Guide To 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat: The Intermediate Guide On 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as stroller that work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great option for families who spend much of their time in the car.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller simple. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combinations because they usually include an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They can be used for both infants and older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combos that make our list include bassinet attachments as well, which can be an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with car seat might cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing the two items together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family there are adaptors for most brands to allow you to use the car seat with a different stroller.
When you are looking for a travel set keep in mind that most of these sets include an infant car seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. These are meant to be used within the first year. If you plan on keeping the car seat after this period, choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and has a higher weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can serve as a booster for older children. This is a great option, but it may not be suitable for your particular 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 2 in 1. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with numerous features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also has a built in drape canopy to protect a child who is 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 utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who run errands or take their babies on public transportation such as trains and buses. They allow you to easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double when your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 travel system Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is particularly important in the event that you plan to use the car seat for your baby's only car seat.
Other strollers and car seat combinations have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps that are attached to the base to secure it. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it may be a danger to your safety.
A car seat/stroller combo is convenient, but you should also consider whether the strollers and infant car seats can work as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos are rear-facing only infant car seat buggy 2 in 1 seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns 1. The car seats can't be attached to a stroller once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, such as the Doona, can be used as a toddler car seat with a seat belt booster after your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too tall to fit in the standard strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for infants and toddlers until early childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants, you should look into purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you should always ensure that your infant car seat is fitted properly and never remove it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back without disturbing them or needing to wake them up. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you are running errands and traveling. For extra safety, look for a car seat that attaches to the stroller with either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured during use and won't fall off or loosen during the course of transport. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also an excellent option for vehicles that ride-share.
When looking for a new travel system, check the age and weight limits of both the car seat and the stroller. Most infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing and only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A lot of these car seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that will stay in the vehicle or snap into a stroller that is compatible. It is important to read the labels and follow instructions with care, says Stanton particularly when it comes down to ensuring your child is within the correct weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel system, others prefer buying pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations, it is not uncommon to find companies that to sell these sets. They're usually cheaper than buying the items individually. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride with springy suspension on all wheels and a large storage basket to hold all your baby's gear. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. It's a simple and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features a headrest that is adjustable in four positions with four harness settings as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean, and it folds with one hand.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system for the convenience of moving your child from car to stroller and back without waking them up, that's not the only reason to think about one. You should also consider a model with a stylish design, which is easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of 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 usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible and some include an attachment for a bassinet for strolls to nap (safety research has shown that babies sleep best in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and durable, making them easy to move, push and fold. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can hold many shopping bags. You also want to check how compact the car seat and stroller fold to make storage easier.
Certain travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler one after your child has outgrown it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. That's a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top choice for families looking for an all-in-one solution. It's easy to transfer from the car seat to the stroller and back again, with the built-in LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, so you can get on and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat pram and stroller 2 in 1 Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, which allows you to take your little one on global adventures. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.