Forget 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Need It A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A 2-in-1 travel system that incorporates a car seat gives parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that work together. However they can be expensive.

These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is an excellent option for families who are constantly in motion.

Comfort

Travel systems that come with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller easy. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos that make our list also have a bassinet included that can be used as a secure alternative for a traditional stroller for naptime walks.

A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family 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, 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 in the first year. If you intend on keeping the seat and using it past this point, consider a model that has a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a higher weight limit.

Some travel systems include a second seat which can be used to support older children. While this is a good option, it's not a necessity and might not be feasible based on your life style.

If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top choices for car seats and strollers. Our editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo come with a variety of features that will aid you and your baby to stay comfortable. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also has an integrated drape canopy that can protect a child who is snoozing. These seats also come with LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.

Convenience

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

A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be converted to a double as you grow your family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is especially important in the event that you plan to use the car seat for your baby's only car seat.

Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated conversion procedures. It is possible to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or attach straps to base to secure it. In our testing this method, it was harder to master than the single-step method of the Doona. It could pose dangerous if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.

While pram pushchair 2 in 1 of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should also consider whether the infant car seat and stroller will work as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are made to be used until your child is 1. The car seats can't be connected to a stroller after they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers like the Doona, can be used as a car seat for toddlers with the seat belt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too tall to fit in most traditional strollers.

The ideal combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for babies to early childhood. When your child grows out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with larger strollers which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat is properly installed. Never remove it from your car without first untying the straps.

Safety

The combination of a car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and vice versa without disrupting or waking them. This is particularly useful when you're running errands or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, choose a car seat that is attached to a stroller via the rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secured during use and won't fall off or become loose during transportation. Car seat and stroller combos that can work without or with bases are also great alternatives for ride-share vehicles.


When purchasing a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions for both the stroller and the car seat. Typically, the infant car seats 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 transformed to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle, or snapped into the stroller. Stanton insists that you read all labels and instructions particularly when it comes time to make sure that your child's weight and height requirements of the car seat as well as the stroller.

While some parents prefer buying separate products to create their own travel system, others prefer buying pre-packaged stroller and car seats it is not unusual for companies offer these sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has an easy ride, with a springy all-wheel suspension and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby's gear. The car seat is low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat has a four-position headrest, four harness heights and an insert that is cushioned for your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and features a 1-hand fold, which makes it easy for storage.

Style

Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the convenience of moving your baby from stroller to car and back without having to wake them up, that's not the only reason to think about one. You should also choose a model with a stylish design, that is simple to use and has many other features to ensure your child's comfort and yours.

Travel systems that are the best include an infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one package to help you to transition from your vehicle to the street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it and some offer an attachment for a bassinet for strolls to nap (safety research has shown that babies sleep better in a reclined position).

Strollers and infant cars seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light sturdy, durable, and easy to fold and move. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for streets in cities as well as a large basket for cargo and can hold multiple shopping bags. Also, you should consider how small 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 when your child grows out of it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is a great option when you're planning to use the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner regularly uses ride-share services or commutes by bus or train.

Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families seeking an option that is all in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to easily switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can hop on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your child on global adventures. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any outfit.