7 Simple Tips For 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 provides parents with the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that work together. They can be expensive.
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 an excellent option for families who are always on the move.
Comfort
If you're looking for a simple method to move your baby from car to stroller without disturbing them an infant car seat, a travel system that includes a stroller seat and infant car seat could be what you need. These are different from stroller-only models because they usually come with an infant car seat and a 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 to a stroller during naptime walks.
While a 2-in-1 travel system with a car seat may cost more than separate items, you'll likely save time and money by purchasing them all in one package. If you decide later on that the stroller and car seat aren't the right fit for your family, many brands have adaptors that let you to use the car seat with a stroller (provided it meets the weight and height requirements).
One thing to be aware of when you are shopping for a travel system is that these sets usually include a car seat for infants and a stroller made to work together, which is meant to be used during the first 12 months. If you plan on keeping the seat after this point you should choose a model that has 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 be used as a booster for older kids. This is a great feature, but it may not be suitable for your particular lifestyle.
If you're looking to purchase a travel system that will last a few years, take a look at our top choices for car seats and strollers. The UPPAbaby, a favorite of our editors, PIPA stroller and car seat combo have many features that will keep you and your child in a comfortable position. These strollers feature springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also comes with an integrated drape canopy to protect the baby who is sleeping. These products also feature rigid LATCH connectors that can be used on vehicles that do not have a base. This makes them a great option for families that frequently use ride-share or have two cars.
Convenience
These combos are ideal for parents who frequently run errands, or take their babies on public transport such as trains and buses. You can easily move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without worrying about awakening them.
Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to convert them into a double when your family expands. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo is a combination of a stroller as well as a infant car seat that can be clicked into position to instantly transform them into chariots that can accommodate two. This feature is particularly important if you plan to use the car seat as your baby's only vehicle seat.
Other strollers and car seat combos have more complex conversion procedures that require you to manually connect the infant car seat onto the stroller or use straps that attach to the base to fix it. This method was more difficult to master during our testing than the Doona's one-step conversion. If you lose or forget the straps, it could cause a safety risk.
A car seat/stroller combination is convenient but you must think about whether the strollers and infant car seats will work together as long as you require them to. The majority of car seat/stroller combos are rear-facing only infant car seats that are made to be used until your child turns one. The car seats can't be attached to strollers once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller products, like Doona can be used as toddler car seats that come with an additional seatbelt booster once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, however, it is too large to fit in most traditional strollers.
Car seat/stroller combinations are best for infants and toddlers until early childhood. Once your child outgrows the car seats for infants, you should look into purchasing a stroller that is separate and replacing the travel system with a more spacious model that can handle toddlers and older children. Also, keep in mind that you must ensure the infant car seat is installed properly and never remove it from your vehicle without removing the straps first.
Safety
Car seat and stroller combos make it easy to move infants from the vehicle to the stroller and back again without disturbing them or having to get them up. This is especially useful when you're running errands or traveling, says Rothman. To ensure your safety, select a car seat that is attached to a stroller using a rigid LATCH system or click-on system. This will ensure that the car seat is safe while being used and won't fall off or loosen during transit. Combinations of car seats and strollers that can be used with or without the base are also a good option for ride-share vehicles.
When purchasing a travel set, be sure to check the weight and age limits for the stroller as well as the car seat. These systems include rear-facing infant car seats which are only designed for use for the first 12 months of a child's life. A majority of these car seats change to a forward-facing seat that is able to remain in the vehicle or be converted into a stroller compatible with it. It is important to be aware of the labels and follow instructions precisely, advises Stanton especially when it comes down to ensuring your child is in the proper weight and height limits for both the car seat and the stroller.
While some parents prefer to buy separate products to create their own travel system, others prefer pre-packaged stroller and car seats, it is not uncommon to find companies that offer these sets. These are often priced lower than purchasing the items separately. Sets such as UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller and Mesa infant car seats are sought-after. The stroller has a smooth ride, a springy suspension on all wheels, and a huge storage basket to store everything your baby needs. The car seat is slim and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to provide additional security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to put in. The car seat has an adjustable headrest with four positions with four harness heights, as well as a padded insert for your little one's comfort. It is easy to clean and comes with a 1-hand fold, making it convenient for storage.
Style
It's tempting to buy an accessory for travel to make it easier to move your child from the car to the stroller, without waking them up, but that's not the main reason to buy one. You should also consider one with a sleek design, that is easy to move around and has many other features for your child's safety and for your own.
The most effective travel systems comprise an infant car seat, stroller and car seat base, all in one box for a seamless transition from vehicle to street. They typically come with a single car seat that can be easily snapped into a stroller compatible with it. Some even come with an ottoman for napping (safety studies have proven that babies sleep better in an upright position).
Strollers and infant car seats made to work with 2 in 1 travel systems are lightweight and sturdy, making them easy to maneuver, push and fold. Find models with rubber tires and a swivel wheel at the front for city streets, a large cargo basket and the capacity to hold several shopping bags. You should also consider how small the car seat and stroller fold for ease of storage.
2 in 1 stroller allow you to replace the included infant car seat with a toddler's seat as your child grows out of it, which gives you an extra 1-2 years of use. This is a great option for those who intend to use the seat for more than a year or if their partner commutes by train, bus or ride-share.
Graco's All-in One Car Seat and Stroller makes a great choice for families seeking an option that is all in one. It's easy to move from the car seat to the stroller, and back, with a built-in rigid LATCH system that locks the seat quickly and securely in your car. It's also approved for air travel, so you can board and off public transportation with confidence. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also be converted into double strollers, allowing you to take your baby on global adventures. It's also available in a range of vibrant colors that will match any wardrobe.