A 2 in 1 Travel System
Whether you are looking to travel with ease or want to create a modern take on an old-fashioned stroller, the car seat and stroller combo is the best option. Take a look at the specifications carefully to make sure your chosen car seat and pushchair are compatible or think about buying an adapter.
Editor-tested travel systems let you transfer your newborn baby in a seamless manner from the car to the stroller, without having to disturb them. Some even include a carrycot that allows for a peaceful sleep.
Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system includes the infant car seat and a stroller that snap together. This is a great solution for parents who often make errands, or take their baby on public transport or rideshares. "You'll have less equipment to manage," explains Graco spokeswoman Rachel Stanton. "And it's perfect for families that alternate between carpooling with other moms or using public transportation."
The best option is the Doona infant car seat and latch base, which has 90 percent of five-star reviews on Amazon. It's a rear facing car seat that converts into a jogging stroller that rolls in a matter of seconds. The wheels fold under and it's small when not in use. The Doona also attaches to a car's backseat with the rigid LATCH base or to taxi-safe belt paths, making it ideal for city families and commuters.
The Mamas & Papas pramette is another great car seat/stroller combination. It comes with an infant pram with a hood that can be opened and a front seat that can be lowered to let your child lay down for nap time or for feedings. It comes with a large basket, cup holders and a sun shade to store your baby's necessities. The stroller seat can recline in multiple positions and even flat and your baby will be able to relax on every ride.
The weight and height limits are important. Also, consider whether the infant car seat can only be used with a backseat belt, or if it has a rigid LATCH system that is built-in. Find a lock for the handle to ensure that the handle stays in place. You can also tilt the handle towards the back seatback to create an anti-rebound bar.
Travel systems only work for infant car seats. Extended-use car seats which can be turned forward-facing later, do not snap into strollers. 2 in 1 stroller and car seat choose to buy a separate car seat and stroller once their child is no longer in an infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is an essential piece of equipment for the new parents. Some travel systems come with a baby pram that transforms into a cozy infant carrycot so that your baby can rest peacefully on the go, making them ideal for parents with newborns or who don't want to disturb them while traveling. Some brands also offer carseats and strollers combo that can be connected. This means that you can keep your child secured in the car seat and then transfer them to a stroller without disturbing them, which is ideal for long trips and busy shopping centres.
A quality stroller should come with many features that make it simple to use and practical. It should have an ample basket in which you can store essentials like nappies, toys and snacks and be capable of reclining to give your baby a relaxing rest. It should also have a canopy to shield your child from sun and also a lockable wheel at the front for security. It should also be light and compact for storage as well as transportation to and from the car.
Travel system strollers that have been tested by editors, like the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo and Chicco Keyfit Caddy, offer convenience as they can be connected to various top car seats. These car seats snap onto the frame to be connected and folded quickly. Some have one wheel on each leg to make them easier to maneuver and roll across different surfaces.
The ideal stroller will be versatile enough to last through toddlerhood - and beyond if you want it to continue to transport your child to and from school as well as to play dates and activities. When your child has outgrown their car seat, look for a stroller that is able to seat your child in the world and can recline.
If you intend to use your 2-in-1 travel system for public transport you should look for models that have an ISOFIX base to ensure that it is safe to take off and on trains or buses. Certain models, such as the Doona can be installed on planes and trains to make traveling with your baby a lot easier.