A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A 2 in 1 pram and pushchair-in-1 travel system that includes car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as a stroller which work in tandem. However they can be costly.

These combos allow parents to easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them. This is a great choice for families that spend much of their time in the car.

Comfort

Travel systems that include an infant car seat are a great option to make the transition from car to stroller simple. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only combos because they usually come with an infant car seat and a stroller. They are suitable for both infants and older children. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also include a bassinet, which can be used as a secure alternative to a stroller during naptime walks.

While a two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat may cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by buying them all in one package. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family in the future there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat in conjunction with another stroller.

When looking for a travel set keep in mind that most of these sets come with an infant car-seat and stroller designed to work together. They are designed to be used within the first year. If you plan to keep the car seat and using it beyond this period, look for an option with an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler's seat and has a higher weight limit.

Some travel systems come with a second seat which can be used to help older children. This is a great feature, but it might not be suitable for your particular 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. Our editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features to ensure that you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. 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. These seats also come with rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on vehicles without a base. This makes them a great option for families who regularly use ride-share or have two cars.

Convenience

Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who frequently run the errands of their children or take them out on public transport like buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or awakening them.

A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you expand your family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 prams Combo, which features an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is especially important if the car seat is your baby's primary vehicle seat.

Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion procedures. It is possible to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or use straps attached to base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you lose or forget the straps, it can be a danger to your safety.

While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the infant car seat and stroller can work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seats and strollers are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns 1. These car seats do not snap onto a stroller when they are no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models like the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with an additional seat belt booster once your child is no longer in the car seat for infants but is too tall to fit in the standard strollers.

The most effective combination is a car seat and stroller for babies to early childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants, you should look into purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can be used by toddlers and older children. Also, keep in mind that you should always ensure that your infant car seat is set up correctly and never take it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.

Safety

The combination of the car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from a car to a stroller, and in reverse, without disrupting or waking them. Rothman says this is especially useful when you're running errands and traveling. To ensure your safety, select a car seat that is attached to a stroller via a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure the car seat is secured when in use and that it won't come loose or fall off during transportation. Car seat and stroller combinations that work without or with a base are good options for vehicles that ride-share.

When shopping for a travel system, check the age and weight limits of both the car seat and the stroller. Most infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that will stay in the vehicle or can snap into a stroller that is compatible. Stanton advises parents to follow all instructions and labels, especially when it's time to ensure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of the car seat and the stroller.

While some parents prefer to purchase separate items and build their own travel system, it's not unusual for companies to offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller set-ups. They are usually priced lower than buying the products separately. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller is smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket for everything your baby needs. The car seat is slim and has a SafeCell crumple area for added protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to put in. The car seat has a headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness heights and 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 moving your child from stroller to car and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also choose an option with a fashionable design, which is easy to move around and comes with a variety of other features for your child's comfort and yours.

The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one package for an effortless transition from car to street. They usually come with a single-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible, and some even offer an attachment for a bassinet for strolls to nap (safety research has shown that babies sleep best when in reclined positions).

Strollers and infant car seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight sturdy, durable, and easy to fold and move. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit multiple shopping bags. To make storage easier, you should also check how compact strollers and car seats are when folded.

Certain travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child grows out of it. This allows for an additional 2 in 1 travel system with car seat to 3 years of use. This is a great option if you're planning on using the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner regularly uses ride-share services or commutes by bus or train.

The All-in-1 car seat pushchair 2 in 1 Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families who want an all-in-one solution. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to easily switch 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 and Stroller can also be converted to double strollers, allowing you to take your child to the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.