A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that work in tandem. However they can be costly.

These combinations make it easy for parents to transport a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families that spend a lot of time on the move.

Comfort

If you're looking for an easy way to transfer your baby from the car to stroller without awakening them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat may be just what you're looking for. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combinations on our list have bassinet attachments as well and can be an alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.

While a 2 in 1 travel system with a car seat might cost more than separate items but you'll probably save time and money if you buy them as a set. 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 with another stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height 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 intended to be used within the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat after this point you should choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and is able to support a higher maximum weight.

Some travel systems also feature an additional seat that can be used as a booster for older children. This is a great feature, but it might not be appropriate for your needs.

Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for many years. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination, have plenty of features that will aid you and your baby to stay comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to shield a sleepy child. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base, making it a perfect option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.

Convenience

Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who frequently run out for errands or take their child out on public transportation such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about awakening them.

A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double as 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 clicked into place to instantly convert them into chariots for two. This feature is especially important in the event that you plan to use the car seat for your baby's sole vehicle seat.

Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion methods. You may have to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or strap it to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you lose or forget the straps, it can cause a safety risk.

While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you must take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat will work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats cannot be attached to strollers 2 in 1 once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with a seatbelt booster after your child is no longer in the infant car seat but it is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.

The ideal combination is a car seat and stroller for babies to early childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants, you should look into buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you must ensure the infant car seat is set up properly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.

Safety

Car seats and strollers allow you to easily transfer infants from the car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or having to awake them. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you're conducting errands or travel. For extra safety, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller with either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured during use, and will not fall off or become loose during transportation. Car seat and stroller combinations that can work with or without a base are good options for ride-share vehicles.

When purchasing a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are only designed for use for the first 12 months of a child's life. These car seats can be changed into a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle or converted into the stroller. Stanton advises parents to follow all instructions and labels, especially when it's time to make sure your child's weight and height requirements of both the car seat and the stroller.

While some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel system and others prefer pre-packaged stroller and car seats, it is not uncommon for companies offer these sets. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller is smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket for everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It has a quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features a headrest that is adjustable in four positions with four harness settings, as well as padding to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, making it convenient to store.

Style

While it's tempting to buy a travel system for the convenience of transferring your child from car to stroller and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also look for one with a sleek design, that is easy to move around and has many other features to ensure your child's comfort and yours.

The most effective travel systems comprise 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 easily into a stroller that is compatible and some include the option of a bassinet attachment to allow naptime strolls (safety research has shown that babies sleep best in an upright position).

Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and durable, making them easy to push, maneuver, and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can fit multiple shopping bags. For easy storage make sure to check how compact strollers and car seats can be when folded.

Some travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat as your child grows out of it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for longer than a year or if a partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.

Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families that want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from the car seat to the stroller and back with the built-in LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also a certified air travel, so you can hop on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures across the globe. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that match any outfit.