A 2 in 1 Travel System
Whether you are looking to move around easily or you want to make a modern interpretation of the pram, a car seat and stroller combination is the best choice. Read the specs carefully to make sure your car seat and pushchair work together, or think about buying an adapter.
Editor-tested travel systems allow you to move your sleeping newborn seamlessly from the car to the stroller, without disrupting them. Some travel systems include an infant carrycot to help encourage natural sleep.
Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set includes a stroller and a baby car seat that snaps together. It's a convenience for caregivers and parents who often run errands while with their infant or take their little child on public transportation or rideshares. "You have less equipment to deal with," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And it's perfect for families that alternate between carpooling with other moms and taking public transportation."
A top pick is the Doona infant car seat and latch base, which gets 90 percent of five-star reviews on Amazon. It's a rear facing car seat that can be converted into a jogging stroller that rolls in just a few seconds. When not in use the wheels can be folded under 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 perfect for city families and commuters.
The Mamas & Papas pramette is another excellent car seat/stroller combo. It has a pram with a hood that can be opened and an front seat that can be adjusted so that your child can lay down for nap time or for feedings. It has a spacious basket and cup holders for all the necessities for your baby as well as a tray for parents and sun shade. The stroller seat is able to recline in multiple positions and can be flat too so that your child will be comfortable on every ride.
The weight and height limits are important. Also, think about whether the car seat for infants is only compatible with a belt for the back seat or if it has a rigid LATCH system built in. Also, look for a locking mechanism on the handle to keep it secure and the ability to tilt the handle toward the back seatback to create an anti-rebound bar.
It is important to note that travel systems work only with infant car seats. Extended-use car seats that can later turn forward-facing do not snap into strollers. This is why many moms opt to get an additional stroller and car seat once their baby grows out of the infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a crucial piece of equipment for any new parent. Some travel systems come with a baby stroller that can be converted into a comfy infant carrycot. This is a great option for parents who don't want to disturb their newborn while traveling. Some brands also offer carseats and strollers combination that can be clicked together. This allows you to keep your child in the car seat while transferring them to the stroller without disturbing them.
A good stroller needs to be equipped with a variety of features to make it practical and user-friendly. 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller should include a large basket where you can put away essentials like nappies or snacks, as well as toys and toys. It should also be in a position to recline to provide your baby a restful and comfortable sleep. It should also include an adequate canopy to shield your baby from sun, and a lockable front wheel to ensure safety. Lastly it should be light and compact to store it in storage or for transporting to and from the car.
Travel system strollers that have been evaluated by editors, like the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo and Chicco Keyfit Caddy, offer convenience due to their ability to connect with a variety of top car seats. These car seats click onto the frame to be attached and can be folded up easily. Some have one wheel on each leg, making them easier to move and roll over different surfaces.
A stroller should be able to endure through toddlerhood - and beyond if you want it to to transport your child to and from school or to play dates, activities and so on. For this reason, consider a model that features an opening that allows your child to face the world (and reclines) after your child has outgrown the car seat.
If you intend to use your 2-in-1 travel system for public transport choose models that have an ISOFIX base, which makes it safe to hop on and off trains or buses. Some models, like the Doona can be fitted on trains and planes to make traveling with your baby a lot easier.