A 2 in 1 travel system that incorporates a car seat offers parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great option for families that spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems with an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller simple. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together, and can be used with toddlers and newborns. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos on our list have a bassinet attached that can be used as an alternative for a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than buying the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them all at once. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family in the future the majority of brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat with another stroller.
When shopping for a travel set, be aware that the majority of these sets include an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used in the first year. If you are planning to keep the seat and using it after this period, look for a model that has an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature a second seat that can be used as a booster for older kids. While this is a good option, it's not a necessity and might not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
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. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These products have springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with a built-in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them a great option for families who regularly 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 trains and buses. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best 2 in 1 car seat stroller strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert to a double as your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 buggy and car seat Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly convert into chariots for two. This is especially crucial if the car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps attached to the base to hold it in place. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you lose or forget the straps, it may be a danger to your safety.
A car seat/stroller combination is convenient but you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can work as long as you want them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. These car seats cannot be connected to a stroller after they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products like the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with the seat belt booster when your child has outgrown the infant car seat but is too tall for the standard strollers.
The most effective combination is a car seat and stroller for babies to early childhood. If your child has outgrown the infant car seats it is recommended to consider purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you must ensure your infant car seat is fitted properly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
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 get them up. Rothman states that this is especially beneficial when you're conducting errands or travel. To ensure extra security, opt for a car seat that is attached to a stroller with a rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secured when in use and that it will not fall off or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used without or with the base are an excellent option for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system make sure you check the weight and age restrictions for both the stroller and the car seat. Most infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and are only designed 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 converted into a stroller. Stanton insists that you follow all instructions and labels particularly when it comes time to make sure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products and create their own travel system, it's not unusual for companies to offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. They're usually cheaper than purchasing the items separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller offers an easy ride, with a springy suspension on all wheels and a large basket to store all your baby's equipment. The car seat is low-profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to install. The car seat features a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions and four harness heights as well as an insert that is cushioned for your little one's comfort. It's easy to clean and features a 1-hand fold, making it ideal for storage.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller without waking them up, but that's not the main reason to buy one. You should also look for a model with a stylish design, which is easy to move around and has many other features to ensure your child's safety and for your own.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one package for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically come with a single car seat that is easily converted into a stroller that is 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 that are designed to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and sturdy, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Look for models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit multiple shopping bags. Also, you should consider how compact the stroller and car seat are when they're folded to make it easier to store them.
Certain travel systems let you replace the included infant car seat with a toddler seat when your child outgrows it, giving you an extra 1-best 2 in 1 car seat stroller years of use. This is a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than a year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes by bus or train.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families looking for an all-in-one solution. It's simple to transfer from a car seat to a stroller, and back, with the built-in LATCH system that secures the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also approved for 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 excursions around the globe. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.