10 Essentials Regarding 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system with car seat gives parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and stroller that work together. However they can be costly.
These combos make it simple for parents to move a sleeping baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them up. This is a great option for families who spend the majority of their time on the go.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller simple. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect, and can be used with toddlers and newborns. Many of the car seats and strollers combos that make our list have an attachment for a bassinet, which can be an alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them all at once. If you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't the right fit for your family, a majority of brands offer adaptors that allow you to use your selected car seat with a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When shopping for a travel set, be aware that a majority of these sets come with an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. They are intended to be used during the first year. If you plan to keep the seat after this time make sure you choose a model which has a convertible car-seat that can be used by toddlers and has a greater maximum weight.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to support older children. This is a wonderful feature, but it might not be appropriate for your lifestyle.
Take a look at our top picks of car seats and strollers If you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for many years. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have numerous features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built-in drape canopy that can protect a child who is snoozing. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them a great option for families that frequently use ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who frequently run out for errands or take their child out on public transport such as buses and trains. They allow you to easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them up.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you expand your family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot for two. This is particularly crucial if the car seat will be your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually attach the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to fix it. In our tests, this method was often harder to master than the single-step method of the Doona. It can be dangerous when you forget or misplace the straps to attach the straps before using the travel system.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you must take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat can 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 is the age of 1. These car seats don't attach to strollers when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers like the Doona can be used as a car seat for toddlers with an additional seat belt booster once your child outgrows the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall for most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for infants and toddlers until the early years of childhood. Once your child outgrows the car seats for infants and you are looking at purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can be used by toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Never remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers allow you to easily move infants from the vehicle to the stroller, and back without disrupting them or having to wake them up. Rothman says this is especially useful when you're conducting errands or travel. For extra safety, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller with either a simple click or rigid LATCH 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 seat and strollers that can be used with or without the base are a good option for vehicles that ride-share.
When you are looking for a stroller, make sure you know the weight and age limits of both the car seat and stroller. The majority of the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the car or converted into a stroller. Stanton advises parents to follow all instructions and labels particularly when it's time to make sure that your child's weight and height requirements 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 unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are generally less expensive than buying them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller offers an easy ride, with a springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby's equipment. The car seat is low-profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat comes with a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions and four harness heights as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, making it ideal for storage.
Style
While it's tempting to buy a travel system for the convenience of transferring your child from stroller to car and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to consider one. 2 in 1 stroller and car seat should also look for one with a sleek design, that is easy to maneuver, and that has many other features to ensure your child's comfort and yours.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one box for an effortless transition from car to street. They usually include a single car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better when they are in an upright 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. Make sure you choose models with 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 also want to check how compact the stroller and car seat are when they're folded for ease of storage.
Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler seat after your child has outgrown it, giving you an additional two years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for a longer period of time or if their partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is an excellent choice for families looking for a solution that is all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch from stroller to car seat and back. It's also certified for air travel, so you can hop on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller so you can take your child on excursions around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.