A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that incorporates a car seat gives parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great option for families that tend to spend a lot of time on the go.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from the car to stroller without awakening them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat could be what you're looking for. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked, and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that make our list also include a bassinet that can be used as a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat could cost more than separate items but you'll probably save time and money by purchasing the two items together. If you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't quite right for your family, many manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use your selected car seat with a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When you are looking for a travel set, be aware that the majority of these sets come with an infant car-seat and stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used within the first year. If you intend to keep the car seat after this period you should choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and has a greater maximum weight.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to support older children. While this is a nice option but it's not essential and may not be practical based on your lifestyle.
Check out our top choices of car seats and strollers to find an affordable travel system that will last for many years. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors include 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 suspensions to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat has an integrated drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without a base, making it a perfect option for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who do errands, or transport their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. They let you easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed to a double as you expand your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly convert into chariots for two. This is particularly 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 snap the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that are attached to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can be a safety risk if you misplace or forget to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient however, you must think about whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together as long as you want them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers, such as the Doona is able to be used as a toddler car seat with an additional seat belt booster once your child is no longer in the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit in most traditional strollers.
The best combination is a car seat and stroller for newborns to early childhood. When your child grows out of the car seat for infants, you can change the travel system to a larger stroller that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Also, keep in mind that you must always make sure the infant car seat is set up correctly and never take it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first.
2 in 1 buggy and stroller combos allow you to easily move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back without disturbing them or needing to awake them. This is especially helpful when you're running errands or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that is attached to the stroller with either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured during use, and will not fall off or come loose in transportation. Combinations of strollers and car seats that work with or without a base are good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel set, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions for both the stroller and the car seat. Most 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 changed to a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the car or converted into a stroller. Stanton insists that you read all labels and instructions, especially when it comes time to ensure your child's weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and create their own travel system, it's not uncommon for companies to offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers set-ups. These sets are usually cheaper than buying them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket for everything you need for your baby. The car seat is slim and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. It's a simple and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a four-position headrest and four harness heights as well as a padded insert for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and features one-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system that makes it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up, but that's not the primary reason to buy one. You should also choose one that is elegant, well-balanced, and has a number of other features to make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one box for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. These systems typically include a single car seat that is easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even come with a bassinet for naps (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and sturdy, making them easy to push, maneuver, and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for streets in cities as well as a large basket for cargo and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. You should also consider how small the car seat and stroller fold to make storage easier.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler car seat once your child has outgrown it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is a great option when you're planning on using the car seat for more than one year, or your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes via bus or train.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families who want an all-in-one solution. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to 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 ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures across the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.
