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 with 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 let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them up. This is a great solution for families that are constantly on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller 2 in 1 car seat easy. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that can be linked and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. A lot of the car seat and stroller combinations on our list include bassinet attachments as well and can be a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2 in 1 buggy-in-1 travel system with car seat may cost more than separate items however, you'll likely save time and money if you buy them as a set. And if you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't quite right for your family, most brands have adaptors that let you to use your selected car seat with another 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 and a stroller that are designed to work together. They are designed to be used within the first year. If you intend to keep the seat after this point, choose a model that has a convertible car-seat that can be used by toddlers and has a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems have an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. This is a great option, but it may not be practical for your particular lifestyle.
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. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo are packed with features that will help you and your baby remain comfortable. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles that do not have a base, making it an ideal option for families who regularly use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who often run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport such as trains and buses. They allow you to easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double as your family grows. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is especially crucial if the car seat will be your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion methods. You may need to manually connect the car seat to stroller or strap it to base to ensure it is secured. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than the single-step method of the Doona. It can be a safety risk if you misplace or forget to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combination is a great option but you must think about whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together in the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. The car seats can't be connected to a stroller after they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the infant car seat, but it is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for infants and toddlers until early childhood. Once your child outgrows the infant car seats, you should look into purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Also, keep in mind that you must ensure the infant car seat is installed properly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos allow you to easily move infants from their car to the stroller and back without disturbing them or needing to awake them. Rothman says this is especially useful when you're running errands and traveling. For added security, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller with either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure when it's used and will not fall off or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used without or with the base are an excellent option for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age restrictions 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. These car seats can be changed to a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle or converted into the stroller 2in1. It is important to read the labels and follow all instructions precisely, advises Stanton particularly when it comes to making sure your child is within the appropriate weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy 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 typically less expensive than purchasing them individually. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride with suspension that is all-wheel and springy, and a large basket to hold all your baby's gear. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It has a quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with a four-position headrest, four harness heights and an insert that is cushioned for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds in one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to buy an infant travel system due to the convenience of moving your child from stroller to car and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to look into one. You should also choose a model with a stylish design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
Travel systems that are the most efficient include an 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. These systems typically include a single car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight and durable. They are also easy to fold and maneuver. Look for models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can fit many shopping bags. You should also consider how the stroller and car seat can be folded to make storage easier.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat when your child has outgrown it. This allows for an additional two 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-share services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families who want an all-in-one solution. The built-in rigid system of LATCH lets you easily change from stroller to car seat and back. It's also certified for air travel so you can hop onto and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to double strollers, allowing you to take your little one to the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any outfit.