A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats provides parents with 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. This is a great solution for families that spend much of their time in the car.

Comfort

If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from the car to stroller without awakening them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat could be what you need. These are different from stroller-only combinations because they usually come with an infant car seat in addition to a stroller. They can be used for both infants and older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos that make our list include bassinet attachments as well which is an alternative to a stroller for naps.

While a 2-in-1 travel system with car seat may cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing the two items together. If you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't quite right for your family, most brands offer adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).

One thing to be aware of when shopping for a travel set is that they typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller made to work in tandem, which is meant to be used for the first 12 months. If you are planning to keep the car seat and using it past this period, look for an option that has a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a heavier weight limit.

Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can be used as a booster for older children. This is a wonderful feature, but it may not be appropriate for your needs.

Take a look at our top picks of car seats and strollers 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 come with numerous features that will keep your child and you comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with a built-in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles without a base. This is a great choice for families that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.

Convenience

These combos are ideal for parents who frequently do errands, or transport their children on public transport such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them.

A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double when your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which 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 particularly important when you intend to use the car seat as the baby's sole vehicle seat.

Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion procedures 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 fix it. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can pose a safety risk if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.

While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you must be aware of whether the stroller and infant car seat can work together for as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child is the age of one. These car seats don't attach to strollers when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with a seatbelt booster after your child has outgrown the car seat for infants, but it is too big to fit into traditional strollers.

Car seat/stroller combinations work best 2 in 1 prams for babies through early childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with a larger stroller which can be used for older children and toddlers. Make sure that your infant car seat is installed correctly. Don't remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.

Safety

Car seats and strollers allow you to easily move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back without disrupting them or having to awake them. This is especially helpful when you're running errands or travelling, says Rothman. For extra safety, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller with either the simple click or 2 in 1 infant Car Seat And stroller the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while in use and won't come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also a good option for vehicles that ride-share.

When you are looking for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only designed for use during the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be converted to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. Stanton insists that you be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it comes time to make sure that your child's weight and height requirements of the car seat as well as the stroller.

While some parents prefer to purchase separate items and build their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. They're usually cheaper than buying the products separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller features smooth riding with springy suspension on all wheels, and a large basket to hold all the baby's toys. The car seat is low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat comes with a headrest that is adjustable in four positions with four harness settings as well as a padded insert to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean, and it folds with one hand.

Style

Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system for the convenience of moving your baby from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also look for an option with a fashionable design, that is easy to move around and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child's comfort and yours.

The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one box for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a compatible stroller and some offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow naptime strolls (safety research shows that babies sleep better in an upright position).

Strollers and infant car seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light, durable, and easy to fold and move. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for streets in cities and a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items, you should also check how compact strollers and car seats are when folded.

Some travel systems let you change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child grows out of it. This gives you an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for those who plan to use the seat for longer than a year or if a partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.

Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families looking for an option that is all in one. It's easy to transfer from a car seat to a stroller and back with a built-in rigid LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also approved for air travel so you can board and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into double strollers, allowing you to take your baby to the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.