A 2 in 1 Travel System
If you want to get around with ease or you want to create a modern take on the pram, the car seat and stroller combo is the best choice. Check the specifications carefully to make sure the car seat you choose and pushchair work together, or consider buying an adapter.
Editor-tested travel systems let you move your sleeping newborn seamlessly from the car to the stroller without having to disturb them. Some also include a carrycot for natural sleep.
Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system that includes an infant car seat and a stroller that snap together. It's a convenient option for parents and caregivers who often run errands while with baby, or take their little one out on public transportation or rideshares. "You have less equipment to deal with," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And it's great for families who switch between carpooling with other moms or using public transportation."
Doona infant car seats and latch bases are a top choice, with 90 % of Amazon reviews rating five stars. It's a rear-facing car seat that can be converted into a stroller with wheels in seconds. When not in use, the wheels can be folded under and it's a small. The Doona can also be attached to the back of a car using the rigid LATCH base or to taxi-safe belt paths making it perfect for commuters and city families.
The Mamas & Papas pramette is another great combination of a car seat and stroller. It comes with the pram with a hood that can be opened and an front seat that can be lowered to allow your child to lay down for nap time or for feedings. It comes with a big basket, cup holders and a sun shade for your baby's essentials. The stroller seat features a multi-position reclining seat and can recline to a flat position, so baby is comfy for every ride.
Other important car seat features to take into consideration are the weight and height limits as well as whether the infant seat can be used with just the backseat belt or has an extra layer of protection, with an integrated LATCH system. Find a lock for the handle to ensure that the handle stays in place. You can tilt the handle to the rear seatback to create an anti-rebound bar.
Travel systems are only compatible with infant car seats. Extended-use car seats which can be turned forward later, do not snap into strollers. This is why many moms opt to get an additional stroller and car seat 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 come with a baby pram which can be transformed into a comfortable carrycot for infants. This is a great option for parents who do not want to disturb their baby when traveling. Depending on the brand they may also include the option of a stroller and car seat combo that clicks into each other. This means you can keep your child secure in the car seat and then transfer them to a stroller without causing any disturbance, which is ideal for long drives and busy shopping centers.
A good stroller should have numerous features that make it easy to use and practical. It should have a large basket that can put away essentials like nappies, toys and snacks and be able to recline to give your baby a relaxing rest. It should have an umbrella to protect your child from sun and a lockable wheel at the front to ensure safety. Additionally it should be light and fold compactly to make it easy to store or transport to and from the car.
2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller that have been evaluated by editors, for instance the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo and Chicco Keyfit Caddy, offer convenience because they connect with a range of top car seats. The car seats snap onto the frame to be attached and fold up easily. Some models have one wheel on each leg, making them easier to maneuver and roll over different surfaces.
The ideal stroller will be able to function throughout toddlerhood and beyond if you require it to carry your child to and from school or to play dates, activities and so on. When your child outgrows their car seat, you should consider a stroller that has a seat facing the world and reclines.
If you are planning to use your 2-in-1 travel system in public transportation, you should choose the model with an ISOFIX base. This will ensure it is safe to hop off and on buses or trains. Certain models, like the Doona can be mounted on trains and planes to make travelling with your baby easier.