A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat gives parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that can work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families that tend to spend a lot of time on the go.
Comfort
Travel systems with an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller easy. 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 toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos that make our list have bassinet attachments as well which is an alternative to a stroller for naps.
While a 2 in 1 travel system that includes a car seat may cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money if you buy them all in one package. If you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't quite right for your family, a majority of manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use your chosen car seat with another stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
One important thing to remember when shopping for a travel system is that they typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that is designed to work together, and is meant to be used for the first 12 months. If you are planning to keep the seat and using it past this time, you should look for one with an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can be used as a booster for older kids. While this is a good option but it's not essential and might not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
Check out our top choices of car seats and strollers to find an budget-friendly travel system that can last for a long time. Our editor-tested favorites, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination, have plenty of features to help you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built-in drape canopy that can protect the baby who is sleeping. They also have LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base making it a perfect option for families that frequently use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal 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 newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double as your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot two. This is especially crucial if the car seat is your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion methods that may require you to manually attach the infant car seat onto the stroller or use the straps attached to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. It could pose a safety risk if you misplace or forget to attach the straps before using the travel system.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you must also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat will work together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seats and strollers use rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child is 1. The car seats can't be connected to a stroller after they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products such as the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with a seat belt booster after your child is no longer in the car seat for infants but is too tall to fit into the majority of 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 with larger strollers that can be used by older children and toddlers. Make sure that your infant car seat is properly installed. Never remove it from your car without first taking off the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos allow you to easily move infants from their car to the stroller and back without disrupting them or having to get them up. This is especially helpful when you're running errands or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure your security, opt for a car seat which attaches to a stroller via the rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secured during use and won't fall off or loosen during transportation. 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair and stroller combinations that be used with or without a base are also good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel system make sure you check the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. Most infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing and only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle or converted into the stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to be aware of all labels and directions, especially when it comes time to ensure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel systems, others prefer pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations It is not unusual for companies offer these sets. They're usually cheaper than purchasing the items separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller is smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket to store everything your baby needs. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. It is quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with a headrest that is adjustable in four positions, four harness settings and a padded insert 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 convenience of transferring your child from stroller to car and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also choose a model with a stylish design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features for your child's comfort as well as yours.
Travel systems that are the most effective include an infant car, stroller and car seat base in one box to help you to transition from your car to the street. 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller, and some even offer an attachment for a bassinet for strolls to nap (safety research has shown that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for city streets, a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items, you should also check how the strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat when your child grows out of it. This allows for an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for more than one year, or your partner regularly uses ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top choice for families that want an all-in-one solution. The built-in rigid system of LATCH lets you easily switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel so you can get on and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your baby on global adventures. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.