A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and stroller that work in tandem. However, they can be expensive.

These combos make it simple for parents to move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great option for families who are always moving.

Comfort

If you're looking for an easy way to transition your baby from car to stroller without awakening them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat could be the thing you're looking for. These are different from stroller-only models because they usually include an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They can be used for both newborns and older children. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet attached and can be used as a safe alternative to a stroller during naptime walks.

While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat might cost more than separate products but you'll probably save time and money by buying them all in one package. And if you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, a majority of brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your chosen car seat with a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).

When shopping for a travel set, be aware that a majority of these sets come with an infant car-seat and stroller 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 greater maximum weight.

Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can be used as a booster for older kids. While this is a nice option but it's not essential and might not be practical based on your life style.

Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats to find an affordable travel system that will last for several years. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo are packed with features that will help you and your baby stay comfortable. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to protect a child who is snoozing. These seats also come with LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles without a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who frequently ride-share or have two cars.

Convenience

Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who frequently run out for errands or take their child out on public transport such as buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about waking them.

Some of the best 2 in 1 stroller stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double when you expand your 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 is especially important if your car seat will be the sole vehicle seat for your baby.

Other strollers and car seat combos have more complex conversion procedures that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to fix it. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. It could pose an accident hazard if you misplace or forget to secure the straps prior using the travel system.

While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat will work as long as you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child is 1. These car seats don't snap onto a stroller when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with a seatbelt booster after your child is no longer in the car seat for infants, but it is too big to fit into most conventional strollers.

The most effective combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for babies to early childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat you can change the travel system to larger strollers which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat is installed correctly. Never 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 car to a stroller and reverse the process without disturbing or waking them up. This is especially helpful when you're doing errands or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure safety, select a car seat that is attached to a stroller with an incredibly strong LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is safe when in use and won't come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used with or without the base are also an excellent option for ride-share vehicles.

When shopping for a travel system, check the weight and age limits of both the car seat and stroller. Typically, the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your 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. It is important to be aware of the labels and follow instructions carefully, adds Stanton especially when it comes to ensuring your child is in the appropriate weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.

While some parents prefer buying separate items to build their own travel system, others prefer to buy pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations It is not unusual for companies to offer these sets. They're usually cheaper than purchasing the items separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller offers smooth riding with springy suspension on all wheels and a large storage basket that can be used to store all of the baby's toys. The car seat is low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat comes with a headrest that is adjustable in four positions with four harness settings as well as padding to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and has one-hand fold, making it ideal for storage.

Style

While it's tempting to buy an infant travel system due to the convenience of moving your child from car to stroller and back again without waking them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also consider one that is elegant, well-balanced and comes with a variety of other features to make it comfortable for your child and you.

The travel systems that are the most efficient include an infant car, stroller and car seat base all in one box to make it easier for you to move from your car to the street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller compatible with it, and some even offer a bassinet attachment for naptime strolls (safety research has shown that babies sleep better in reclined positions).

Strollers and infant cars seats that are compatible with 2 in 1 travel system-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to maneuver 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 several shopping bags. You should also consider how the stroller and car seat fold for ease of storage.

Some travel systems allow you to replace 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 if you're planning to use the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes by bus or train.

Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top choice for families looking for an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from car seat to stroller and back with a built-in rigid LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also a certified air travel, so you can get on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to double strollers, allowing you to take your little one on global adventures. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that complement any wardrobe.