A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as a stroller that can work in tandem. However, they can be expensive.
These combos make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them. This is a great solution for families who are constantly on the move.
pushchairsandprams.uk that include a stroller and 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 typically include an infant car seat and stroller that connect, and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet attached, which can be used as an alternative to a stroller during naptime walks.
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them all at once. If you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't quite right for your family, a majority of brands have adaptors that let you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One thing to be aware of when you are shopping for a travel set is that they typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller designed to work together, which is designed to be used during the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the seat after this point, choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to help older children. While this is a nice option however, it's not necessary and might not be practical depending on your life style.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last for a couple of years, look through our top picks for car seats and strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. They have a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat has an integrated drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without a base making it a perfect option for families that frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who frequently run errands, or take their children on public transport such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double as your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and infant car seat that can be pushed into position to instantly transform them into chariots for two. This is particularly crucial if the car seat will be your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combination models have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually connect the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps that attach to the base to fix it. In our testing this method, it was harder to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. It can be a safety risk if you misplace or forget to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should be aware of whether the infant car seat and stroller will work as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats do not connect to strollers once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with a seatbelt booster after your child is no longer in the infant car seat but it is too big to fit into most conventional 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 is no longer in the infant car seats it is recommended to consider purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can handle toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat is properly installed. Don't remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos allow you to easily move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or needing to get them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you are doing errands or traveling. To ensure extra security, opt for a car seat that is attached to a stroller using a rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secure when it's in use and will not come loose or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also ideal for ride-share vehicles.
When you purchase a travel system make sure you check the weight and age limits for both the stroller and the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are only intended for use for the first 12 months of the child's life. Many of these car seats then transition to a forward-facing car seat that will stay in the car or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. It is important to study the labels and follow all instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes down to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the correct weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and create their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies sell pre-packaged car seats and strollers combination sets. They are usually priced lower than buying the products separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller features an easy ride, with a springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby's equipment. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat features a four-position adjustable headrest 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
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up, however, that's not the only reason to consider buying one. You should also look for an option with a fashionable design, which is easy to move around and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
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 usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer an attachment for a bassinet for strolls to nap (safety research suggests that babies sleep best in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to push, maneuver, and fold. Choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate several shopping bags. You also want to check how compact the car seat and stroller fold to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems let you replace the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat when your child outgrows it, which gives you an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for those who plan to use the seat for a longer period of time or if they have a companion who commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families looking for an option that is all in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also certified for air travel, so you can board and get off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into 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 complement any wardrobe.