Pay Attention: Watch Out For How 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
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 a stroller which work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them. This is an excellent option for families who are always in motion.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes a stroller seat and infant car seat might be what you're looking for. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and a stroller that click together and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that we have listed include a bassinet, which can be used as a safe alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with car seat might cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money by buying them as a set. 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 an alternative stroller.
When shopping for a travel set, be aware that the majority of these sets include an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used during the first year. If you intend to keep the car seat after this period make sure you choose a model which has a convertible car-seat that is suitable for toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can serve as a booster for older kids. This is a nice option, but it may not be practical for your needs.
If you're looking for a fantastic travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats and strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with an integrated drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. These seats also come with LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles without a base. This is a great choice for families who frequently ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who frequently run errands or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. They let you easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double as your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly transform them into chariots that can accommodate two. This feature is particularly important in the event that you plan to use the car seat as your baby's only vehicle seat.
2 in 1 stroller and car seat and car seat combos have more complex 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 pose dangerous in the event that you lose or forget to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must take into consideration whether the infant car seat and stroller will work together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos use rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 1. The car seats do not connect to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the car seat for infants, but it is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for babies through early childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system by larger strollers which can be used for older toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat is installed correctly. Do not remove it from your car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from the vehicle to a stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them or waking them up. This is especially helpful when you're on the go or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure extra safety, choose an automobile seat that connects to a stroller with a rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe when in use and will not fall off or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are an excellent option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When purchasing a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are designed to be used for the first 12 months of a child's life. These car seats can be transformed into a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle or converted into the stroller. It is essential to read the labels and follow all instructions with care, says Stanton especially when it comes down to ensuring your child is within the proper weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer to buy separate items to create their own travel system and others prefer buying pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations it is not unusual to find companies that offer these sets. These sets are typically less expensive than purchasing them individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket that can hold everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat has 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 to enjoy the convenience of transferring your baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to look into one. You also want to choose one that's stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and yourself.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one package for an effortless transition from car to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller and some offer an attachment for a bassinet for naptime strolls (safety research suggests that babies sleep best in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with two in one travel systems are light and durable, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front to allow for city streets and a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items, you should also check how small car seats and strollers are when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat after your child has outgrown it, giving you an additional 1-2 years of use. That's a great option if you're planning on using the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner is frequently using ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families seeking an option that is all in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH lets you easily change from stroller to car seat and back. It is also certified for air travel, so you can hop onto and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures around the globe. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any outfit.