A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

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

These combos let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great option for families that tend to spend a lot of time on the move.

Comfort

If you're looking for an easy way to transition your baby from car to stroller without waking them up the next morning, a travel set-up that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat could be what you're looking for. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect and can be used with toddlers and newborns. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet included, which can be used as an alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.

While a 2 in 1 pushchair and car seat-in-1 travel system with car seat may cost more than separate products but you'll probably save time and money by purchasing the two items together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family in the future there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat with a different stroller.

When shopping for a travel set, keep in mind that most of these sets come with an infant car-seat and stroller designed to work together. They are intended to be used during the first year. If you plan on keeping the car seat after this period, choose a model that has a convertible car-seat that can be used for toddlers and has a higher weight limit.

Some travel systems also have a second seat that can serve as a booster for older children. While this is a great option however, it's not necessary and may not be feasible based on your lifestyle.

If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last a couple of years, look through our top picks for car seats and strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also comes with an integrated drape canopy that protects a child who is snoozing. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This is a great choice for families that frequently use ride-sharing or have two cars.

Convenience

These are great for parents who frequently run errands or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. You can easily transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.

Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you have a growing family. The Thule Urban Glide pushchairs 2 in 1 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be pushed into position to instantly transform them into chariots for two. This feature is especially important if you plan to use the car seat for your baby's sole vehicle seat.

Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated conversion procedures. It is possible to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or attach straps to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can be dangerous if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.

While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you should be aware of whether the stroller and car seat for your infant will work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with the seatbelt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.

Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for newborns through early childhood. When your child has grown out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system by an extra large stroller that can be used by older children and toddlers. Make sure that your infant car seat is fitted correctly. Don't remove it from the car without first untying the straps.

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 states that this is especially useful when you are running errands and traveling. To ensure extra safety, choose an automobile seat that connects to a stroller using the rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured when it's in use and that it won't come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of strollers and car seats that can work with or without a base are also good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.

When purchasing a travel set make sure you check the weight and age restrictions for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only designed for use during the first 12 months of the child's life. A lot of these car seats then change to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or snap into a stroller that is compatible. Stanton says it's crucial to be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it's time to ensure your child meets the weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.

While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and create their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies sell 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 sought after. The stroller has a smooth ride with springy suspension on all wheels and a large basket to hold all your baby's equipment. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. It is quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and a padded insert for your little one's comfort. It's easy to clean and comes with a one-hand fold, which makes it easy for storage.

Style

It's tempting to purchase a travel system that makes it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them, however, that's not the only reason to consider buying one. You should also consider one that's stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a range of other features that make it comfortable for your child and you.

The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one box to allow an effortless transition from car to street. These systems typically include a one-piece car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even come with an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in a reclining position).

Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can fit several shopping bags. You also want to check how small the stroller and car seat fold for ease of storage.

Certain travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for those who plan to use the seat for longer than a year or if their partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.

Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families who are looking for a solution that is all-in one. It's easy to transfer from a car seat to a stroller, and back, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that locks the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can hop on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, which allows you to take your little one to the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that match any outfit.