A 2 in 1 Travel System
A car seat and stroller combination is the best choice, whether you want to travel with ease or create a modern version of a pram. Check the specs to make sure that your car seat and stroller are compatible or think about purchasing an adapter.
Editor-tested travel systems let you transport your newborn in a smooth and seamless way from the car to the stroller without having to disturb them. Some travel systems come with the option of a carrycot that encourages the natural sleeping.
Car Seat
A two-in-one travel set comes with a stroller and a baby car seat that snap together. This is a great choice for parents who regularly make errands, or take their baby on public transport or rideshares. " 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair have less gear to worry about," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And it's perfect for families who switch between carpooling with other moms or taking public transportation."
A top choice is the Doona infant car seat and latch base, which gets an incredible 90% of five-star reviews on Amazon. It's a rear-facing car seat that converts to a stroller that can be turned into a rolling one. The change is a matter of seconds. The wheels fold under, and it's compact when not in use. The Doona can also be attached to the back of a car using the LATCH base that is rigid or to taxi-safe belt routes, making it ideal for commuters and city families.
The Mamas and Papas pramette is another great car seat/stroller combination. It comes with a pram with a hood which opens and an front seat that can be lowered to let your child lie down for naps or for feedings. It comes with a large basket, cup holders and a basket for all of your baby's necessities and a tray for parents and sun shade. The stroller seat has an adjustable reclining seat that can recline to a flat position, so baby is comfy for every ride.
Other important car seat features to be considered are the weight and height limits and whether the infant car seat can be used with just a backseat car belt or has an additional layer of protection with an integrated LATCH system. Also, look for a locking mechanism on the handle to ensure it stays secure in place, as well as the possibility of tilting the handle toward the back of the seatback to make an anti-rebound bar.
It's worth noting that travel systems only work with infant car seats--and extended-use car seats that can later turn forward-facing do not convert into strollers. This is why many moms choose to purchase a separate stroller and car seat when their child grows out of the infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a vital piece of equipment for any new parent. Some travel systems have a baby stroller that can transform into a cosy infant carrycot so that your little one can sleep peacefully while on the move, making them ideal for parents of newborns and those who don't want to disturb them when travelling. Certain brands also provide carseats and strollers combination that can be connected. This means you can keep your child safely secured in the car seat and then transfer them to a pushchair without disturbing them, which is ideal for long drives and busy shopping centers.
A quality stroller should come with many features that make it simple to use and practical. It should have a large storage basket that can hold essential items such as nappies as well as toys and snacks. It should also be able recline so that your child can rest comfortably. It should also have a canopy to protect your child from sun and an lockable wheel on the front to ensure safety. In addition it should be light and compact enough for storage or transporting 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 a range of top car seats. These car seats snap onto the frame to be attached and folded quickly. Some also come with a single wheel on each leg, making them easier to manoeuvre and roll across different surfaces.
The best strollers are capable of carrying your child throughout the toddler years and beyond and beyond, allowing you to continue using it to get your child to and from activities, school and play dates. For this reason, choose a stroller with an open-air seat that faces the world (and reclines) when your child is no longer in the car seat.
If you intend to use your 2-in-1 travel system on public transport, select one with an ISOFIX base. This will ensure it is safe to hop on and off trains or buses. Certain models, like the Doona can be installed on trains and planes to make travelling with your baby easier.