A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as a stroller which work in tandem. 2 in 1 pram can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them up. This is a great option for families who are always on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems with an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from the car to stroller a breeze. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as stroller that connect, and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car seat-and-stroller combos that make our list have an attachment for a bassinet and can be an excellent alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A 2-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 together. And if you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, a majority of manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use your chosen car seat with another stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
When looking for a travel set be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. They are intended to be used in the first year. If you intend to keep the seat after this point you should choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and has a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems come with a second seat which can be used to help older children. While this is a nice option but it's not essential and might not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last a few years, check out our top picks for car seats and strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many 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 has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to protect a child who is snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles that do not have a base, making it an ideal option for families that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who often run errands, or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. You can easily move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double as your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place, instantly transforming them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is particularly important when you intend to use the car seat for your baby's primary car seat.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion methods that may require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps that attach to the base to secure it. In our testing this method, it was more difficult to master than single-step method of the Doona. If 2 in 1 pram stroller lose or forget the straps, it may pose a safety hazard.
A car seat/stroller combination is a good idea, but you should also think about whether the strollers and infant car seats 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 is the age of one. The car seats can't be attached to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models such as the Doona is able to be used as a toddler car seat with an additional seat belt booster once your child outgrows the infant car seat but is too tall for most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for babies through early childhood. If your child has outgrown the infant car seats, you should look into purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can handle older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you must ensure the infant car seat is fitted correctly and never take it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them or waking them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you're conducting errands or travel. To ensure your safety, select a car seat that is attached to a stroller with a rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while being used, and will not fall off or become loose during transportation. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used with or without the base are an excellent option for vehicles with ride-sharing.
When purchasing a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age restrictions 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 changed to a forward facing car seat that can be used in the car, or snapped into the stroller. It's important to study the labels and follow all instructions with care, says 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 purchase separate products and design their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller is smooth ride, springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket that can hold everything your baby needs. The car seat is slim and features a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional protection. It has a quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest with four positions with four harness heights, as well as padding for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds with just one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up, however, that's not the only reason to think about buying one. You should also choose a model with a stylish design, which is easy to move around, and that has many other features for your child's comfort and yours.
The best travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, all in one box to allow seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a compatible stroller and some include an attachment for a bassinet for naptime strolls (safety research suggests that babies sleep best when 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. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate several shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items make sure to check how the strollers and car seats are when folded.
Certain travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler one when your child outgrows it, giving you an additional 1-2 years of use. This is a great option when you plan to use the car seat for more than one year, or if your partner is frequently using ride-share services or commutes by train or bus.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families that want an all-in-one solution. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly change from stroller to car seat and back. It is also certified for air travel so you can board and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.