Guide To 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat: The Intermediate Guide On 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and 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 in reverse, without disturbing them up. This is an excellent option for families that are constantly moving.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without waking them up, a travel system with the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat could be what you need. These are different from pram stroller 2 in 1-only models since they typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They are suitable for infants as well as older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combos on our list come with an attachment for a bassinet, which can be an alternative to a stroller for naps.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the products separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them all at once. And if you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, many brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your selected car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
One thing to be aware of when shopping for a travel set is that they typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller made to work together, which is intended to be used in the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the car seat and using it beyond this period, look for an option with a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler car seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems come with an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. While this is a nice option, it's not a necessity and might not be practical depending on your life style.
Check out our top choices of car seats and strollers If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. Our editors' top picks, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination are packed with features to help you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. These products have springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat has a built-in 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 great choice for families who frequently use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who regularly run out for errands or take their child out on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double when your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly transform into chariots for two. This is especially important if your car seat is your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion methods. You may need to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or attach straps to the base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you forget or lose the straps, it can cause a safety risk.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you should also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat can work together for the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. The car seats do not connect to strollers once they're no longer needed 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 an additional seat belt booster once your child outgrows the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit into most traditional strollers.
The most effective combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for infants and children in the early years of childhood. When your child grows out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with a larger stroller that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you must always make sure your infant car seat is installed properly and never remove it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat makes it easy to transfer infants from the vehicle to a stroller, and reverse the process without disrupting or waking them. Rothman states that this is especially beneficial when you're running errands and stroller 2in1 traveling. To ensure extra security, opt for an automobile seat that connects to a stroller with an incredibly strong LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure while in use and won't fall off or come loose in the course of transport. Combinations of strollers and car seats that can work with or without a base are also good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system make sure you check the weight and age limits for both the stroller and the car seat. The majority of the infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these car seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the vehicle or can be converted into a stroller compatible with it. Stanton advises parents to follow all instructions and labels, especially when it comes time to make sure that your child meets the weight and height requirements 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. They are usually priced lower than purchasing the items separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket that can hold everything you need for your baby. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. It has a quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features an adjustable headrest with four positions with four harness heights, as well as padding for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and has a 1-hand fold, which makes it easy for storage.
Style
It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to buy one. You should also consider one that is stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and you.
The best 2 in 1 stroller travel systems most effective include an infant car, stroller and car seat base all in one box to help you to transition from your vehicle to the street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller and some include a bassinet attachment for strolls during nap time (safety research suggests that babies sleep best when in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Look for models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate multiple shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how compact strollers and car seats are when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler's seat when your child outgrows it, giving you an additional 1-2 years of use. That's a great option if you're planning on using the car seat for more than a year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families looking for an all-in-one solution. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel so you can get on and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures around the globe. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any wardrobe.