A 2 in 1 Travel System
A car seat and stroller combination is the ideal choice, whether you want to travel easily or create a contemporary version of a pram. Make sure to check the specifications to make sure that your car seat and stroller are compatible or think about purchasing an adapter.
Travel systems that have been evaluated by editors allow you to move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing them. Some travel systems have an infant carrycot to help encourage natural sleep.
Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel set that includes the stroller as well as an infant car seat that snaps together. It's a convenience for parents and caregivers who frequently run errands with their infant or take their little one out on public transportation or rideshares. "You'll have less gear to manage," explains Graco spokeswoman Rachel Stanton. "And it's great for families that alternate between carpooling with other moms and using public transit."
A top pick is the Doona infant car seat and latch base, which receives an incredible 90% of five-star reviews on Amazon. It's a rear-facing car seat that transforms to a stroller that can be turned into a rolling one. The change only takes seconds. When not in use, the wheels can be folded away and it is compact. 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller can also be connected to a car's backseat using the rigid LATCH base, or to taxi-safety belts. This makes it ideal for urban families.
The Mamas & Papas Pramette is yet another great car seat/stroller combination, featuring the pram having the hood as well as a front seat that open for you to lay your child down for naptime or for feedings. It has a spacious basket with cup holders to store all of your baby's necessities, plus a parent tray and sun shade. The stroller seat is able to recline in multiple positions and can be flat too so that your child will be comfortable on every ride.
The weight and height limits are also important. Also, think about whether the car seat for infants is only compatible with a backseat belt, or in the event that it comes with a strong LATCH system that is built-in. Also look for a lock on the handle to keep it secure in place, as well as the possibility of tilting the handle toward the rear seatback for an anti-rebound bar.
It is important to note that travel systems only work with infant car seats, and extended-use car seats that later be made forward-facing convert into strollers. Many moms decide to purchase a separate car seat and stroller when their child is no longer in an infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a vital piece of equipment for any new parent. Some travel systems include a baby stroller that can transform into a comfortable infant carrycot, so your little one can sleep peacefully on the go, making them ideal for newborns and parents who don't want to disturb them while traveling. Certain brands also provide a stroller and car seat combination that can be linked. This lets you keep your child in the car seat while you transfer them to a stroller, without disturbing them.
A good stroller should have numerous features that make it simple to use and practical. It should come with a large basket that can put away essentials like nappies as well as snacks, toys and other items. It should also be in a position to recline to provide your baby a relaxing rest. It should have an umbrella to protect your child from the sun and a lockable wheel at the front for security. It should also be lightweight and compact for storage as well as transporting to and from the car.
Travel system strollers that have been tested by editors, such as the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo and Chicco Keyfit Caddy, offer convenience as they can be connected to a range of top car seats. The car seats snap onto the frame to be attached and folded easily. Some have one wheel on each leg, making them easier to move and roll over different surfaces.
Ideally, a stroller should be able to endure through toddlerhood - and beyond if you need it to continue to transport your child to and from school as well as to play dates and activities. This is why you should consider a model with an open-air seat that faces the world (and reclines) after your child has outgrown the car seat.
If you intend to utilize your 2-in-1 system in public transportation, you should choose a model that has an ISOFIX base. This will ensure it is safe for you to hop on and off trains or buses. Some models, such as the Doona can also be fitted on planes and trains to make traveling with a baby even simpler.