A 2 in 1 Travel System With Car Seat

A 2 in 1 buggy and car seat-in-1 travel set-up with car seats gives parents the convenience of a car seat for their infant and stroller that work in tandem. However they can be costly.

These combos let parents easily move a sleeping child from the car to the stroller, and in reverse, without disturbing them. This is a great solution for families that are constantly in motion.

Comfort

If you're looking for an easy way to transfer your baby from car to stroller without waking them up an infant car seat, a travel system that includes the stroller seat as well as an infant car seat might be what you're looking for. Unlike stroller-only combinations, these 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. A lot of the car-and-stroller combos on our list have a bassinet attached that can be used as an alternative for a traditional stroller for naptime walks.

A 2 in 1 bassinet stroller-in-1 travel system that includes a car seat will cost more than buying the products separately, but you'll save money and time by purchasing them all at once. If you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't right for your family, most brands have adaptors that let you to use the car seat with another stroller (provided it is tall and weighs the same requirements).

One thing to keep in mind when looking for a travel set is that they typically include a car seat for infants and a stroller that is designed to work together, which is intended to be used in the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the seat after this point you should choose a model that features a convertible car seat that is suitable for toddlers and has a greater weight limit.

Some travel systems have an additional seat that can be used to support older children. While this is a good option, it's not a necessity and may not be practical depending on your life style.

If you're looking for a great travel system that will last for a few years, check out our top picks for car seats as well as strollers. Tested by our editors, favorites like the UPPAbaby PIPA stroller and car seat combination have many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These strollers feature a springy all-wheel suspension that smooths the ride, and the PIPA car seat has an inbuilt drape canopy that is perfect to shield a sleepy child. These seats also come with LATCH connectors that are rigid and can be used on vehicles without a base. This makes them a great option for families that frequently use ride-sharing services or have two vehicles.

Convenience

Car seat/stroller combos are ideal for parents who regularly run out for errands or take their child out on public transport such as buses and trains. They let you easily move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them.

Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations also allow you to transform them into a double as your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide prams 2 in 1 Combo is an ideal combination of a stroller and infant car seat that can be pushed into position to instantly transform them into chariots for two. This is especially important if the car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat.

Other strollers and car seat combos have more complex conversion procedures that require you to manually snap the infant car seat onto the stroller or use the straps that attach to the base to hold it in place. In our testing this method, it was harder to master than the single-step method of the Doona. If you lose or forget the straps, it may be a danger to your safety.

A car seat/stroller combination is convenient, but you should also consider whether the strollers and infant car seats can work as long as you want them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns one. These car seats do not connect to strollers once they're no longer required in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products such as the Doona is able to be used as a car seat for toddlers with an additional seat belt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat but is too tall to fit in most traditional strollers.

Car seat/stroller combinations are best for newborns through the early years of childhood. When your child is no longer in the car seats for infants and you are looking at purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a larger model that can handle older children and toddlers. Also, keep in mind that you should always ensure the infant car seat is set up properly and never remove it from the vehicle without removing the straps first.

Safety

Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from their car to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to awake them. Rothman says this is especially useful when you are doing errands or traveling. To ensure security, opt for a car seat that is attached to a stroller via an incredibly strong LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat will be safe while being used, and will not fall off or become loose during the course of transport. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used without or with the base are also a good option for ride-share vehicles.

When looking for a new travel system, check the weight and age limits of both the car seat and stroller. The majority of the infant car seats that are 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 vehicle or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. Stanton says it's crucial to read all labels and instructions particularly when it comes time to make sure that your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements for both the car seat and the stroller.

While some parents prefer buying separate items to create their own travel systems, others prefer pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations It is not unusual to find companies that to offer these 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 features 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 to provide additional security. It has a quick and simple installation thanks to the exclusive SafeCenter LATCH. The car seat has an adjustable headrest with four positions with four harness heights, as well as padding for your child's comfort. It's easy to clean and features one-hand fold, which makes it easy to store.

Style

It's tempting to purchase a travel system to make it easier to transfer your child from the car to the stroller without disturbing them, however, that's not the only reason to consider buying one. You should also consider one that's stylish, easy to maneuver and comes with a variety of other features that ensure it's comfortable for your child and you.

The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one package for seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically come with a single car seat that is easily snapped into a stroller that is compatible with it. Some even include an infant bassinet to sleep in (safety studies have shown that babies sleep better when they are in a reclining position).

Strollers and infant car seats made to work with two in one travel systems are lightweight and robust, making them simple to move, push, and fold. Look for models that have rubber tires with a swivel wheels on the front to allow for city streets, a large cargo basket and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. You also want to check how compact the car seat and stroller fold to make it easier to store them.

Some travel systems let you change the included infant car seat with a toddler one as your child grows out of it, giving you an extra 1-2 in 1 pushchair years of use. This is a great option for those who plan to use the seat for longer than a year or if a partner travels by bus, train or ride-share.

Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families looking for an all-in one. The rigid system built into LATCH allows you to effortlessly switch between car seats and strollers and back. It's also certified for air travel, which means you can get on and off public transport with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into a double stroller, allowing you to take your little one to the world. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors to complement any wardrobe.