A 2 in 1 Travel System
A stroller and car seat combination is the best option for those who want to travel with ease or design a more modern version of a pram. Check the specs to ensure that your car seat and stroller are compatible, or you can consider buying an adapter.
Travel systems that have been tested by editors allow you to transfer your sleeping baby from 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 includes the infant car seat and stroller that snaps together. This is a great option for parents who regularly make errands, or take their baby on rideshares or public transport. "You have less equipment to contend with," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And pram pushchair 2 in 1 for families who switch between carpooling with other moms or using public transportation."
The best option is the Doona infant car seat and latch base, which receives an astounding 90% of five-star reviews on Amazon. It's a rear-facing car seats that transforms into a stroller that rolls. The transition only takes seconds. The wheels fold underneath and the Doona is compact when not in use. The Doona can also be connected to a car backseat with the rigid LATCH base, or to taxi-safety belts. This makes it ideal for urban families.
The Mamas and Papas Pramette is another top car seat/stroller combo, with the pram having a hood and front seat that open to allow you to lie your child down to sleep or feedings. It has a spacious basket, cup holders and a basket for all the necessities for your baby, plus a parent tray and sun shade. The stroller seat can recline in various positions, and it can even be flat so that your child will be comfortable for every ride.
The weight and height limits are also important. Also, think about whether the car seat for infants is only compatible with a backseat belt or in the event that it comes with a strong LATCH system built in. Also, look for a locking mechanism on the handle to ensure it stays secure and the possibility of tilting the handle towards the rear seatback for an anti-rebound bar.
It is important to note that travel systems are only compatible with infant car seats, and extended-use car seats that can later be turned forward-facing snap into strollers. Because of this, many mothers opt to purchase an additional car seat and stroller when their baby grows out of the infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a crucial piece of equipment for any new parent. Some travel systems include a baby stroller that can be transformed into a comfortable carrycot for infants. This is ideal for parents who don't want to disturb their infant when traveling. Some brands also offer the option of a car seat and stroller combination that can be clicked together. This means you can keep your child secure in the car seat and then transfer them to a pushchair without causing any disturbance, which is great for long journeys and busy shopping centers.
A quality stroller must have plenty of features that make it convenient and user-friendly. It should come with a large basket where you can put away essentials like nappies as well as snacks, toys and other items. It should also be able to recline to give your baby a relaxing rest. It should have a canopy to shield your child from the sun, and a lockable wheel on the front for safety. Additionally it should be light and compact enough to make it easy to store or transport to and from the car.
Travel system strollers that have been tested by editors, for instance 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 click onto the frame to be attached and fold up quickly. Some have one wheel on each leg to make them more maneuverable and easier to roll across different surfaces.
Ideal strollers should be able to carry your child throughout the stage of toddlerhood, and beyond and allow you to continue using it to get them to and from events like school, play dates, and so on. When your child has outgrown their car seat, you should look for a stroller that is able to seat your child in the world and reclines.
If you plan on using your 2-in-1 travel system on public transportation choose one with an ISOFIX base to ensure that it is safe to hop on and off buses or trains. Some models, like the Doona can be mounted on trains and airplanes to make travelling with a baby more convenient.