10 Fundamentals To Know 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat You Didn't Learn In School
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
These combos allow parents to easily move a child asleep from the car to the stroller and in reverse, without disturbing them up. This is a great choice for families that tend to spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems that come with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller easy. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only models because they usually come with an infant car seat and a stroller. They are suitable for both newborns and older children. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that we have listed have a bassinet attached that can be used as an alternative to a stroller for naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than purchasing the two items separately, however you'll save time and money by purchasing them together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't suitable for your family in the future there are adaptors for most brands that allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with another stroller.
When you are looking for a travel set, be aware that a majority of these sets come with an infant car seat and stroller designed to work together. They are designed to be used in the first year. If you are planning on keeping the seat and using it beyond this point, consider one that has an convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems include a second seat which can be used to help older children. This is a nice feature, but it might not be appropriate for your needs.
If you're looking for a great travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Our editor-tested favorites, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination are packed with features to help you and your baby remain comfortable. They have a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat has a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. These seats also have rigid LATCH connectors which can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This is a great choice for families that frequently use ride-share or have 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 or waking them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations also allow you to transform to a double as your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be pushed into place to instantly transform into chariots for two. This feature is crucial in the event that you plan to use the car seat as the baby's sole car seat.
Other stroller and car seat combinations have more complicated conversion procedures that require you to manually connect the car seat of your infant onto the stroller or use straps attached to the base to fix it. In our testing this method was generally harder to master than the one-step process of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it can cause a safety risk.
prams 2 in 1 of a car seat and stroller is a good idea however, you must consider whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together in the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products use rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns one. The car seats do not connect to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models like the Doona, can be used as a toddler car seat with an additional seat belt booster once your child outgrows the infant car seat but is too tall for the standard strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for babies through the early years of childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants it is recommended to consider buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can handle toddlers and older children. Always make sure your infant car seat has been properly installed. Do not remove it from your car without first untying the straps.
Safety
Car seats and strollers make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or needing to awake them. This is especially helpful when you're running errands or travelling, says Rothman. To ensure extra security, opt for a car seat that is attached to a stroller via a rigid LATCH system or a click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will remain secure while in use and won't fall off or become loose during transportation. Car seat and stroller combos that can work without or with a base are also good options for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a travel system, check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and the stroller. The majority of the infant car seats in these systems are rear-facing, and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. A lot of these seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that will stay in the vehicle or snap into a stroller that is compatible. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow instructions precisely, advises Stanton especially when it comes to making sure your child is within the correct weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items to create their own travel system, others prefer pre-packaged strollers and car seats It is not unusual to find companies that to sell these sets. These sets are generally less expensive than buying them separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought after. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket that can hold everything you need for your baby. The car seat is low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. It has a quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings as well as a padded insert to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean, and folds in one hand.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the ease of moving your baby from car to stroller and back without having to wake them up, it's not the only reason to think about one. You should also choose one with a sleek design, that is easy to maneuver and has many other features to ensure 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 the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls during nap time (safety research suggests that babies sleep better in reclined positions).
Strollers and infant car seats that are designed to work with two in one travel systems are light and robust, making them simple to maneuver, push, and fold. Look for models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a spacious cargo basket that can hold multiple shopping bags. Also, you should consider how the car seat and stroller fold to make it easier to store them.
Some travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat once your child has outgrown it. This allows for an additional two years of use. This is an excellent option for those who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if they have a companion who is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families looking for an all-in-one solution. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily change from stroller to car seat and back. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can board and get off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your baby to the world. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors to match any wardrobe.