Guide To 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat: The Intermediate Guide To 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller-in-1 travel set-up with car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as a stroller that can work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them. This is a great option for families that tend to spend the majority of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only models because they usually include an infant car seat in addition to a stroller. They can be used for both newborns and older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos on our list include bassinet attachments as well and can be a safe alternative to a stroller for naps.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save time and money by purchasing them all together. And if you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't quite right for your family, most brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your selected car seat with a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
When looking for a travel set be aware that a majority of these sets come with an infant car-seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used during the first year. If you plan 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 also have a second seat that can be used as a booster for older children. This is a wonderful feature, but it may not be appropriate for your needs.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last a few years, check out our top picks for car seats as well as strollers 2 in 1. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to shield a sleepy child. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base, making it an ideal option for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who frequently run the errands of their children or take them out on public transportation such as buses and trains. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or waking them.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double as you grow your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 pushchair Combo is a combination of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be pushed into position to instantly transform into chariots for two. This feature is particularly important when you intend to use the car seat as the baby's only vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combos have more complex conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps attached to the base to hold it in place. In our tests this method, it was more difficult to master than one-step process of the Doona. It can pose dangerous in the event that you lose or forget to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is a great option however, you must think about whether the strollers and infant car seats can work as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combo products utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. The car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models like the Doona, can be used as a toddler car seat with the seat belt booster when your child has outgrown the car seat for infants but is too tall for the standard strollers.
The best combination is a car seat and stroller for newborns to early childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat, you can change the travel system to larger strollers which can be used for older children and toddlers. Always ensure that your infant car seat is properly installed. Do not remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller makes it easy to transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing or waking them up. This is especially helpful when you're on the go or traveling, according to Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt 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 secure when in use and will not come loose or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used without or with the base are also an excellent option for vehicles that ride-share.
When you are looking for a stroller, make sure you know the age and weight limits of both the car seat and stroller. Most 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 lot of these car seats change to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the vehicle or can snap into a compatible stroller. It is important to study the labels and follow all instructions with care, says Stanton particularly when it comes to making sure your child is within the appropriate weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items and build their own travel system, it's not unusual for companies to offer pre-packaged car seats and strollers combination sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller offers smooth riding with springy suspension on all wheels, and a large basket to hold all the baby's toys. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple area for added security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat features a headrest that is adjustable in four positions with four harness settings, as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean and folds in one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the ease of moving your baby pushchair 2 in 1 from stroller to car and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to look into one. You should also choose an option with a fashionable design, which is easy to maneuver, and that has many other features for your child's comfort as well as yours.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one package for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible and some offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls to nap (safety research suggests that babies sleep best in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight and durable. They are also easy to maneuver and fold. Choose models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate several shopping bags. Also, you should consider how small the stroller and car seat can be folded to make it easier to store them.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat after your child has outgrown it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco’s All-in One car seat buggy 2 in 1 Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families seeking a solution 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 certified for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures around the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that match any outfit.