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 and stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combinations make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them up. This is a great option for families who spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without waking them up, a travel system with the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat might be what you need. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect and are suitable for toddlers and newborns. Many of the car seats and strollers combos that make our list include an attachment for a bassinet and can be a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for naps.
While a two-in-one travel system with a car seat may cost more than separate products however, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing them all in one package. And if you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, most manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When you are looking for a travel set keep in mind that most of these sets include an infant car-seat and stroller designed to work together. They are designed to be used in the first year. If you are planning to keep the seat and using it beyond this point, consider one with an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a greater weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can be used as a booster seat for older children. While this is a great option however, it's not necessary and may not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top choices for car seats and strollers. Our editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features that will aid you and your baby to stay in a comfortable position. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride, and the PIPA car seat has a built-in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. These seats also have LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on cars that don't have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families that frequently use ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who frequently run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport like buses and trains. They allow you to easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them up.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double as you have a growing family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot for two. This is particularly important if the car seat is your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combos have more complex conversion techniques that require you to manually attach the infant car seat onto the stroller or use the straps that attach to the base to hold it in place. In our tests this method, it was harder to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it can pose a safety hazard.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should be aware of whether the stroller and infant car seat will work the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns 1. The car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers, such as the Doona can be used as a car seat for toddlers with the seat belt booster when your child has outgrown the car seat for infants but is too tall to fit into most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for infants and toddlers until early childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system by an extra large stroller which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Also, keep in mind that you must ensure your infant car seat is fitted properly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing 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. This is particularly useful when you're doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. For added security, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller via a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secured during use, and will not fall off or come loose in transit. Car seat and stroller combos that be used with or without bases are also great options for ride-share vehicles.
When looking for a new stroller, make sure you know the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and stroller. Typically, the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing, and are only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. click through the up coming webpage of these car seats then transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. Stanton says it's crucial to read all labels and instructions particularly when it's time to make sure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate products to create their own travel systems, others prefer to buy pre-packaged strollers and car seats, it is not uncommon for companies to offer these sets. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. It has a quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings, as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean, and folds in one hand.
Style
It's tempting to buy an accessory for travel to make it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to think about buying one. You should also choose one with a sleek design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features for 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 box for an effortless transition from car to street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer an attachment for a bassinet for naptime strolls (safety research has shown that babies sleep best in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and sturdy, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for streets in cities as well as a large basket for cargo and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. Also, you should consider how the stroller and car seat can be folded to make storage easier.
Some travel systems allow you to 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 a great option when you plan to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes via train or bus.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families looking for a solution that is all-in one. It's easy to transfer from a car seat to a stroller and back with the built-in LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can get on and off public transport in peace. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, allowing you to take your little one on global adventures. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.