A 2 in 1 Travel System
A stroller and car seat combination is the best choice for those who want to travel with ease or design a more modern version of the traditional pram. Take a look at the specifications carefully to ensure your car seat and pushchair work together, or you could consider purchasing an adaptor.
Editor-tested travel systems let you transfer your newborn baby in a seamless manner from the car to the stroller without disturbing them. Some include a carrycot for natural sleep.
Car Seat
A two-in-one travel set includes the stroller as well as an infant car seat that snaps together. It's a great option for caregivers and parents who often run errands while with baby or take their young child on rideshares or public transportation. "You will have less gear to deal with," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And it's ideal for families that switch between public transportation and carpooling with other moms."
Doona infant car seats and latch bases are a popular choice, with 90 % of Amazon reviews rating five stars. It's a rear facing car seat that can be converted into a rolling jogging stroller in just a few seconds. The wheels fold down underneath and it's small when not in use. The Doona can also be connected to a car's backseat by using the sturdy LATCH base or to taxi safety belts. This makes it a great choice for urban families.
The Mamas and Papas Pramette is another top car seat/stroller combination, featuring a pram with the hood as well as a the front seat, which opens to let you lay your child down for naps or feedings. It has a spacious basket and cup holders for everything your baby needs and a tray for parents and sun shade. The stroller seat is a multi-position reclining seat and can recline to a flat position so your baby is comfortable for every ride.
Other important car seat features to be considered are the weight and height limits and whether the infant seat can be used only with a car belt for backseats or comes with an additional layer of protection, with the LATCH system built into it. Look for a handle lock to secure the handle in position. You can also tilt the handle towards the back seatback to create an anti-rebound bar.
2 in 1 pushchairs are only compatible with infant car seats. Extended-use car seats, which can be turned forward-facing later, are not able to snap into strollers. This is why many moms choose to purchase a separate stroller and car seat once their child is no longer in 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 transform into a cosy infant carrycot, so your little one can sleep peacefully while on the move and is perfect for parents with newborns or who don't want to disturb them while traveling. Some brands also offer a stroller and car seat combination that can be connected. This means you can keep your child secure in the car seat and then move them to a stroller without disturbing them, which is ideal for long trips and busy shopping centres.
A quality stroller must have plenty of features that make it convenient and easy to use. It should have a large basket where you can store essentials like nappies as well as snacks, toys and other items. It should also be capable of reclining to give your baby a relaxing rest. It should also include a sturdy canopy to shield your baby from sun, and a lockable front wheel to ensure safety. It should also be lightweight and compact for storage and transport to and from the vehicle.
Travel system strollers that have been tested by an editor such as the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo, Chicco Keyfit Caddy and Doona Combo all offer convenience by connecting to a variety of top car seats that snap to the frame and fold effortlessly. Some models have one wheel on each leg, making them easier to maneuver and roll over different surfaces.
A stroller should be able to endure throughout toddlerhood and beyond if you want it to to transport your child to and from school or to play dates, activities and so on. When your child outgrows their car seat, consider a stroller that features a seat that faces the world and that reclines.
If you plan to utilize your 2-in-1 travel system in public transport, select one with an ISOFIX base. This will ensure that it is safe to hop off and on trains or buses. Certain models, like the Doona can be installed on trains and airplanes to make traveling with a child simpler.