A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great option for families that spend a lot of time on the go.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller simple. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and stroller that connect, and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos that we have listed have a bassinet attached that can be used as a secure alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat with an alternative stroller.
One thing to be aware of when looking for a travel set is that these sets usually include a car seat for infants and a stroller that is designed to work together, and is meant to be used in the first 12 months. If you are planning to keep the seat and using it past this point, consider one that has an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also feature a second seat that can serve as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a great option however, it's not necessary and might not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top choices for car seats and strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with a built-in drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it a perfect choice for families who frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who often run the errands of their children or take them out on public transportation such as trains and buses. They allow you to easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform to a double as your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot for two. This is especially crucial if the car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps that attach to the base to fix it. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than the one-step process of the Doona. It can pose a safety risk if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combo is a good idea but you must consider whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together in the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child is 1. These car seats cannot be attached to a stroller once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products like the Doona can be used as a car seat for toddlers with an additional seat belt booster once your child has outgrown the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit in the standard strollers.
The ideal combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for infants and children in the early years of childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system by larger strollers that can be used by older children and toddlers. Make sure that your infant car seat has been properly installed. Never remove it from the car without first removing the straps.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from the vehicle to a stroller and in reverse without disturbing or waking them up. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you're running errands and traveling. To ensure your security, opt for a car seat that is attached to a stroller using a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secured when it's in use and that it will not come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used with or without the base are a good option for vehicles that ride-share.
When you purchase a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only designed for use for the first 12 months of a child's life. A lot of these seats change to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or can snap into a compatible stroller. Stanton insists that you follow all instructions and labels particularly when it's time to ensure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and design their own travel system, it's not uncommon for companies to offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has smooth riding with springy suspension on all wheels and a large basket to store all the baby's toys. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat has a four-position headrest and four harness heights as well as padding for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean and it folds with one hand.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the convenience of transferring your baby from car to stroller and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to think about one. You should also consider one that's stylish, maneuvers well, and has a number of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one package for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. 2in1 pram feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer a bassinet attachment for naptime strolls (safety research suggests that babies sleep better in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to move, push and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items it is important to know how small car seats and strollers are when folded.
Some 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 two years of use. This is an excellent option for those who intend to use the seat for longer than a year or if a partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families that want an all-in-one solution. It's simple to transfer from car seat to stroller, and back, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can hop on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your little one to the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any outfit.