A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat offers parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families that spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from car to stroller without awakening them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes a stroller seat and infant car seat could be what you need. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos on our list come with an attachment for a bassinet and can be an alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat may cost more than separate items however, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing the two items together. If you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, a majority of brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your selected car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One important thing to remember when looking for a travel system is that these sets typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller that is designed to work together, and is meant to be used in the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the seat and using it beyond this period, look for one with an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature a second seat that can serve as a booster seat for older children. This is a wonderful feature, but it may not be suitable for your particular lifestyle.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep your child and you comfortable. 2 in 1 prams feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also features a built in drape canopy to protect children who are snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles that do not have a base, making it an ideal option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who run errands, or take their babies on public transport like buses and trains. They let you easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you grow your family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is especially important if the car seat is the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other car seat and stroller combinations have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that are attached to the base to hold it in place. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you lose or forget the straps, it could cause a safety risk.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must also consider whether the stroller and car seat for your infant will work together for as long as you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models like the Doona, can be used as a car seat for toddlers with a seat belt booster after your child outgrows the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall for the majority of strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for babies through the early years of childhood. If your child has outgrown the car seats for infants it is recommended to consider buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you must ensure the infant car seat is set up properly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or needing to awake them. This is particularly useful when you're running errands or traveling, according to Rothman. To ensure security, opt for a car seat which attaches to a stroller with the rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secured while used and will not fall off or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used with or without the base are also ideal for vehicles that ride-share.
When you are looking for a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only designed for use for the first 12 months of the child's life. A lot of these car seats then change to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. Stanton advises parents to follow all instructions and labels, especially when it's time to make sure your child meets the weight and height requirements of the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and create their own travel system, it's not unusual for companies to offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. These are often priced lower than buying the products separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and 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 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. It has a quick and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness settings and an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean, and folds with just one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy an accessory for travel to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to consider buying one. You should also choose one with a sleek design, which is simple to use and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child's safety and for your own.
The best travel systems most effective include an infant car, stroller and car seat base in one box to help you to transition from your vehicle to the street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls during nap time (safety research has shown that babies sleep best when in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to fold and maneuver. Choose models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit many shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how small car seats and strollers are when folded.
Certain travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler one as your child grows out of it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. 2 in 1 prams is a great option when you're planning to use the car seat for more than one year, or if your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes via train or bus.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families seeking a solution that is all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also a certified air travel, which means you can board and get off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, which allows you to take your child on global adventures. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.