The Most Common 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat Debate Actually Isn't As Black And White As You Might Think

A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat offers parents the convenience of having an infant car seat and a stroller that work together. However, they 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 an excellent option for families who are always in motion.

Comfort

If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them, a travel system with a stroller seat and infant car seat could be what you need. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only combinations because they usually include an infant car seat in addition to a stroller. They are suitable for both infants and older children. A lot of the car seat and stroller combinations on our list include a bassinet attachment as well which is an excellent alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.

A 2-in-1 travel system that comes with a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. 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 an alternative stroller.

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. These are meant to be used during the first year. If you intend to keep the car seat after this period you should choose a model that features a convertible car seat that can be used by toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.

Certain travel systems also come with a second seat that can be used as a booster for older children. While this is a great option however, it's not necessary and may not be practical based on your lifestyle.

If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last for a couple of years, look through our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Our editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination, have plenty of features to aid you and your baby to remain comfortable. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also has a built-in drape canopy to protect a child who is snoozing. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles that do not have a base, making it an ideal choice for families who frequently use ride-sharing services or have two cars.

Convenience

These are great for parents who often do errands, or transport their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.

Some of the best 2 in 1 prams strollers and Pram 2in1 car seat combinations also allow you to convert them into a double when your family expands. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 pram stroller Combo which comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place, instantly transforming into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is crucial in the event that you plan to use the car seat as your baby's sole car seat.

Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion methods. You may need to manually snap the car seat onto stroller or strap it to base to secure it. In our tests this method was generally harder to master than the one-step process of the Doona. If you lose or forget the straps, it may cause a safety risk.

A car seat/stroller combination is a good idea however, you must consider whether the strollers and infant car seats can work as long as you require them to. The majority of car seats and strollers are rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats cannot be attached 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 with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the car seat for infants, but is too big to fit into traditional strollers.

The most effective combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for newborns to early childhood. If your child has outgrown the infant car seats it is recommended to consider buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can handle older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you must always make sure your infant car seat is installed properly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.

Safety

The combination of a stroller and car seat allows for easy transfer of infants from a car to a stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them or waking them up. Rothman states that this is especially useful when you are running errands and traveling. To ensure security, opt for an automobile seat that connects to a stroller via the rigid LATCH system or an easy-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secured during use and will not slide off or become loose during transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used with or without the base are also ideal for vehicles that ride-share.

When purchasing a travel system make sure you check the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only intended for use during the first 12 months of the child's life. These car seats can be changed into a forward-facing car seat that can be used in a vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. It's important to read the labels and follow instructions precisely, advises Stanton particularly when it comes down to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the appropriate weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.

While some parents prefer buying separate products to create their own travel system, others prefer to buy pre-packaged stroller and car seats it is not unusual to find companies that offer these sets. These are often priced lower 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 features an easy ride, with a springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby's gear. The car seat has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat has a four-position headrest with four harness heights, as well as padding to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and folds with just one hand.

Style

It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller without waking them up, however, that's not the only reason to think about buying one. You should also choose one that is stylish, easy to maneuver, and has a number of other features to ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.

The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one box to allow a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps into a stroller that is compatible and some offer a bassinet attachment for naptime strolls (safety research suggests that babies sleep better in an upright position).

Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with two in one travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to move, push, and fold. Find models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for streets in cities as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how small the car seat and stroller fold for ease of storage.

Some travel systems let you replace the included infant car seat with a toddler prams seat when your child outgrows it, which gives you an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for those who plan to use the seat for a longer period of time or if their partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.

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 rigid system built into LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also approved for air travel, so you can board and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your little one on adventures around the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will complement any wardrobe.