Watch Out: How 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system that incorporates a car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them up. This is a great choice for families that tend to spend the majority of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combinations since they typically include an infant car seat and the stroller.
2 in 1 prams Push Chairs & Prams are suitable for both infants and older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combinations on our list come with bassinet attachments as well, which can be an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat with another stroller.
One important thing to remember when shopping for a travel system is that these sets usually comprise an infant car seat and a stroller made to work in tandem, which is meant to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the seat and using it after this period, look for a model with an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems also have an additional seat that can serve as a booster for older children. This is a great option, but it may not be practical for your needs.
Check out our top choices of strollers and car seats to find an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Our editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination, have plenty of features to aid you and your baby to stay in a comfortable position. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also has a built-in drape canopy that can protect children who are snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles that do not have a base, making it a great option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who regularly run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport such as buses and trains. They let you easily transfer your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double when you expand your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be clicked into position to instantly transform into chariots for two. This feature is particularly important if you plan to use the car seat for your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combos have more complex conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps attached to the base to hold it in place. In our tests this method, it was 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 should take into consideration whether the stroller and car seat for your infant can work together for as long as 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 cannot be attached to strollers once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products 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 the majority of strollers.
The best combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for babies to early childhood. When your child has grown out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with larger strollers that can be used by older children and toddlers. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Never remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or needing to awake them. This is particularly useful when you're on the go or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that attaches to the stroller with either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be safe while being used, and will not fall off or come loose in transportation. Car seat and stroller combinations that work with or without a base are also good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When you purchase a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age restrictions for the stroller as well as the car seat. 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. Many of these seats switch to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or can be converted into a stroller compatible with it. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions precisely, advises Stanton especially when it comes down to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the correct weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items to create their own travel system and others prefer to buy pre-packaged strollers and car seats, it is not uncommon to see companies offer these sets. They are usually priced lower than buying the items individually. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller is smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket that can hold all of your baby gear. The car seat is low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for added security. It's a simple and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has a headrest that is adjustable in four positions, four harness settings and a padded insert to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, making it ideal to store.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the convenience of transferring your child from stroller to car and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to look into one. You should also consider one with a sleek design, which is easy to move around and comes with a variety of other features for your child's comfort as well as yours.
The travel systems that are the most efficient include an infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one box to help you to transition from your car to the street. These systems typically include a single car seat that is easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even include an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to push, maneuver and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can accommodate several shopping bags. To make storage easier, you should also check how compact strollers and car seats are when folded.
Some travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler seat after your child has outgrown it, giving you an additional two years of use. That's a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to easily switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can hop on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures across the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.