A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A two-in-one travel system that incorporates a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. They can be costly.

These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families that spend much of their time on the go.

Comfort

If you're looking for an easy method to move your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat could be what you need. 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 are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car seats and strollers combos that make our list include an attachment for a bassinet which is an excellent alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.

A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. If you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, a majority of manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat alongside a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).

One thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel system is that these sets typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work together, which is designed to be used in the first 12 months. If you intend on keeping the seat and using it after this time, you should look for one with an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a greater weight limit.

Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to support older children. This is a nice 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. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with many features that will keep your child and you comfortable. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with an integrated drape canopy that can 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 an ideal choice for families who regularly use ride-share or have two cars.

Convenience

Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who often run errands or take their baby out on public transportation such as trains and buses. It is easy to move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about wake them up.

Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be turned to a double as you have a growing family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be clicked into position to instantly transform into chariots for two. This feature is especially important if you plan to use the car seat for your baby's primary vehicle seat.

Other strollers and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps attached to the base to hold it in place. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can be dangerous in the event that you lose or forget to secure the straps prior using the travel system.

A car seat/stroller combination is a good idea, but you should also consider whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for as long as you want them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns one. These car seats cannot be attached to strollers once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the car seat for infants, but it is too big to fit into traditional strollers.

Car seat/stroller combinations work best for infants and toddlers until the early years of childhood. When your child grows out of the car seat for infants, you can change the travel system to an extra large stroller that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you should always ensure that your infant car seat is set up correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.

Safety

Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller and back without disturbing them or needing to get them up. Rothman says this is particularly beneficial when you're conducting errands or travel. For extra safety, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller with either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while used and will not come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also an excellent option for vehicles with ride-sharing.

When purchasing a travel system make sure you check the weight and age restrictions for both the stroller pram and pushchair 2 in 1 the car seat. Typically, the 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. Many of these car seats change to a forward-facing seat that can be used in the car or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow instructions with care, says Stanton, especially when it comes to making sure your child is within the appropriate weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.

While some parents prefer to purchase separate items and build their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. These are often priced lower than buying the items individually. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller features a smooth ride 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 area for added security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat comes with a four-position headrest with four harness heights, as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and folds in one hand.

Style

It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller without waking them, but that's not the primary reason to think about buying one. You should also consider one with a sleek design, that is easy to move around, and that has many other features for your child's comfort as well as yours.

The travel systems that are the most efficient include an infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base all in one box to make it easier for you to transition from your vehicle to the street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller compatible with it and some offer a bassinet attachment for naptime strolls (safety research suggests that babies sleep best in reclined positions).

Strollers and infant cars seats that work with prams 2 in 1-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to fold and move. Look for models that have rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front to allow for city streets, a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how small the stroller and car seat are when they're folded to make it easier to store them.

Certain travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat when your child grows out of it. This allows for an additional 2 in 1 prams to 3 years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who plan to use the seat for more than a year or if they have a companion who travels by bus, train or ride-share.

Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families looking for an all-in one. It's easy to move 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 approved for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures across the globe. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any outfit.