The Most Common 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat Debate It's Not As Black And White As You Might Think
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat A 2-in-1 travel system that includes car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and a stroller which work in tandem. However, they can be expensive. These combos make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from the car to the stroller and back again without waking them. This is a great solution for families who are always in motion. Comfort Travel systems that come with an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller simple. Contrary to stroller-only systems, all-in-ones typically have an infant car seat and a stroller that can be linked, and can be used with both newborns and toddlers. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that we have listed have a bassinet included that can be used as a secure alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks. While a two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat might cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money if you buy the two items together. And if you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, many brands have adaptors that let you to use the car seat with a stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements). When 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 intended to be used in the first year. If you are planning on keeping the car seat and using it beyond this point, consider an option with an convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler car seat and has a higher weight limit. Some travel systems also feature a second seat that can be used as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a great option but it's not essential and may not be practical depending on your lifestyle. Take a look at our top picks of strollers and car seats if you're looking for an affordable travel system that will last for several years. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. two in one pram have springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride and the PIPA car seat has an integrated drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. These seats also come with 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 perfect for parents who frequently run errands, or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your baby's sleeping body from the car to a stroller without disturbing or wake them up. A few of the top stroller-car seat combinations can be converted into a double as you expand your family. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform them into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is particularly important if the car seat is the sole vehicle seat for your baby. Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complicated conversion methods. You may have to manually connect the car seat to stroller or use straps attached to the base to secure it. In our tests, this method was often more difficult to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If you lose or forget the straps, it could cause a safety risk. While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you must also consider whether the stroller and car seat for your infant can work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats designed to be used until your child is the age of 1. The car seats do not attach to strollers when they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in one car seat/stroller models such as the Doona can be used as a car seat for toddlers with a seat belt booster after your child has outgrown the infant car seat but is too tall for the standard strollers. Car seat/stroller combinations are best for infants and toddlers until early childhood. If your child has outgrown the infant car seats and you are looking at buying a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can accommodate older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you must always make sure the infant car seat is set up properly and never remove it from your vehicle without taking off the straps first. Safety The combination of a car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of 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 travelling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, opt for a car seat that is attached to the stroller using either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while being used, and will not fall off or come loose in transportation. Car seat and stroller combos that can work with or without a base are good alternatives for ride-share vehicles. When you purchase a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used for the first 12 months of the life of a child. These car seats can be converted to a forward-facing car seat which can either be used in the vehicle, or snapped into a stroller. It's important to study the labels and follow instructions with care, says Stanton especially when it comes to making sure your child's height and weight are within the proper weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller. While some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel system, others prefer to buy pre-packaged stroller and car seats It is not unusual to see companies to offer these sets. These sets are generally less expensive than purchasing them individually. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller that comes with the Mesa infant car seat is an extremely sought-after set. The stroller has an easy ride, with a suspension that is all-wheel and springy and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby's equipment. The car seat is low profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. It's a simple and easy install, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat comes with a headrest that is adjustable in four positions, four harness settings and an insert that is cushioned to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and folds with just one hand. Style While it's tempting to buy a travel system to enjoy the convenience of moving your child from car to stroller and back again without waking 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 move around and has many other features to ensure your child's safety and for your own. The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one box for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They usually include an all-in-one car seat that is easily converted into a stroller compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies show that babies sleep better when they are in an upright position). Strollers and infant cars seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight, durable, and easy to fold and maneuver. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel front wheel for city streets, and a large cargo basket that can accommodate many shopping bags. Also, you should consider how the stroller and car seat fold to make storage easier. Certain travel systems allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat as your child grows out of it, giving you an additional 1-2 years of use. This is a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for longer than one year, or your partner regularly uses ride-sharing services or commutes by train or bus. 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 a car seat to a stroller and back with a built-in rigid LATCH system that allows you to secure the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also certified for air travel so you can get on and off public transport 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 world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.