15 Terms That Everyone In The 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat Industry Should Know
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 an infant car seat and stroller that can work together. They can be expensive.
These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller and reverse the process, without disturbing them up. This is a great solution for families who are constantly 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 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, which can be used as a secure alternative for a traditional stroller during naptime walks.
A two-in-one travel system that comes with a car seat will cost more than buying the items separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them together. And if you decide later that the stroller and car seat aren't quite right for your family, most manufacturers offer adapters that allow you to use your chosen car seat with a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a travel system is that these sets typically comprise an infant car seat and a stroller designed to work together, and is intended to be used in the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the seat after this point make sure you choose a model which features a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and has a higher maximum weight.
Some travel systems also have an additional seat that can serve as a booster seat for older kids. While this is a nice option but it's not essential and might not be practical based on your life style.
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 top choices, which have been tested by our editors, such as the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination are packed with features that will help you and your baby remain comfortable. These products have springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride, and the PIPA car seat comes with an integrated drape canopy for protecting a snoozing child. They also come with rigid LATCH connectors that can be used with vehicles without a base, making it a perfect choice for families who frequently utilize ride-sharing services or two cars.
Convenience
Car seat/stroller combinations are great for parents who regularly run errands or take their baby out on public transport such as trains and buses. They allow you to 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 turned into a double as you expand your family. We love the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This feature is particularly important when you intend to use the car seat for your baby's sole car seat.
Other stroller and car seat combination models have more complicated conversion techniques that require you to manually snap 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 often harder to master than the one-step procedure of the Doona. If you misplace 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 also consider whether the stroller and infant car seat can work together for as long as you require 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. These car seats do not connect to strollers once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat but is too big to fit into traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations work best for newborns through early childhood. If your child is out of the car seat for infants, you can change the travel system to larger strollers which can be used for older children and toddlers. Always make sure your infant car seat is installed correctly. Never remove it from the car without first removing the straps.
Safety
The combination of a car seat and stroller allows for easy transfer of infants from a car 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. To ensure your safety, opt for car seats that can be attached to the stroller with either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure the car seat is secured while in use and that it will not fall off or fall off during transportation. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used without or with the base are also an excellent option for vehicles that ride-share.
When purchasing a travel system be sure to verify the weight and age restrictions for both the stroller and the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats that are only intended for use during the first 12 months of the child's life. These car seats can be transformed to a forward facing car seat which can either be used in a vehicle or converted into the stroller. It is essential to be aware of the labels and follow all instructions carefully, adds Stanton especially when it comes to ensuring your child is within the appropriate weight and height limits for both the car seat as well as the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate items and build their own travel system, it's not unusual to see companies offer pre-packaged car seat and stroller combination sets. They are usually priced lower than buying the products separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller offers a smooth ride with springy all-wheel suspension, and a large basket that can be used to store all of your baby's gear. The car seat has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for added protection. It has a quick and simple installation, thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. 2 in 1 pram stroller has an adjustable headrest with four positions with four harness heights, as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure your child's comfort. It is easy to clean, and it folds with one hand.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the ease of moving your baby from car to stroller and back again without waking them up, that's not the only reason to consider one. You also want to choose one that is stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features to make it comfortable for both your child and you.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base all in one box to allow an effortless transition from car to street. They typically feature a one-piece infant car seat that snaps 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 best in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats that work with 2-in-1 travel systems are lightweight and durable. They are also easy to fold and move. Choose models with rubber tires, a swivel front wheel for urban streets, and a big cargo basket that can accommodate many shopping bags. To make storage easier make sure to check how compact strollers and car seats fold when folded.
Some travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat after your child has outgrown it, giving you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option when you plan to use the car seat for longer than one year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train.
The All-in-1 Car Seat and Stroller is a top option for families that want an all-in-one solution. It's easy to transfer from a car seat to a stroller, and back, thanks to the LATCH system that secures the seat swiftly and securely in your car. It's 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 to a double stroller so you can take your child on excursions around the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any wardrobe.