A 2 in 1 Travel System
Whether you are looking to travel with ease or create a modern take on a pram, the car seat and stroller combination is the best option. Make sure to check the specifications to make sure that your stroller and car seat are compatible or think about purchasing an adaptor.
Travel systems that have been evaluated by editors allow you to move your baby who is sleeping in the car to a stroller without disturbing them. Some include a carrycot that allows for a natural sleep.
Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system comes with the infant car seat and a stroller that snaps together. This is a great solution for parents who frequently make errands, or take their child on rideshares or public transport. "You have less gear to deal with," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And it's perfect for families who alternate between carpooling with other moms or using public transit."
pushchairsandprams and latch bases are a top option, with 90 percent of Amazon reviews rating five stars. It's a rear-facing vehicle seat that converts into a stroller that rolls. The transition only takes seconds. When not in use the wheels can be folded away and it is small. The Doona can also be attached to a car's backseat with the LATCH base that is rigid or to taxi-safe belt paths making it a great choice for commuters and families in cities.
The Mamas & Papas Pramette is another top car seat/stroller combination, featuring a pram with an hood and a front seats that open to allow you to lie your child down for naptime or for feedings. It comes with a large basket and cup holders for everything your baby needs as well as a tray for parents and sun shade. The stroller seat features a multi-position reclining seat and can recline to a flat position, so baby is comfy for every ride.
The weight and height limits are also important. Also, think about whether the infant car seat can only be used with a belt for the back seat or if it has a rigid LATCH system integrated into. Also look for a lock on the handle to ensure it stays safe in its place, as well as the possibility of tilting the handle towards the back of the seatback to make an anti-rebound bar.
It's worth noting that travel systems work only with infant car seats--and extended-use car seats that can later be made forward-facing snap into strollers. Many moms decide to purchase an additional car seat and stroller when their child has outgrown an infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a must-have piece of equipment for new parents. Some travel systems include a baby stroller that can transform into a cosy infant carrycot so your baby can rest peacefully while on the move, making them ideal for parents with newborns or who don't want to disturb them while traveling. Some brands also offer the option of a car seat and stroller combo that can be linked. This means you can keep your child buckled up in the car seat and then move them to a stroller without disturbing them, which is ideal for long drives and busy shopping centres.
A good stroller needs to have plenty of features to make it practical and user-friendly. It should have an ample basket for storing essentials such as nappies as well as toys and snacks. It must also recline so that your child can lie down comfortably. It should also have a canopy to protect your child from sun and a lockable wheel on the front for safety. Lastly, it should be lightweight and fold compactly for storage or transporting 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 a variety of top car seats. These car seats click onto the frame to be attached and can be folded up quickly. Some come with a single wheel on each leg, making them more maneuverable and roll on different surfaces.
A stroller should be versatile enough to last through toddlerhood - and beyond if you require it to carry your child to and from school as well as to play dates and activities. To do this, look for a model that has an open-air seat that faces the world (and reclines) once your baby outgrows the car seat.
If you plan on using your 2-in-1 travel system on public transportation choose one with an ISOFIX base, which makes it safe to hop on and off trains or buses. Some models, like the Doona can be mounted on planes and trains to make travelling with your baby easier.