11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually OK To Create With Your 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system with car seat provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and a stroller that can work together. However they can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them. This is a great solution for families who are always in motion.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller easy. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller that click together, and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet attached that can be used as a safe alternative for a traditional stroller during naptime walks.
While a 2 in 1 travel system with car seat might cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing the two items together. If you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't quite right for your family, many manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).
When shopping for a travel set be aware that the majority of these sets include an infant car-seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. They are designed to be used during the first year. If you plan to keep the car seat and using it past this period, look for an option with a convertible car seat that can be used as a toddler car seat and has a greater weight limit.
Some travel systems have a second seat which can be used to support older children. This is a great feature, but it may not be practical for your lifestyle.
Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats If you're looking for an budget-friendly travel system that can last for several years. Our editors' top picks, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combo, have plenty of features that will help you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to make the ride more comfortable. The PIPA car seat also features a built in drape canopy that can protect a child who is snoozing. 2 in 1 stroller have LATCH connectors that can be used in vehicles without a base making it an ideal option for families who regularly use ride-share services or have two cars.
Convenience
These are great for parents who run errands or take their children on public transport like buses and trains. They let you easily move your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them.
Some of the best stroller-car seat combinations can be transformed into a double as you have a growing family. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and infant car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly convert into chariots for two. This feature is particularly important in the event that you plan to use the car seat for your baby's only vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion methods that may require you to manually attach the car seat of your infant onto the stroller, or use the straps attached to the base to hold it in place. In our tests this method was generally more difficult to master than the single-step method of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it may be a danger to your safety.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you must also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat can work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos are rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns 1. These car seats cannot be attached to strollers once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, but it is too big to fit into traditional strollers.
The most effective combination is the combination of a stroller and car seat for infants and children in the early years of childhood. When your child grows out of the infant car seat you can replace the travel system with an extra large stroller that can be used by older toddlers and older children. Always ensure that your infant car seat has been installed correctly. Don't remove it from your car without first removing the straps.
Safety
The combination of the car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller and in reverse without disturbing or waking them up. This is especially useful when you're running errands or traveling, 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 safe while being used and won't fall off or come loose in transit. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used with or without the base are ideal for vehicles that ride-share.
When shopping for a travel system, check the age and weight limits of both the car seat as well as the stroller. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are designed to be used during the first 12 months of a child's life. These car seats can be converted to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in the car, or snapped into a stroller. Stanton says it's crucial to be aware of all labels and directions particularly when it's time to make sure your child meets the weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
Some parents prefer to buy 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 offer these sets. These sets are usually cheaper than buying them separately. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought after. The stroller has an easy ride, with a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket that can be used to store all of the baby's toys. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple area for added security. It is quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat features a four-position adjustable headrest with four harness settings as well as a padded insert to ensure your child's safety. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand.
Style
It's tempting to purchase an accessory for travel to make it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them, but that's not the main reason to buy one. You also want to choose a model that's elegant, well-balanced and comes with a variety of other features to make it comfortable for your child and you.
The best travel systems most effective include the infant car, stroller and car seat base in one package to make it easier for you to transfer from your vehicle to the street. These systems typically include a single car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even include a bassinet for naps (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight sturdy, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Find models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a large cargo basket that can accommodate several shopping bags. For easy storage it is important to know how the strollers and car seats are when folded.
Certain travel systems allow you to change the infant car seat included with an adult car seat when your child grows out of it. This gives you an additional 1-2 years use. This is an excellent option for those who intend to use the seat for longer than a year or if they have a companion who is a commuter on a bus, train or ride-share.
Graco's All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families who want an all-in-one solution. It's simple to transfer from the car seat to the stroller and back with a built-in rigid LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel so you can hop onto and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller so you can take your child on adventures across the globe. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.