20 Truths About 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat: Busted
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set-up with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and a stroller which work in tandem. They can be costly.
These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them up. This is a great choice for families that spend much of their time on the go.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy way to transition your baby from the car to stroller without waking them up, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat could be the thing you're looking for. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones usually have an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. 2 in 1 stroller with car seat of the car-and stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet attached and can be used as a secure alternative for a traditional stroller during naptime walks.
While a 2 in 1 travel system with a car seat could cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money if you buy the two items together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat are not right for your family in the future, most brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat with another stroller.
When looking for a travel set be aware that the majority of these sets include an infant car-seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used in the first year. If you plan to keep the car seat and using it past this time, you should look for an option that has an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems also have an additional seat that can be used as a booster seat for older children. This is a wonderful option, but it may not be appropriate for your lifestyle.
Check out our top picks of car seats and strollers If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for many years. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo come with 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 has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to protect a child who is snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it an ideal option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who often do errands, or transport their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. They allow you to easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them.
Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double when your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot two. This is particularly important if the car seat is the sole vehicle seat for your baby.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use the straps that attach to the base to secure it. This method was more difficult to master in our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It could pose dangerous if you misplace or forget to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you should also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat will work the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. These car seats are not connected to a stroller after they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models like the Doona can be used as a toddler car seat with the seat belt booster when your child outgrows the car seat that was designed for infants, but is too tall to fit in the standard strollers.
The best combination is a car seat and stroller for babies to early childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants it is recommended to consider purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can accommodate toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat is fitted correctly. Never remove it from your car without first removing the straps.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to awake them. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you're doing errands or traveling. To ensure extra safety, choose an automobile seat that connects to a stroller with the rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while being used, and will not fall off or come loose in the course of transport. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also ideal for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When you purchase a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age restrictions for the stroller as well as the car seat. Most infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing, and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed into a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. It is important to read the labels and follow all instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the correct weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These sets are usually cheaper than buying them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller is smooth ride, springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat is slim and features a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat has an adjustable headrest with four positions with four harness heights, as well as a padded insert for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean and it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the primary reason to buy one. You should also look for a model with a stylish design, that is simple to use and has many other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one package for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. These systems typically include a single car seat that can be easily converted into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even include a bassinet for naps (safety studies show that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to push, maneuver and fold. Look for models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can fit many shopping bags. You also want to check how the car seat and stroller are when they're folded to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child grows out of it. This allows for an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is an excellent option for parents who intend to use the seat for a longer period of time or if their partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families looking for an all-in-one solution. It's easy to transfer from a car seat to a stroller and back again, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat quickly and safely in your car. It is also certified for air travel, so you can board and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures across the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to complement any outfit.