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 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 evaluated by editors allow you to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disrupting them. Some also include a carrycot that allows for a peaceful sleep.
Car Seat
A two-in-one travel system includes an infant car seat as well as a stroller that snaps together. This is a great choice for parents who often make errands, or take their baby on rides or public transport. "You'll have less equipment to deal with," explains Graco spokeswoman Rachel Stanton. "And it's perfect for families that alternate between carpooling with other moms or taking public transportation."
A top choice is the Doona infant car seat and latch base, which has 90% of five-star reviews on Amazon. It's a rear-facing vehicle seat that converts 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 attached to the back of a car using the rigid LATCH base or to taxi-safe belt routes, making it a great choice for commuters and families in cities.
The Mamas & Papas pramette is another great car seat/stroller combination. It has the pram with a hood that can be opened and a front seat that can be adjusted to allow your child to lay down for naps or for feedings. It has a spacious basket with cup holders to store all the necessities for your baby as well as a tray for parents and sun shade. The stroller seat features an adjustable reclining seat that can recline to a flat position so your baby is comfortable for every ride.
Other important car seat features to consider are the weight and height limits as well as whether the infant car seat can be used with only a car belt for backseats or comes with an additional layer of protection that includes an integrated LATCH system. Find a lock for the handle to ensure that the handle stays in position. 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair can tilt the handle to the rear seatback to create an anti-rebound bar.
It's worth noting that travel systems only work with infant car seats, and extended-use car seats that later turn forward-facing do not convert into strollers. This is why many mothers opt to purchase a separate car seat and stroller when their child is no longer in the infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a vital piece of equipment for the new parents. Some travel systems come with a baby stroller that can be converted into a comfortable carrycot for infants. This is ideal for parents who do not want to disturb their infant while traveling. Certain brands also provide carseats and strollers combination that can be connected. This means that 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 centres.
A quality stroller should come with many features that make it easy to use and practical. It should have an ample basket in which you can keep essentials such as nappies, toys and snacks and be in a position to recline to provide your baby a relaxing rest. It should also come with a good canopy to protect your baby from the sun and a lockable front wheel for extra security. It should also be lightweight and compact for storage as well as transportation to and from the car.
Travel system strollers that have been evaluated by editors, such as the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo and Chicco Keyfit Caddy, offer convenience because they connect with various top car seats. These car seats snap onto the frame to be connected and folded quickly. Some models also have a single wheel at each leg, making them easier to manoeuvre and roll on different surfaces.
Ideal strollers should be capable of carrying your child through the toddler years and beyond, so that you can continue to use it to take them to and from activities like school, play dates, and so on. To do this, look for a model that features 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 transportation, look for one with an ISOFIX base to ensure that it is safe to get on and off buses or trains. Certain models, such as the Doona can be mounted on trains and planes to make travelling with your baby easier.