A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A 2 in 1 travel system with car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby Pram 2 in 1 car seat and a stroller that work together. They can be expensive.

These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great option for families who are constantly moving.

Comfort

Travel systems with an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller simple. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combinations since they typically include an infant car seat and the stroller. They are suitable for infants as well as older children. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos that make our list come with an attachment for a bassinet which is an alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.

While a two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat could cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by buying the two items together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family the majority of brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat with an alternative stroller.

When looking for a travel set, be aware that a majority of these sets come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are designed to be used in the first year. If you plan on keeping the seat and using it beyond this time, you should look for a model that has an convertible car seat and pram 2 in 1 seat that can be used as a toddler seat and has a higher weight limit.

Some travel systems include an additional seat that can be used to support older children. While this is a nice option but it's not essential and might not be feasible based on your life style.

Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for a long time. Our editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features that will aid you and your baby to remain comfortable. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat has a built-in drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them a great option for 2 In 1 stroller families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.

Convenience

These combos are ideal for parents who often do errands, or transport their babies on public transportation such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or waking them.

A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you grow your family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly transform them into chariots that can accommodate two in one pram. This is particularly crucial if the car seat will be your baby pram 2 in 1's sole vehicle seat.

Other strollers and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the infant car seat onto the stroller, or use the straps that are attached to the base to secure it. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than the one-step process of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it can pose a safety hazard.

While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the stroller and car seat for your infant will work the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns one. These car seats are not attached to strollers once they are no longer required 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.

The most effective combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for babies to early childhood. If your child is out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system by an extra large stroller that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Also, remember that you must always make sure that your infant car seat is fitted correctly and never take it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.

Safety

Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller, and back without disrupting them or having to wake them up. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you're running errands and traveling. For extra safety, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is secured while in use and won't come loose or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used with or without the base are ideal for ride-share vehicles.

When looking for a new travel system, be sure to check the age and weight limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only designed for use during the first 12 months of a child's life. Many of these car seats then change to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the vehicle or snap into a compatible stroller. It is important to read the labels and follow all 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 products and design their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. They're usually cheaper than buying the products separately. Sets like UPPAbaby’s popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket that can hold all of your baby gear. The car seat is low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for added security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to install. The car seat features an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings, as well as padding to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean, and folds with just one hand.

Style

It's tempting to buy a travel system that makes it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller without waking them up, but that's not the main reason to consider buying one. You should also consider a model that's stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features that ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.

Travel systems that are the most effective include an infant car, stroller and car seat base all in one box to allow you to move from your car to the street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible and some offer a bassinet attachment for naptime strolls (safety research shows that babies sleep best when in a reclined position).

Strollers and infant car seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Choose models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit several shopping bags. You should also consider how compact the car seat and stroller are when they're folded to make storage easier.

Some travel systems let you replace the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child is no longer using it. This allows you to enjoy an additional 2 to 3 years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for longer than a year or if they have a companion who travels by bus, train or ride-share.