A 2 in 1 Travel System
A stroller and car seat combination is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to travel comfortably or create a modern version of the traditional pram. Verify two in one pram to ensure that your stroller and car seat are compatible, or you can consider buying an adaptor.
Travel systems that have been evaluated by editors allow you to move your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disrupting them. Some include a carrycot for natural sleep.
Car Seat
A two-in-one travel set comes with the stroller as well as an infant car seat that snap together. It's a great option for parents and caregivers who frequently run errands with their baby or take their little one out on rideshares or public transportation. "You'll have less gear to handle," explains Graco spokeswoman Rachel Stanton. "And it's great for families who alternate between carpooling and public transit with other moms."
The best option is the Doona infant car seat and latch base, which receives 90 percent of five-star reviews on Amazon. It's a rear-facing car seats that transforms into a stroller that rolls. The transition only takes seconds. When not in use the wheels can be folded away and it is compact. The Doona also attaches 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 families in cities.
The Mamas & Papas Pramette is a top car seat/stroller combo, with a pram with a hood and front seat that open for you to lay your child down for naptime or feedings. It comes with a large basket with cup holders to store everything your baby needs as well as a tray for parents and sun shade. The stroller seat features a multi-position reclining seat, and can recline to a flat, so baby is comfy for every ride.
Other important car seat features to take into consideration are the weight and height limits, as well as whether the infant seat can be used only with a car belt for backseats or comes with an additional layer of protection with a built-in rigid LATCH system. Look for a handle lock to keep the handle in the right place. You can tilt the handle to the back seatback to create an anti-rebound bar.
It's worth noting that travel systems work only with infant car seats. Extended-use car seats that can later turn forward-facing do not convert into strollers. Because of this, many moms choose to purchase an additional stroller and car seat when their baby grows out of the infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is an essential piece of equipment for newly parents. Some travel systems come with a baby pram which can be transformed into a comfortable carrycot for infants. This is a great option for parents who don't want to disturb their infant while traveling. Certain brands also provide carseats and strollers combo that can be connected. This means that you can keep your child secured in the car seat, and then move them to a stroller without causing disturbance. This is ideal for long drives and busy shopping centres.
A quality stroller must have plenty of features that make it functional and user-friendly. It should include an ample basket in which you can store essentials like nappies, toys and snacks and be capable of reclining to give your baby a comfortable rest. It should also come with a good canopy to protect your baby from the sun and a lockable front wheel to ensure safety. It should also be light and compact for storage and transportation to and from the vehicle.
Editor-tested travel system strollers such as the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo, Chicco Keyfit Caddy and Doona Combo all provide convenience by connecting with a range of top car seats that snap to the frame and fold effortlessly. Some come with a single wheel on each leg, making them easier to manoeuvre and roll on different surfaces.
A stroller should be able to endure throughout toddlerhood and beyond if you require it to to transport your child to and from school, activities and play dates. This is why you should choose a stroller that features an opening that allows your child to face the world (and reclines) after your child has outgrown the car seat.
If you plan on using your 2-in-1 travel system for public transport you should look for one with an ISOFIX base, which makes it safe to hop on and off buses or trains. Some models, like the Doona can be mounted on planes and trains to make traveling with your baby easier.