A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats provides parents with the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that work together. They can be expensive.

These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families that spend a lot of time 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 simple. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combos because they usually include an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They are suitable for both newborns and older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos on our list come with a bassinet attachment as well and can be an excellent alternative to a stroller for walks during naptime.

A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family in the future there are adaptors for most brands to allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with an alternative stroller.

When looking for a travel set be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used during the first year. If you intend to keep the car seat after this period make sure you choose a model which has a convertible car-seat that can be used for toddlers and is able to support a higher 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 nice option, it's not a necessity and might not be practical based on your lifestyle.

Check out our top picks of car seats and strollers if you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for several years. Our editor-tested favorites, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo come with a variety of features that will help you and your baby stay comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also has a built-in drape canopy that protects children who are snoozing. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.

Convenience

Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who often run out for errands or take their child out on public transport such as buses and trains. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up.

Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be converted to a double as you grow your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 stroller Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly convert them into chariots for two. This feature is particularly important when you intend to use the car seat as the baby's only car seat.

Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complex conversion methods. You may need to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or use straps attached to the base to ensure it is secured. In our tests, this method was often more difficult to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it can pose a safety hazard.

While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you must also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat will work together for 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 is the age of 1. These car seats are not attached to a stroller once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with the seatbelt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat, but is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.

The best combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for babies to early childhood. If your child is out of the car seat for infants, you can change the travel system to larger strollers which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you must ensure the infant car seat is fitted correctly and never take it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.

Safety

Car seats and strollers allow you to easily transfer infants from the car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to get them up. This is especially helpful when you're running errands or traveling, says Rothman. For added security, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is safe when it's used and will not fall off or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used without or with the base are also an excellent option for vehicles with ride-sharing.

When you are looking for a travel system, check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and stroller. Most infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing and are only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat that can be used in the car, or snapped into a stroller. It's important to read the labels and follow the instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes to making sure your child is in the appropriate weight and height limits for both the car seat and 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 seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them individually. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller is smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket that can hold all of your baby gear. The car seat is low-profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings as well as padding to ensure the comfort of your child. It's easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, making it convenient for storage.

Style

It's tempting to buy an accessory for travel to make it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them, however, that's not the only reason to think about buying one. You should also choose a model with a stylish design, which is easy to move around and comes with a variety of other features for your child's comfort and yours.

Travel systems that are the most efficient include the infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base all in one box to allow you to move from your vehicle to the street. They typically come with a single car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).

Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to maneuver, push and fold. Choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can hold many shopping bags. You also want to check how compact the stroller and car seat can be folded to make storage easier.

Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat once your child is no longer using it. This gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option for those who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if they have a companion who commutes by train, bus or ride-share.

The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families that want an all-in-one solution. The built-in rigid system of LATCH lets you easily switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also a certified air travel, so you can get on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any wardrobe.