The Leading Reasons Why People Perform Well In The 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat Industry
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 stroller that work in tandem. However they can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them up. This is a great solution for families that spend much of their time in the car.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple way to transition your baby from the car to stroller without awakening them the next morning, a travel set-up that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat might be what you're looking for. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combinations because they usually include an infant car seat in addition to a stroller. They are suitable for infants as well as older children. Many of the car seats and strollers combos on our list come with a bassinet attachment as well, which can be an alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat could cost more than separate products however, you'll likely save time and money if you buy them as a set. If you decide that the stroller and car seat aren't suitable for your family in the future there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat in conjunction with a different stroller.
One thing to be aware of when shopping for a travel set is that these sets typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller that is designed to work in tandem, which is meant to be used in the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the seat after this point make sure you choose a model which includes a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and is able to support a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can serve as a booster seat for older children. While this is a nice option however, it's not necessary and may not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats and strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also features a built in drape canopy that protects children who are snoozing. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on cars that don't have a base. This is a great choice for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
These combos are perfect for parents who run errands or take their children on public transport like buses and trains. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about wake them up.
A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double as you grow your family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is especially important if your car seat will be your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated conversion methods. It is possible to manually connect the car seat to stroller or strap it to base to secure it. In our tests, this method was often more difficult to master than one-step process of the Doona. It can be dangerous when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you must also consider whether the infant car seat and stroller can work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns 1. These car seats cannot 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 car seat for toddlers with an additional seat belt booster once your child has outgrown the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit into most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for babies through the early years of childhood. Once your child outgrows the car seats for infants and you are looking at purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you must always make sure your infant car seat is installed properly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to awake them. Rothman states that this is especially beneficial when you're doing errands or traveling. For extra safety, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller via a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is secure while in use and will not fall off or fall off in transit. Combinations of strollers and car seats that can work with or without a base are good options for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a stroller, make sure you know the age and weight limits of both the car seat and stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only designed for use for the first 12 months of the child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat that can be used in the car, or snapped into a stroller. It is essential to be aware of the labels and follow instructions precisely, advises Stanton, especially when it comes down to ensuring your child is in the proper weight and height guidelines for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items and build their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. They are usually priced lower than buying the items individually. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to put in. The car seat comes with a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings as well as padding to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean, and it folds with one hand.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the ease of moving your baby from stroller to car and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to look into one. You should also consider an option with a fashionable design, that is easy to move around, and that has many other features to ensure your child's safety and for your own.
Travel systems that are the most efficient include an infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one package to make it easier for you to move from your car to the street. They usually include a single car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even come with an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and sturdy, making them easy to push, maneuver, and fold. Look for 2 in 1 stroller and car seat that have rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for streets in cities and a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how compact the stroller and car seat fold to make storage easier.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler's seat when your child outgrows it, which gives you an additional 1-2 years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for a longer period of time or if they have a companion who travels by bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families who are looking for an all-in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can board and get off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, which allows you to take your little one to the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.
