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2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families that are constantly on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller simple. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together, and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also include a bassinet, which can be used as a safe alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat might cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing the two items together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family in the future the majority of brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with a different stroller.
One thing to keep in mind when you are shopping for a travel system is that these sets typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller made to work in tandem, which is designed to be used for the first 12 months. If you are planning on keeping the seat and using it after this period, look for one that has a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems come with an additional seat that can be used to support older children. This is a wonderful option, but it may not be suitable for your needs.
Check out our top choices of car seats and strollers If you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for several years. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combination have many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These products 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 the baby who is sleeping. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on vehicles without a base. This is a great choice for families that frequently use 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 transportation such as buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the
car seat 2 in 1 stroller to a stroller without worrying about waking them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert to a double as your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide
2 in 1 travel system Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is especially important if you plan to use the car seat for your baby's only vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combinations have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to hold it in place. In our testing this method was generally harder to master than the single-step method of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it could cause a safety risk.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must be aware of whether the stroller and infant car seat can work together for as long as you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 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 seat/stroller products such as the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with an additional seat belt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too tall to fit into the majority of strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for newborns through the early years of childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with an extra large stroller which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat is installed correctly. Never remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from a car to a stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them or waking them up. Rothman says this is especially useful when you are running errands and traveling. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that is attached to the stroller via the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is secured when in use and will not come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used with or without the base are ideal for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When looking for a new travel system, check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and the stroller. The majority of the infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing and only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the car, or snapped into the stroller. It is important to be aware of the labels and follow all instructions precisely, advises Stanton particularly when it comes down to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the proper weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products to create their own travel system, others prefer buying pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations, it is not uncommon for companies offer these sets. These sets are usually cheaper than buying them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller features smooth riding with springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket to store all your baby's equipment. The car seat is low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings, as well as a padded insert to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system to enjoy the convenience of transferring your child from stroller to car and back again without waking them up, it's not the only reason to consider one. You should also choose one with a sleek design, which is easy to maneuver, and that has many other features to ensure your child's comfort and yours.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one box to allow seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically come with a single car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have a bassinet for naps (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are light, durable, and easy to fold and move. Choose models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make storage easier make sure to check how compact strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Some travel systems let you change the infant car seat included with an adult car seat when your child grows out of it. This gives you an additional 1-
2 in 1 buggy years 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-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families who want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from car seat to stroller and back with the built-in LATCH system that secures the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, so you can hop on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, which allows you to take your little one on global adventures. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.
