2 in 1 pram stroller in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system with car seats offers parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant, as well as a stroller which are able to work together. However 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. This is a great solution for families that tend to spend the majority of their time on the move.
Comfort
Travel systems with a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller simple. These all-in-ones are different from stroller-only models since they typically include an infant car seat as well as the stroller. They can be used for infants as well as older children. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos that make our list also have a bassinet included, which can be used as an alternative for a traditional stroller for naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than purchasing the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the stroller and car seat are not right for your family later there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat in conjunction with a different stroller.
When looking for a travel set, be aware that the majority of these sets come with an infant car-seat as well as stroller designed to work together. These are meant to be used within the first year. If you intend to keep the seat after this time you should choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that can be used for toddlers and has a greater maximum weight.
Some travel systems include an additional seat that can be used to help older children. This is a nice option, but it may not be suitable for your lifestyle.
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 and strollers. Editor-tested favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have many features that will keep you and your child comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also has a built in drape canopy to protect children who are snoozing. They also have rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base making it a great option for families who regularly utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combos are great for parents who regularly run out for errands or take their child out on public transport like trains and buses. They allow you to easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double when your family expands. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo which 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 especially important if your car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car-seat combos might have more complex conversion methods. You may have to manually connect the car seat to stroller or attach straps to base to ensure it is secured. This method was more difficult to master during our tests than the Doona's one-step conversion. It can pose dangerous when you forget or misplace the straps to attach the straps before using the travel system.
A car seat/stroller combination is a great option, but you should also think about whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together as long as you want them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products use rear-facing only infant car seats that are designed to be used up until your child turns one. The car seats can't be attached to a stroller once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products such as the Doona, can be used as a toddler car seat with the seat belt booster when your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too tall to fit into the majority of strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for babies through early childhood. Once your child outgrows the car seats for infants and you are looking at purchasing a separate stroller and replacing the travel system with a bigger model that can be used by older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you must always make sure that your infant car seat is fitted properly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos allow you to easily move infants from the vehicle to the stroller, and back without disrupting them or having to get them up. Rothman says this is especially beneficial when you're running errands and traveling. For extra safety, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller via the simple click or the rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is safe when it's used and will not fall off or fall off during transport. Combinations of car seats and stroller that can be used with or without the base are also an excellent option for vehicles that ride-share.
When looking for a new stroller, make sure you know the age and weight limits of both the car seat and stroller. The majority of the infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing, and are only meant for use in the first 12 months of your child's life. A majority of these car seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow the instructions precisely, advises Stanton especially when it comes to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the proper weight and height requirements for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products and create their own travel system, it's not uncommon to see companies sell pre-packaged car seats and strollers combination sets. These sets are usually cheaper than buying them separately. For instance, UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller offers a smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket to store all of your baby gear. The car seat is low-profile and features a SafeCell crumple zone for extra protection. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to install. The car seat has an adjustable headrest with four positions with four harness heights, as well as an insert that is cushioned for your little one's comfort. It's easy to clean and comes with a one-hand fold, making it convenient for storage.
Style
It's tempting to buy a travel system to make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them, but that's not the primary reason to consider buying one. You should also consider a model that's stylish, maneuvers well and comes with a range of other features that make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base all in one box to allow seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller that is compatible and some offer the option of a bassinet attachment to allow strolls to nap (safety research has shown that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight and durable. They are also easy to fold and move. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front for city streets as well as a large basket for cargo, and can accommodate multiple shopping bags. You also want to check how the stroller and car seat can be folded for ease of storage.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler one when your child outgrows it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. That's a great option if you plan to use the car seat for longer than a year, or if your partner regularly uses ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train.
Graco's All in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families looking for an all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch from stroller to car seat and back. It is also certified for air travel, so you can board and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted into a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures around the world. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that complement any wardrobe.