Guide To 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat: The Intermediate Guide For 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that can 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 option for families that are constantly on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller easy. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked, and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos that we have listed have a bassinet included and can be used as a safe alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. And if you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, many brands have adaptors that let you to use the car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
When looking for a travel set, be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used within the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat after this point you should choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems include a second seat which can be used to help older children. While this is a great option but it's not essential and may not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats and 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. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it a perfect option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who run errands, or take their babies on public transportation such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double as your family grows. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 stroller and car seat Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot two. This feature is particularly important if you plan to use the car seat for your baby's sole car seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated conversion procedures. It is possible to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or strap it to the base to secure it. In our testing this method, it was more difficult to master than one-step procedure of the Doona. It can pose a safety risk if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a great option however, you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can work as long as you require 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 connected to a stroller after they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers like the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with the seat belt booster when your child has outgrown the car seat for infants but is too tall for the standard strollers.
The ideal combination is a car seat and stroller for babies to early childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system by a larger stroller that can be used by older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you must always make sure that your infant car seat buggy 2 in 1 seat is installed correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat allows you to easily transfer infants from the vehicle to a stroller, and vice versa without disrupting or waking them. This is especially useful when you're doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. For added security, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller with either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while in use and will not fall off or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used with or without the base are also an excellent option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When you purchase a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. Typically, the infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing and only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A lot of these seats change to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. It is essential to read the labels and follow all instructions with care, says Stanton particularly when it comes down to ensuring your child is in the correct weight and height guidelines for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies sell pre-packaged car seats and strollers combination sets. These are often priced lower than buying the items individually. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket for all of your baby gear. The car seat is slim and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. It's a simple and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness heights, as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and it folds with one hand.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the ease of moving your child from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, that's not the only reason to look into one. You should also consider a model with a stylish design, that is simple to use, and that has many other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
The travel systems that are the most efficient include the infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one package to make it easier for 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 offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls to nap (safety research shows that babies sleep best when in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to fold and move. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can accommodate multiple shopping bags. For easy storage, you should also check how compact strollers and car seats are when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat when your child has outgrown it. This allows for an additional 2 in 1 buggy and car seat to 3 years of use. This is a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner is frequently using ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families who are looking for an all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch between car seats and strollers and back. It is also certified for air travel, so you can board and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your child on adventures around the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.