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 pram and car seat in 1 travel system with car seat (click to find out more)
A two-in-one travel system that incorporates a car seat offers parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that can work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it simple for parents to move a sleeping baby from stroller to car and back without disturbing them. This is a great choice for families that spend much of their time on the go.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. A lot of the car seat and stroller combos on our list come with bassinet attachments as well which is a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for naps.
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than buying the two items separately, however you'll save time and money by purchasing them all together. If you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, a majority of brands offer adaptors that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One important thing to remember when shopping for a travel set is that these sets typically include an infant car seat and a stroller made to work together, which is meant to be used in the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat after this time you should choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems include a second seat which can be used to support older children. This is a nice feature, but it may not be practical for your lifestyle.
Check out our top picks of strollers and car seats if you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also has a built-in drape canopy that can protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it a perfect choice for families who frequently use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who do errands, or transport their babies on public transportation such as trains and buses. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about waking them.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you grow your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 pram stroller Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be pushed into position to instantly transform them into chariots that can accommodate two. This is particularly important if the car seat will be your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complex conversion methods. You may need to manually connect the car seat to stroller or attach straps to the base to ensure it is secured. In our tests this method was generally more difficult to master than one-step process of the Doona. It can be dangerous when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, but you should also consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for as long as you want them to. The majority of car seats and strollers are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns 1. The car seats do not attach to strollers when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, like Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with the seatbelt booster when your child is no longer in the car seat for infants, however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
The ideal combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for newborns to early childhood. If your child is out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with larger strollers which can be used for older children and toddlers. Make sure that your infant car seat has been properly installed. Do not remove it from the car without first untying the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat allows you to easily transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and vice versa, without disturbing them or waking them up. This is especially useful when you're running errands or traveling, says Rothman. For extra safety, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secured during use, and will not fall off or loosen during the course of transport. Car seat and stroller combos that can work with or without a base are good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When looking for a new 2in1 travel system system, be sure to check the age and weight limits of both the car seat and stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used during the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be converted into a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. It is important to read the labels and follow the instructions carefully, adds Stanton especially when it comes to making sure your child is within the appropriate weight and height guidelines for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and create their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers combination sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller has a smooth ride with suspension that is all-wheel and springy and a large storage basket to store all your baby's gear. The car seat is slim and has a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. It has a quick and simple installation 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 an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and has a 1-hand fold, which makes it easy to store.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the convenience of transferring your child from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to consider one. You should also choose a model with a stylish design, that is easy to move around, and that has many other features for your child's comfort as well as yours.
Travel systems that are the best include the infant car, stroller and car seat base in one package to allow you to move from your vehicle to the street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer a bassinet attachment for naptime strolls (safety research shows that babies sleep better in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight sturdy, durable, and easy to fold and move. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo and can hold multiple shopping bags. For easy storage, you should also check how compact strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler seat as your child grows out of it, giving you an additional two years of use. This is a great option when you're planning to use the car seat for longer than a year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families looking for an option that is all in one. The rigid system built into LATCH allows you to effortlessly change from stroller to car seat and back. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can board and get off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller, so you can take your child on excursions around the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.