A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A Ickle Bubba Stomp Luxe 2-in-1 Stroller – Silver/Grey/Black travel set-up with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant as well as stroller that 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 up. This is a great solution for families who are constantly in motion.
Comfort
Travel systems that include a stroller and an infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller easy. In contrast to stroller-only combos, these all-in-ones typically include an infant car seat as well as a stroller that can be linked, and are suitable for toddlers as well as newborns. Many of the car-and-stroller combinations that we have listed include a bassinet that can be used as a secure alternative to a stroller during naptime walks.
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the items separately, but you’ll save time and money by purchasing them together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller are not right for your family later there are adaptors for most brands that let you use the car seat with a different stroller.
When looking for a travel set be aware that a majority of these sets come with an infant car seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used within the first year. If you plan to keep the seat after this point you should choose a model that includes a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and has a greater maximum weight.
Some travel systems include a second LIONELO Amber Pram Set: Versatile Sport Seat which can be used to help older children. While this is a great option however, it’s not necessary and might not be feasible based on your lifestyle.
Check out our top picks of car seats and strollers if you’re looking for an affordable travel system that will last for a long time. Our editor-tested favorites, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination are packed with features that will ensure that you and your baby stay in a comfortable position. They have a springy all-wheel suspensions to smooth the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with an integrated drape canopy to shield a sleepy child. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on cars that don’t have a base. This makes them a great option for families who frequently ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who often run the errands of their children or take them out on public transportation such as buses and trains. They let you easily move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or awakening them.
Some of the most effective stroller-car seat combinations can be turned into a double when you expand your family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that click into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot for two. This feature is especially important when you intend to use the car seat for your baby’s primary vehicle seat.
Other car seat and stroller combos have more complex conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use the straps attached to the base to hold it in place. In our testing this method was generally harder to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If you lose or forget the straps, it could be a danger to your safety.
While a combo of a stroller and car seat is convenient, you must take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat can work together for the time you need them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos feature rear-facing infant car seat designed to be used until your child reaches the age of 1. These car seats are not attached to strollers once they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for babies through early childhood. When your child has grown out of the infant car seat, you can replace the travel system with a larger stroller that can be used by older children and toddlers. Always make sure your infant car seat has been properly installed. Do not remove it from the car without first untying the straps.
Safety
The combination of a stroller and car seat allows you to easily transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and reverse the process without disrupting or waking them. This is especially useful when you’re doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. For extra safety, look for car seats that can be attached to the stroller using either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe when in use and that it will not come loose or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also ideal for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel set, be sure to check the weight and age restrictions for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are designed to be used during the first 12 months of the child’s life. A majority of these seats change to a forward-facing seat that will stay in the car or snap into a stroller that is compatible. It’s important to study the labels and follow all instructions carefully, adds Stanton particularly when it comes to ensuring your child’s height and weight are within the proper weight and height guidelines for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to purchase separate items to build their own travel system, others prefer pre-packaged stroller and car seats, it is not uncommon to find companies that offer these sets. They are usually priced lower than purchasing the items separately. For instance, UPPAbaby’s bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller has smooth riding with springy suspension on all wheels 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 zone for added protection. It’s a simple and easy install, 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 padding to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean and folds in one hand.
Style
While it’s tempting to purchase an infant travel system due to the ease of moving your baby from stroller to car and back without having to wake them up, that’s not the only reason to consider one. You should also consider a model with a stylish design, which is easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features to ensure your child’s safety and for your own.
Travel systems that are the most efficient include the infant car stroller, car seat, and stroller base all in one box to make it easier for you to move from your vehicle to the street. They usually include a single car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even come with a bassinet for naps (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in a reclining position).
Strollers and infant car seats designed to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are light and sturdy, making them easy to move, push and fold. Choose models with rubber tires with a swivel wheel on the front for city streets, and a big cargo basket that can fit multiple shopping bags. To make storage easier make sure to check how small car seats and strollers fold when folded.
Some travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat included with a toddler car seat when your child is no longer using it. This gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option for those who intend to use the seat for longer than a year or if they have a companion who commutes by train, bus or Pushchairsandprams ride-share.
The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller is a top pick for families who want an all-in-one solution. The integrated rigid system of LATCH allows you to easily switch from stroller to car seat and back. It’s also certified for air travel so you can hop onto and off public transportation with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be transformed into a double stroller so you can take your child on excursions around the world. It is available in a range of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.
