A 2 in 1 Travel System
A stroller and car seat combination is the best choice, whether you want to travel with ease or create a contemporary version of the pram. Verify the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller are compatible, or you can consider buying an adapter.
Travel systems that have been evaluated by editors allow you to transfer your baby who is sleeping in the car to a stroller, without disturbing them. Some include a carrycot that allows for a peaceful sleep.
Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel system includes an infant car seat and a stroller that snaps together. It's a convenient option for caregivers and parents who often run errands while with their infant, or take their little one out on rideshares or public transportation. "You have less gear to contend with," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And it's great for families who switch between carpooling with other moms or taking public transportation."
Doona infant car seats and latch bases are a popular option, with 90 percent of Amazon reviews rating five stars. It's a rear-facing car seat that converts into a stroller with wheels in just a few seconds. When not in use the wheels can be folded down and it is compact. The Doona can also be attached to the back of a car using the LATCH base that is rigid or to taxi-safe belt paths making it a great choice for commuters and city families.
The Mamas & Papas Pramette is a top car seat/stroller combo, with a pram with a hood and front seat that open to let you lay your child down for naptime or feedings. It comes with a large basket with cup holders to store everything your baby needs, plus a parent tray and sun shade. The stroller seat has an adjustable reclining seat that can recline to a flat, so baby is comfy for every ride.
Other important car seat features to consider are the weight and height limits, as well as whether the infant seat can be used with just a car belt for backseats or has an additional layer of protection, with the LATCH system built into it. Also, look for a lock on the handle to keep it secure in place and the ability to tilt the handle toward the back of the seatback to make an anti-rebound bar.
Travel systems are only compatible with infant car seats. Extended-use car seats, which can be turned to face forward later, do not snap into strollers. Many moms choose to buy an additional car seat and stroller when their child has outgrown an infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a vital piece of equipment for any new parent. Some travel systems have the baby pram that converts into a cosy infant carrycot, so your baby can rest peacefully in the car, making them ideal for parents of newborns and those who do not want to disturb them when traveling. Depending on the brand it may also come with the option of a stroller and car seat combination that can be connected to one another. This allows you to keep your child in the car seat while you transfer them to the stroller without disrupting them.
A quality stroller must include plenty of features to make it functional and user-friendly. It should come with an ample basket in which you can put away essentials like nappies or snacks, as well as toys and toys. It should also be able to recline to give your baby a restful and comfortable sleep. It should have a canopy to protect your child from sun and also a lockable wheel at the front for security. Lastly it should be light and compact for storage or transporting to and from the car.
Editor-tested travel system strollers like 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 with ease. Some come with a single wheel on each leg, making them more maneuverable and roll over different surfaces.
A stroller should be versatile enough to last throughout toddlerhood and beyond if you want it to carry your child to and from school as well as to play dates and activities. This is why you should consider a model that features a seat that faces the world (and reclines) after your child has outgrown the car seat.
If 2in1 travel system intend to use your 2-in-1 travel system on public transportation you should look for one with an ISOFIX base so it's safe to take off and on buses or trains. Some models, like the Doona can be fitted on planes and trains to make travelling with your baby easier.