How To Get More Value From 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 includes a car seat gives parents the convenience of having a baby car seat and stroller that can work together. They can be expensive. These combinations make it easy for parents to take a sleepy baby from stroller to car and back again without waking them. This is a great option for families who spend the majority of their time in the car. Comfort Travel systems with a stroller and infant car seat are a great way to make the transition from car to stroller simple. These all-in-ones differ from stroller-only models because they usually come with an infant car seat and a stroller. They can be used for infants as well as older children. Many of the car-and stroller combinations that make our list also have a bassinet attached, which can be used as a safe alternative to a traditional stroller for naptime walks. A two-in-one travel system that includes a car seat is more expensive than purchasing the items separately, but you'll save time and money by purchasing them all together. If you decide that the car seat and stroller aren't right for your family in the future the majority of brands have adaptors to allow you to use the car seat in conjunction with a different stroller. When you are looking for a travel set keep in mind that most of these sets include an infant car seat and a stroller that are designed to work together. They are intended to be used within the first year. If you are planning to keep the seat and using it past this period, look for an option that has a convertible car seat that can also be used as a toddler seat and has a greater weight limit. Some travel systems come with an additional seat that can be used to boost older children. While this is a good option, it's not a necessity and may not be practical depending on your life style. Check out our top picks of strollers and car seats to find an budget-friendly travel system that can last for a long time. Our top choices, which have been tested by our editors like the UPPAbaby PIPA car seat and Vista stroller combination, have plenty of features to help you and your baby stay comfortable. They feature a springy all-wheel suspension to ease the ride. The PIPA car seat also features a built-in drape canopy that protects a child who is snoozing. 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-sharing services or have two vehicles. Convenience These combos are perfect for parents who often run errands or take their babies on public transport like buses and trains. They let you easily transfer your baby who is sleeping in the car to the stroller without disturbing them or waking them up. Some of the best stroller and car seat combinations allow you to convert to a double as your family grows. We like the Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo that comes with an infant car seat and stroller that snap into place to instantly transform into a sleek chariot that can accommodate two. This is particularly crucial if the car seat will be your baby's primary vehicle seat. Other stroller-car seat combos may have more complicated conversion methods. You may need to manually attach the car seat to the stroller or attach straps to base to ensure it is secured. In our testing this method, it was more difficult to master than one-step process of the Doona. If you misplace or forget the straps, it could cause a safety risk. While a car seat/stroller combo is convenient, you should take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat will work the time you need them to. Most car seat/stroller combination products utilize rear-facing infant car seats that are designed to be used until your child turns one. These car seats cannot be attached to strollers once they're no longer needed in the car. Some all-in-one car seat/stroller product, such as Doona can be used as toddler car seats with an additional seatbelt booster once your child is no longer in the infant car seat but is too big to fit into traditional strollers. Car seat/stroller combinations work best for infants and toddlers until the early years of childhood. When your child has grown out of the car seat for infants, you can replace the travel system with an extra large stroller which can be used for older children and toddlers. Also, remember that you must ensure the infant car seat is set up correctly and never take it from the vehicle without taking off the straps first. Safety The combination of the car seat and stroller allows you to easily transfer infants from a vehicle to a stroller, and reverse the process, without disturbing them or waking them up. This is particularly useful when you're doing errands or traveling, says Rothman. For extra safety, look for a car seat that is attached to the stroller with either an easy click or a rigid LATCH system. This will ensure that the car seat is secure while in use and will not fall off or fall off in transit. Combinations of car seat and stroller that can be used in conjunction with or without the base are also a good option for vehicles with ride-sharing. When purchasing a travel set, be sure to check the weight and age limit for both the stroller and the car seat. Most infant car seats included in these systems are rear-facing, and are only designed for use during the first 12 months of your child's life. These car seats can be changed to a forward-facing car seat that can be used in the car, or snapped into the stroller. Stanton advises parents to be aware of all labels and directions particularly when it's time to make sure your child is in compliance with the weight and height requirements of the car seat and the stroller. While some parents prefer to buy separate products to create their own travel system, others prefer buying pre-packaged car seats and stroller combinations It is not unusual to find companies that offer these sets. They're usually cheaper than buying the items individually. For example, UPPAbaby's popular Vista stroller with the Mesa infant car seat is a sought-after set. The stroller is smooth ride, a springy all-wheel suspension and a large storage basket for everything you need for your baby. The car seat has a low profile and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone for extra security. The SafeCenter LATCH makes it easy to set up. The car seat comes with an adjustable headrest that can be adjusted in four positions with four harness settings as well as an insert that is cushioned to ensure the comfort of your child. It is easy to clean, and folds with just one hand. Style While it's tempting to buy an infant travel system due to the convenience of transferring your child from stroller to car and back without having to wake them up, that's not the only reason to think about one. You should also consider a model that's elegant, well-balanced and comes with a range of other features that make it comfortable for your child and yourself. 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 usually have a one-piece infant car seat that snaps easily into a stroller compatible with it and some include an attachment for a bassinet for strolls during nap time (safety research has shown that babies sleep best in reclined positions). Strollers and infant car seats that integrate with 2-in-1 travel systems are light sturdy, durable, and easy to maneuver and fold. Look for 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller that have rubber tires, a swivel wheel on the front for city streets, a large cargo basket and can hold multiple shopping bags. For easy storage, you should also check how compact strollers and car seats are when folded. Some travel systems allow you to change the included infant car seat with a toddler seat after your child has outgrown it, which gives you an additional two years of use. This is a great option if you're planning to use the car seat for longer than a year, or if your partner frequently uses ride-sharing services or commutes by bus or train. Graco’s All-in One Car Seat and Stroller is a great option for families looking for an all-in one. The integrated rigid system of LATCH lets you easily change from stroller to car seat and back. It's also a certified air travel, so you can hop on and off public transport with ease. The All-in-One Car Seat and Stroller can also convert into a double stroller, allowing you to take your little one on global adventures. It's also available in a variety of vibrant colors that will match any outfit.