seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that will stay in the car or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. Stanton insists that you follow all instructions and labels particularly when it comes time to make sure that your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer buying separate items to create their own travel systems, others prefer pre-packaged stroller and car seats, it is not uncommon to find companies that offer these sets. These are often priced lower than buying the products separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller is smooth ride, springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat features a four-position headrest with four harness heights, as well as a padded insert for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds in one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system for the convenience of moving your baby from car to stroller and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to consider one. You should also choose one that is stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a range of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and yourself.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one box for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible and some offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow naptime strolls (safety research shows that babies sleep best when in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo and can hold multiple shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how small car seats and strollers are when folded.
Some travel systems let you replace the included infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for longer than a year 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 an option that is all in one. It's simple to transfer from a car seat to a stroller and back again, thanks to the LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also a certified air travel, so you can get on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, which allows you to take your child on adventures around the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.