A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant and a stroller which work together. However, they can be expensive.

These combinations make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them. This is a great choice for families that tend to spend a lot of time in the car.

Comfort

Travel systems with an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller simple. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos that make our list also have a bassinet attached that can be used as an alternative for a traditional stroller for naptime walks.

While a 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller in 1 travel system with car seat (discover this) might cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing them all in one package. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family in the future there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat with a different stroller.

One thing to keep in mind when you are shopping for a travel system is that they typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is intended 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 an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a higher weight limit.

Some travel systems come with a second seat which can be used to support older children. This is a great option, but it may not be appropriate for your needs.

If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top choices for car seats and strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to shield a sleepy child. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles that do not have a base, making it a great choice for families who frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.

Convenience

These combos are ideal for parents who often run errands or take their children on public transport such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them.

Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double as you expand your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly convert into chariots for two. This is especially important if your car seat is the sole vehicle seat for your baby.

Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion methods. It is possible to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or use straps attached to the base to ensure it is secured. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than the one-step process of the Doona. It can pose an accident hazard when you forget or misplace the straps to attach the straps before using the travel system.

While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat can work together for as long as you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. The car seats can't be attached to a stroller once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.

Car seat/stroller combinations work 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 bigger model that can accommodate toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been fitted correctly. Never remove it from the car without first taking off the straps.

Safety

Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to wake them up. This is especially helpful when you're doing errands or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure safety, select a car seat that is attached to a stroller via an incredibly strong LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure while in use and will not fall off or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used without or with the base are also a good option for vehicles with ride-sharing.

When purchasing a travel set, be sure to check the weight and age limits for both the stroller and the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only designed for use for the first 12 months of a child's life. A lot of these car seats then change to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the vehicle or can snap into a compatible stroller. It is important to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions with care, says Stanton, especially when it comes to ensuring your child is within the proper weight and height guidelines for both the car seat as well as the stroller.

Some parents prefer to purchase separate products to create their own travel systems, others prefer pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations It is not unusual to see companies to sell these sets. These sets are typically less expensive than buying them separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller features a smooth ride with springy suspension on all wheels and a large storage basket to hold all your baby's equipment. The car seat is slim and features a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat comes with a four-position headrest and four harness heights as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds with just one hand.

Style

It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up, but that's not the main reason to think about buying one. You also want to choose one that's elegant, well-balanced and comes with a variety of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and yourself.

The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one package for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually include a single car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have an ottoman for napping (safety studies show that babies sleep better when they are in the reclining position).

Strollers and infant cars seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to fold and move. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for city streets and a large cargo basket and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. To make storage easier it is important to know how the strollers and car seats are when folded.

Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with an adult car seat when your child has outgrown it. This gives you an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for longer than a year or if a partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.

The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top choice for families who want an all-in-one solution. The rigid system built into LATCH lets you easily change from stroller to car seat and back. It's also approved for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, which allows you to take your baby to the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.