updated blog post in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and a stroller which work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them up. This is a great solution for families who are constantly on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from the car to stroller without disturbing 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. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked, and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations on our list include a bassinet and can be used as an alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2 in 1 travel system with car seat could cost more than separate items but you'll probably save time and money by buying the two items together. And if you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, many brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your selected car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).
When shopping for a travel set be aware that the majority of these sets include an infant car-seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. They are designed to be used during the first year. If you intend on keeping the car seat and using it after this time, you should look for one that has an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems also have an additional seat that can be used as a booster for older kids. This is a wonderful feature, but it may not be practical for your particular lifestyle.
Take a look at our top picks of car seats and strollers If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for a long time. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built in drape canopy that can protect children who are snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it an ideal option for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who frequently run errands, or take their babies on public transport like buses and trains. They let you easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double when your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly transform into chariots for two. This feature is especially important in the event that you plan to use the car seat for your baby's primary car seat.
2 in 1 pram and car seat combinations have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually attach the infant car seat onto the stroller or use the straps that are attached to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you forget or lose the straps, it could cause a safety risk.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must take into consideration whether the stroller and car seat for your infant can work together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos are rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child is 1. The car seats can't be attached to strollers once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit into most conventional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for babies through early childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system by larger strollers that can accommodate older toddlers and older children. Also, keep in mind that you must always make sure that your infant car seat is fitted correctly and never take it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from a vehicle to a stroller and vice versa, without disrupting or waking them. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you're doing errands or traveling. For extra safety, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller with either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured during use and won't fall off or come loose in the course of transport. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used without or with the base are also ideal for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age limits of both the car seat and the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only designed for use during the first 12 months of the child's life. Many of these seats switch to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the car or snap into a compatible stroller. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions with care, says Stanton especially when it comes to making sure your child's height and weight are within the correct weight and height guidelines for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
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 to see companies to sell these sets. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them individually. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller is smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to store all of your baby gear. The car seat is slim and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It is quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features an adjustable headrest with four positions with four harness heights, as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, making it ideal for storage.
Style
While it's tempting to buy an infant travel system due to the ease of moving your child from car to stroller and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to consider one. You should also consider a model that's stylish, maneuvers well, and has a number of other features to make it comfortable for both your child and you.
Travel systems that are the best include the infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one box to make it easier for you to move from your car to the street. They typically come with a one-piece car seat that is easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push, and fold. Choose models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make storage easier it is important to know how small car seats and strollers fold when folded.
Certain travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler one as your child grows out of it, giving you an additional 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families looking for an all-in-one solution. It's simple to transfer from car seat to stroller, and back, thanks to the LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It is also certified for air travel, so you can board and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller so that you can take your child on excursions around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any wardrobe.