7 Simple Tips To Totally Refreshing Your 2 In 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system that incorporates a car seat offers parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. They can be costly.
These combos allow parents to easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa, without waking them up. This is a great option for families that tend to spend much of their time on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from the car to stroller without disturbing them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes an infant stroller seat and a stroller car seat may be just the thing you're looking for. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only models because they usually include an infant car seat in addition to the stroller. They can be used for both infants and older children. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos 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 a car seat might cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money if you buy them as a set. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family in the future the majority of brands have adaptors that let you use the car seat with an alternative stroller.
One important thing to remember when you are shopping for a travel system is that they typically include an infant car seat and a stroller made to work together, which is intended to be used for the first 12 months. If you intend to keep the seat after this time, choose a model that has a convertible car-seat that is suitable for toddlers and is able to support a higher weight limit.
Some travel systems also have a second seat that can serve as a booster for older children. While this is a nice option however, it's not necessary and may not be practical depending on your lifestyle.
Check out our top choices of car seats and strollers to find an affordable travel system that will last for many years. Our editor-tested favorites include the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination are packed with features that will ensure that you and your baby stay comfortable. These products feature springy all-wheel-suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also has a built in drape canopy that protects the baby who is sleeping. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles without a base. This makes them an ideal choice for families who regularly use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.
2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller are perfect for parents who run errands, or take their babies on public transportation like buses and trains. It is easy to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing or awakening them.
A few of the top strollers and car seat combinations allow you to transform to a double as your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is an amalgamation of a stroller and a baby car seat that can be clicked into place to instantly convert them into chariots that can accommodate two. This feature is crucial in the event that you plan to use the car seat as your baby's sole vehicle seat.
Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion methods. You may need to manually connect the car seat to stroller or strap it to base to ensure it is secured. In our testing, this method was often more difficult to master than the one-step process of the Doona. If you forget or lose the straps, it can cause a safety risk.
While a combination of a car seat and stroller is convenient, you must take into consideration whether the infant car seat and stroller will work together for the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns one. These car seats are not connected to a stroller after they are no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seats/strollers products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with a seatbelt booster after your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too big to fit in most traditional strollers.
The best combination is an infant car seat and a stroller for babies to early childhood. When your child has grown out of the car seat for infants, you can change the travel system to larger strollers that can be used by older children and toddlers. Keep in mind that you should always ensure the infant car seat is set up correctly 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 their car to the stroller, and back without disturbing them or having to wake them up. Rothman says this is particularly useful when you're running errands and traveling. For extra safety, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller using either a simple click or rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure while in use and won't fall off or come loose in the course of transport. Car seat and stroller combos that work without or with a base are also good alternatives for ride-share vehicles.
When you are looking for a travel system, check the weight and age restrictions of both the car seat and stroller. 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. A majority of these car seats transition to a forward-facing car seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or can snap into a compatible stroller. It's important to be aware of the labels and follow all instructions carefully, adds Stanton, especially when it comes down to ensuring your child's height and weight are within the appropriate weight and height guidelines for both the car seat and the stroller.
Some parents prefer buying separate products to create their own travel systems, others prefer buying pre-packaged stroller and car seats, it is not uncommon to see companies to sell these sets. These sets are usually cheaper than purchasing them individually. Sets like UPPAbaby's bestselling Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are highly sought-after. The stroller offers a smooth ride with springy suspension on all wheels and a large basket to hold all the baby's toys. The car seat has a low profile and has a SafeCell crumple zone for added security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it simple to set up. The car seat has an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions, four harness settings and padding to ensure the comfort of your child. It's easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, which makes it easy for storage.
Style
Although it's tempting to purchase a travel system to enjoy the convenience of transferring your baby from car to stroller and back without waking them up, it's not the only reason to look into one. You should also consider one that is stylish, maneuvers well, and has a number of other features that ensure it's comfortable for your child and yourself.
The most effective travel systems include an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one package for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. These systems typically include a one-piece car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even have an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better in the reclining position).
Strollers and infant cars seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light and durable. They are also easy to fold and maneuver. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for city streets and a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. You should also consider how small the stroller and car seat can be folded for ease of storage.
Certain travel systems allow you to replace the infant car seat with a toddler car seat once your child has outgrown it. This allows for an additional 1-2 years use. This is an excellent option for those who intend to use the seat for a longer period of time 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 an excellent choice for families seeking an option that is all in one. It's easy to transfer from the car seat to the stroller and back thanks to the 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 board and get off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat & Stroller can be converted to a double stroller, so you can take your child on adventures around the globe. It comes in a variety of vibrant colors that fit in with any outfit.