A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A 2 in 1 pram and pushchair-in-1 travel set-up with car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and stroller that work together. They can be expensive.

These combos allow parents to easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great option for families that are constantly on the move.

Comfort

Travel systems with a stroller and 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 stroller that connect, and can be used with toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet included and can be used as an alternative for a traditional stroller for naptime walks.

A 2 in 1 stroller in 1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than buying the two items separately, however you'll save time and money by purchasing them all together. And if you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't the right fit for your family, many manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).

When shopping for a travel set, keep in mind that most of these sets come with an infant car-seat as well as stroller designed to work together. They are intended to be used in the first year. If you are planning to keep the seat and using it after this period, look for one that has an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a heavier weight limit.

Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to help older children. While this is a nice option, it's not a necessity and may not be practical depending on your life style.

If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with a built-in drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This is a great choice for families that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.

Convenience

Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who often run out for errands or take their child out on public transport like trains and buses. They allow you to easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them.

A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double when your family grows. We love the Thule Urban Glide pushchair pram 2 in 1 (Read More In this article) 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 especially crucial if the car seat is your baby's primary vehicle seat.

Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated conversion procedures. You may have to manually connect the car seat to stroller or use straps attached to base to ensure it is secured. 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 to using the travel system.

A combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient but you must think about whether the infant car seats and strollers can be used together for as long as you require them to. The majority of car seats and strollers feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child reaches the age of one. These car seats do not attach to strollers when they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats and strollers, such as the Doona can be used as a car seat for toddlers with a seat belt booster after your child outgrows the infant car seat but is too tall to fit in the majority of strollers.

Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for babies through the early years of childhood. When your child has grown out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with an extra large stroller which can be used for older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you must ensure that your infant car seat is fitted correctly and never remove it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.

Safety

The combination of a stroller and car seat allows for easy transfer of infants from a car to a stroller and reverse the process without disrupting or waking them. This is especially useful when you're running errands or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure security, opt for a car seat which attaches to a stroller via a rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secure while in use and won't fall off or loosen during the course of transport. Combinations of car seat and strollers that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also a good option for ride-share vehicles.

When you purchase a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age limits for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are only designed for use for the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be transformed into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle or converted into a stroller. Stanton advises parents to read all labels and instructions particularly when it's time to make sure that your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of both the car seat as well as the stroller.

While some parents prefer to buy separate products and create their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. These are often priced lower than buying the items individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy suspension with all-wheels and a large storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low-profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness settings and an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.

Style

While it's tempting to buy an infant travel system due to the convenience of moving your child from stroller to car and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to consider one. You also want to choose one that's elegant, well-balanced, and has a number of other features that make it comfortable for your child and yourself.

The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one box to allow an effortless transition from car to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible and some include a bassinet attachment for strolls to nap (safety research has shown that babies sleep best 2 in 1 pushchair in an upright position).

Strollers and infant cars seats that are compatible with 2-in-1 travel systems are light, durable, and easy to fold and maneuver. Look for models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for urban streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can accommodate several shopping bags. You should also consider how the stroller and car seat fold to make storage easier.

Some travel systems let you change the infant car seat with a toddler car seat once your child is no longer using it. This gives you an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is a great option when you plan to use the car seat for more than one year, or your partner frequently uses ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.

Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families who are looking for an option that is all in one. The built-in rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly change from stroller to car seat and back. It's also approved for air travel, which means you can get on and off public transport in peace. 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 variety of vibrant colors to match any outfit.