This Most Common 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat Debate Isn t As Black And White As You May Think

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 stroller that work in tandem. They can be expensive.

These combos let parents easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and vice versa, without waking them up. This is a great solution for families who are constantly in motion.

Comfort

Travel systems with a stroller and infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller 2 in 1 car seat easy. 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 toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations on our list have a bassinet included that can be used as a safe alternative for a traditional stroller during naptime walks.

While a two-in-one travel system with car seat could cost more than separate products, you'll likely save time and money by buying them as a set. And if you decide later that the car seat and stroller aren't the right fit for your family, a majority of brands have adaptors that let you to use your chosen car seat with a stroller (provided it is able to meet the weight and height requirements).

When shopping for a travel set be aware that a majority of them come with an infant car-seat as well as a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used within the first year. If you are planning on keeping the seat and using it after this period, look for a model with a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a greater weight limit.

Some travel systems have an additional seat that can be used to support older children. While this is a nice option, it's not a necessity and might not be practical depending on your life style.

If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats and strollers. Our editor-tested favorites, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo are packed with features that will help you and your baby stay comfortable. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride and the PIPA car seat comes with an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to shield a sleepy child. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base, making it a perfect option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.

Convenience

These are great for parents who frequently do errands, or transport their children on public transport such as trains and buses. They let you easily transfer your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them up.

Some of the best strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double as your family grows. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be clicked into position to instantly transform them into chariots for two. This feature is particularly important when you intend to use the car seat as the baby's only car seat.

Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion methods. You may need to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or attach straps to base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can be an accident hazard when you forget or misplace the straps to secure the straps prior to using the travel system.

A car seat/stroller combo is a great option, but you should also think about whether the infant car seats and strollers will work together in 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 do not connect to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the infant car seat however, it is too large to fit into traditional strollers.

The best combination is a car seat and stroller for newborns to early childhood. If your child has outgrown the infant car seats, you should look into buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can be used by toddlers and older children. Also, remember that you must always make sure that your infant car seat is installed 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 disturbing them or needing to wake them up. This is particularly useful when you're running errands or travelling, says Rothman. For extra safety, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller using either the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat will be secure while in use and won't fall off or become loose during the course of transport. Car seat and stroller combinations that work without or with a base are also good options for ride-share vehicles.

When you are looking for a travel system, be sure to check the weight and age 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 for the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be converted into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the car, or snapped into a stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to follow all instructions and labels particularly when it comes time to make sure your child meets the weight and height requirements of the car seat and the stroller.

While some parents prefer buying separate items to create their own travel system, others prefer to buy pre-packaged strollers and car seats it is not unusual for companies to sell these sets. They're usually cheaper 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, springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to store everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat has a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness heights, as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and features a 1-hand Safest prams fold, making it convenient to store.

Style

It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them up, however, that's not the only reason to buy one. You should also choose one with a sleek design, that is easy to move around and has many other features to ensure your child's safety and for your own.

Travel systems that are the most effective include an infant car, stroller and car seat base in one box to allow you to move from your vehicle to the street. They typically come with an all-in-one car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even come with a bassinet for naps (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in an upright position).

Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and durable, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front to allow for city streets and a large cargo basket, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. For easy storage make sure to check how small car seats and strollers can be when folded.

Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler car seat once your child has outgrown it. This allows for an additional 1-2 years use. This is a great option when you plan to use the car seat for more than one year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-share services or commutes via bus or train.

The All-in-One Car Seat and stroller 2 in 1 car seat is a top pick for families who want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to transfer from the car seat to the stroller and back again, thanks to the LATCH system that locks the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel so you can hop onto and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted to double strollers, best 2 in 1 stroller allowing you to take your child to the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to match any outfit.