A 2 in 1 Travel System
If you're looking to get around with ease or make a modern interpretation of a pram, an automobile seat and stroller combination is the best option. Verify the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seat are compatible or consider purchasing an adapter.
Editor-tested travel systems allow you to transport your newborn in a smooth and seamless way from the car to the stroller, without disturbing them. Some come with a carrycot to allow for natural sleep.
Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system comes with an infant car seat as well as a stroller that snap together. This is a great solution for parents who regularly do errands or take their baby on rides or public transport. "You will have less gear to deal with," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And it's ideal for families that alternate between carpooling and public transit with other moms."
Doona infant car seats and latch bases are a popular option, with 90 percent of Amazon reviews giving it five stars. It's a rear facing car seat that can be converted into a jogging stroller that rolls in just a few seconds. The wheels fold down underneath, and it's compact when not in use. The Doona can also be attached to a car's backseat using the sturdy LATCH base or to taxi-safety belts. This makes it ideal for urban families.
The Mamas & Papas pramette is another great car seat/stroller combination. It features the pram with a hood that opens and a front seat that can be lowered to let your child lay down for naps or meals. It comes with a large basket, cup holders and a sun shade to store your baby's essentials. The stroller seat is able to recline in a variety of positions and can be flat too and your baby will be comfortable on every ride.
The weight and height limits are also important. Also, consider whether the infant car seat can only be used with a backseat belt or if it has a rigid LATCH system built in. Look for a handle lock to ensure that the handle stays in the right place. You can tilt the handle to the back seatback to create an anti-rebound bar.
Travel systems are only suitable for infant car seats. Extended-use car seats which can be turned forward-facing later, are not able to snap into strollers. Because of this, many mothers opt to purchase an additional stroller and car seat when their baby grows out of the infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a vital piece of equipment for the new parents. Some travel systems have the baby pram that can be converted into a comfy infant carrycot. This is ideal for parents who do not want to disturb their baby while traveling. Based on the brand, some also feature the option of a stroller and car seat combination that can be connected to one another. 2 in 1 stroller and car seat allows you to keep your child in the car seat while you transfer them to a stroller, without disrupting them.
A good stroller needs to have plenty of features that make it functional and user-friendly. It should come with a large basket to store important items like nappies as well as toys and snacks. It can also recline so that your child can lie down comfortably. It should have an umbrella to protect your child from sun, and a lockable wheel on the front for safety. Lastly, it should be lightweight and compact to make it easy to store or transport to and from the car.
Travel system strollers that have been tested by editors, such as the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo and Chicco Keyfit Caddy, offer convenience due to their ability to connect with various top car seats. The car seats snap onto the frame to be attached and fold up easily. Some have one wheel on each leg, making them easier to maneuver and move across different surfaces.
Ideal strollers should be able to carry your child throughout toddlerhood and beyond, so that you can continue using it to get them to and from events, school and play dates. To do this, look for a model that features a seat that faces the world (and reclines) after your child has outgrown the car seat.
If you intend to use your 2-in-1 travel system in public transport, choose a model that has an ISOFIX base. This will ensure it is safe for you to get on and off trains or buses. Some models, like the Doona can be installed on planes and trains to make traveling with your baby a lot easier.