Watch Out: How 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat Is Taking Over And What To Do About It
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as stroller that work in tandem. They can be costly.
These combos let parents easily transfer a sleepy child from the car to the stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them. This is a great solution 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. These are different from stroller-only combos because they usually include an infant car seat as well as a stroller. They can be used for both newborns and older children. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also include a bassinet, which can be used as an alternative to a traditional stroller during naptime walks.
A 2 in 1 travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save money and time by purchasing them all at once. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family there are adaptors for most brands to allow you to use the car seat with a different stroller.
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel system is that these sets usually include a car seat for infants and a stroller made to work together, which is designed to be used for the first 12 months. If you plan to keep the seat after this point make sure you choose a model which includes a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a greater weight limit.
Certain travel systems also come with an additional seat that can serve as a booster for older kids. This is a great feature, but it might not be suitable for your particular lifestyle.
Check out our top choices of strollers and car seats If you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for many years. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination are packed with features to help you and your baby stay comfortable. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to smooth out the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with a built in drape canopy that can protect the baby who is sleeping. These products also feature LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who frequently ride-sharing or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who frequently run errands, or take their children on public transport such as trains and buses. 2 in 1 pushchair allow you to easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform them into a double when your family grows. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is especially important if you plan to use the car seat as your baby's only car seat.
Other strollers and car seat combinations have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps that attach to the base to secure it. In our tests, this method was often more difficult to master than the single-step method of the Doona. It can be a safety risk if you misplace or forget to secure the straps prior using the travel system.
While 2 in 1 pushchair of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you should be aware of whether the stroller and car seat for your infant can work together for as long as you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns one. These car seats do not attach to strollers when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller products, such as Doona can be used as car seats for toddlers with the seatbelt booster when your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
The most effective combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for newborns to early childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants it is recommended to consider purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can be used by toddlers and older children. Make sure that your infant car seat has been properly installed. Don't remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat makes it easy to 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 are conducting errands or travel. To ensure extra security, opt for a car seat that is attached to a stroller via a rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while being used and won't fall off or become loose during transportation. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used without or with the base are ideal for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel set make sure you check the weight and age limit for the stroller as well as the car seat. The majority of the infant car seats that are included in these systems are rear-facing and are only intended for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these car seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the car or snap into a compatible stroller. It is important to be aware of the labels and follow all instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes to making sure your child is in the appropriate weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer buying separate items to create their own travel system and others prefer buying pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations It is not unusual for companies to sell these sets. They're usually cheaper than purchasing the items separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket to store everything your baby needs. The car seat is slim and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to put in. The car seat features an adjustable headrest with four positions, four harness heights and a padded insert for your child's comfort. It is easy to clean and it folds with one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, without waking them, but that's not the primary reason to buy one. You should also consider an option with a fashionable design, that is easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child's comfort as well as yours.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one package for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it and some offer an attachment for a bassinet for strolls to nap (safety research has shown that babies sleep best when in a reclined position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are light sturdy, durable, and easy to fold and maneuver. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a large cargo basket that can hold several shopping bags. You should also consider how the stroller and car seat can be folded for ease of storage.
Certain travel systems let you replace the infant car seat with a toddler one as your child grows out of it, which gives you an additional two years of 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 bus or train.
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 integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily change between car seats and strollers and back. It's also certified for air travel so you can hop onto and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so that you can take your child on adventures across the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.