How To Get More Results From Your 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. However, they can be expensive.
These combinations make it easy for parents to move a sleeping baby from stroller to car and back without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families that are constantly on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for an easy way to transition your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them, a travel system with the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat could be what you need. 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 both newborns and toddlers. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos on our list include a bassinet and can be used as a secure alternative to a traditional stroller for walks during naptime.
A 2-in-1 travel system that comes with a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. If you decide later on that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family, many brands have adaptors that let you to use your chosen car seat alongside a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
When looking for a travel set, be aware that the majority of them come with an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. They are intended to be used during the first year. If you are planning to keep the seat and using it beyond this point, consider a model that has an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a heavier weight limit.
Some travel systems have an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. While this is a nice option however, it's not necessary and may not be feasible based on 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 a long time. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combination have numerous features that will keep your child and you comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to shield a sleepy child. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it a perfect choice for families who frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who frequently run the errands of their children or take them out on public transportation such as trains and buses. You can easily transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be converted to a double as you have a growing family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is particularly important in the event that you plan to use the car seat as the baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex 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 secure it. In our testing this method, it was harder to master than the one-step process of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it can pose a safety hazard.
A combination of a car seat and stroller is a great option however, you must consider whether the infant car seats and strollers will work together as long as you require them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products are rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns 1. The car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat, but is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for babies through the early years of childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants, you should look into buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Keep in mind that you should always ensure your infant car seat is set up correctly and never take it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos allow you to easily move infants from their car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to awake them. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you're doing errands or traveling. To ensure security, opt for a car seat that is attached to a stroller via a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure when it's in use and that it 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 also a good option for vehicles that ride-share.
When purchasing a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age limits for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seat that are designed to be used during the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be changed to a forward facing car seat that can be used in the car or converted into a stroller. Stanton says it's crucial 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 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 uncommon to see companies sell pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. These are often priced lower than buying the items individually. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller is 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 to provide additional protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to put in. The car seat features a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings, as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and folds in one hand.
Style
While it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the convenience of transferring your baby from stroller to car and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to look into one. You should also choose a model that's elegant, well-balanced and comes with a range of other features that ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
The best travel systems most efficient include an infant car stroller, car seat and stroller base in one box to make it easier for you to transfer from your vehicle to the street. pram 2in1 have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a compatible stroller and some offer a bassinet attachment for strolls to nap (safety research has shown that babies sleep better in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and durable, making them easy to move, push and fold. Choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate multiple shopping bags. To make it easier to store your items, you should also check how compact strollers and car seats can be when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to change 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 1-2 years use. This is a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner is frequently using ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families that want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to move from the car seat to the stroller and back with a built-in rigid LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and safely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, so you can get on and off public transportation with ease. pram 2 in 1 -in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to a double stroller, which allows you to take your baby to the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to complement any outfit.