A 2 in 1 Travel System
A stroller and car seat combination is the ideal choice, whether you want to travel easily or create a contemporary version of a pram. Read the specs carefully to ensure that your car seat and pushchair are compatible, or you could consider purchasing an adaptor.
Travel systems that have been evaluated by editors allow you to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller, without disturbing them. 2 in 1 travel system include a carrycot for peaceful sleep.
Car Seat
A two-in-one travel set comes with a stroller and an infant car seat that snaps together. It's a convenience for parents and caregivers who frequently run errands with their infant or take their young one out on public transportation or rideshares. "You will have less gear to deal with," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And it's great for families that alternate between carpooling with other moms or using public transportation."
A top choice is the Doona infant car seat and latch base, which has an astounding 90% of five-star reviews on Amazon. It's a rear facing car seat that converts into a stroller with wheels in seconds. When not in use the wheels can be folded under and it's small. The Doona can also be connected to a car backseat with the sturdy LATCH base or to taxi-safety belt paths. This makes it a great choice for urban families.
The Mamas and Papas pramette is another great combination of a car seat and stroller. It features the pram with a hood that can be opened and an front seat that can be lowered to allow your child to lie down for naps or for feedings. It comes with a large basket, cup holders, and a sun shade to store your baby's necessities. The stroller seat is able to recline in various positions and can be flat too, so your baby will be comfortable on every ride.
Other important car seat features to take into consideration are the weight and height limits as well as whether the infant car seat can be used with just a backseat car belt or has an extra layer of protection with the LATCH system built into it. Also, look for a locking mechanism on the handle to keep it secure and the possibility of tilting the handle towards the back of the seatback to make an anti-rebound bar.
It is important to note that travel systems only work with infant car seats, and extended-use car seats that later be made forward-facing convert into strollers. Many moms choose to buy an additional car seat and stroller when their child grows out of an infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a must-have piece of equipment for newly parents. Some travel systems include a baby stroller that can transform into a comfortable infant carrycot, so your little one can sleep peacefully on the go which is ideal for parents of newborns and those who do not want to disturb them when travelling. Certain brands also provide carseats and strollers combination that can be linked. This means you can keep your child buckled up in the car seat, and then transfer them to a pushchair without disturbing them, which is great for long journeys and shopping malls that are crowded.
A good stroller needs to include plenty of features that make it functional and user-friendly. It should include an ample basket in which you can store essentials like nappies, toys and snacks and be in a position to recline to provide your baby a comfortable rest. It should have a canopy to shield your child from sun and an lockable wheel on the front for safety. It should also be lightweight and compact for storage and transport to and from the car.
Travel system strollers that have been evaluated 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. These car seats snap onto the frame to be attached and fold up quickly. Some also come with a single wheel on each leg, making them more maneuverable and roll on different surfaces.
The best strollers are capable of carrying your child through the toddler years and beyond, so that you can continue to use it to transport them to and from events like school, play dates, and so on. This is why you should consider a model that has an open-air 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 on public transportation, you should choose a model that has an ISOFIX base. This will ensure it is safe to get on and off buses or trains. Certain models, like the Doona can be mounted on planes and trains to make traveling with your baby easier.