20 Fun Facts About 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seat provides parents with the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that can work together. They can be costly.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great choice for families who spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller easy. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that click together and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car-and stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet included and can be used as a secure alternative for a traditional stroller during naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat could cost more than separate products however, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing the two items together. If you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, most brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your selected car seat with a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
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 within the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat after this time make sure you choose a model which includes a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and has a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems also feature an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older children. This is a nice feature, but it may not be practical for your needs.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top choices for car seats and strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep your child and you comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built-in drape canopy that can protect a child who is snoozing. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them a great option for families who frequently ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who often run errands or take their baby out on public transport such as buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double when you have a growing family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly transform into chariots for two. This feature is crucial when you intend to use the car seat as the baby's sole car seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion methods. You may have to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or use straps attached to base to secure it. In our testing this method, it was more difficult to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If you lose or forget the straps, it could be a danger to your safety.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must be aware of whether the infant car seat and stroller will work together for as long as you require 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 one. These car seats do not attach to strollers when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers such as the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with the seat belt booster when your child outgrows the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall for most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for newborns through early childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system by larger strollers that can be used by older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you must ensure your infant car seat is fitted correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
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. Rothman says this is particularly beneficial when you're conducting errands or travel. For added security, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller via the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured while in use and won't come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used with or without the base are ideal for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions for both the stroller and the car seat. The majority of the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and are only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life.
2 in 1 prams can be changed into a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle or converted into the stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to follow all instructions and labels, especially when it's time to make sure your child's weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. They're usually cheaper than buying the products separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller features an easy ride, with a springy suspension on all wheels, and a large basket that can be used to store all of the baby's toys. The car seat has a low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest with four positions and four harness heights as well as padding for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean and folds in one hand.
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 up, but that's not the primary reason to buy one. You should also look for one with a sleek design, that is easy to move around, and that has many other features for your child's safety and for your own.
The travel systems that are the best include an infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base all in one box to make it easier for you to transfer from your car to the street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a compatible stroller and some offer a bassinet attachment for strolls during nap time (safety research has shown that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight and durable. They are also easy to fold and move. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front to allow for city streets and a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how small car seats and strollers can be when folded.
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 allows you to enjoy an additional two years of use. This is a great option when you're planning to use the car seat for more than one year, or your partner regularly uses ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families looking for an option that is all in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH lets you easily change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also a certified air travel, which means you can board and get off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures across the globe. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.