Guide To 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat: The Intermediate Guide Towards 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 prams-in-1 travel system that incorporates a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that can work together. However they can be costly.
These combos make it simple for parents to transport a sleeping baby from stroller to car and back without disturbing them up. This is a great choice for families who spend the majority of their time in the car.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transition your baby from car to stroller without awakening them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat might be the thing you're looking for. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. A lot of the car seat and stroller combinations on our list have an attachment for a bassinet and can be an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for naps.
A 2-in-1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. And if you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, a majority of brands offer adaptors that allow you to use the car seat alongside a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel system is that they typically include an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work together, and is designed to be used in the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat and using it after this point, consider a model that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can be used as a booster for older children. While this is a good option but it's not essential and might not be practical based on your life style.
Check out our top picks of strollers and car seats to find an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination, have plenty of features to help you and your baby stay comfortable. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat has an integrated drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This is a great choice for families that frequently use ride-share 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 newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double as you have a growing family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is crucial if you plan to use the car seat as your baby's only vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion procedures that require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use the straps that are attached to the base to fix it. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you misplace or forget the straps, it could be a danger to your safety.
A car seat/stroller combo is a great option, but you should also think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can work in the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products utilize 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 models, such as the Doona, can be used as a car seat for toddlers with a seat belt booster after your child outgrows the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit into the majority of strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for babies through the early years of childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system with larger strollers that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Make sure that your infant car seat has been properly installed. Don't remove it from the car without first removing the straps.
Safety
Car seat 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 traveling, says Rothman. To ensure extra safety, select a car seat which attaches to a stroller via an incredibly strong LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secured when in use and that it won't come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are a good option for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limits for the stroller as well as the car seat. Typically, the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the car, or snapped into a stroller. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes to making sure your child is within the proper weight and height guidelines for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products to create their own travel system and others prefer buying pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations it is not unusual for companies to sell these sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket for everything you need for your baby. The car seat is slim and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat features a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's safety. It's easy to clean and has a 1-hand fold, making it convenient for storage.
Style
While it's tempting to buy an infant travel system due to the convenience of moving your baby from stroller to car and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to think about one. You should also consider a model with a stylish design, which is simple to use, and that has many other features for your child's safety and for your own.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one box to allow seamless transition from vehicle to street. These systems typically include an all-in-one car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for streets in cities, a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. To make storage easier, you should also check how small car seats and strollers are when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat as your child grows out of it, which gives you an additional 1-best 2 in 1 pram years of use. This is a great option for those who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families who want an all-in-one solution. The rigid system built into LATCH allows you to easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel so you can hop onto and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, allowing you to take your baby pushchair 2 in 1 to the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.