2 in 1 pram and pushchair in 1 Travel System
A car seat and stroller combination is the ideal choice for those who want to travel comfortably or design a more modern version of the pram. Check the specs to ensure 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 the option of a carrycot that encourages natural sleep.
Car Seat
A two-in-one travel set includes a stroller and an infant car seat that snap together. This is a great solution for parents who frequently do errands or take their child on rideshares or public transport. "You'll have less gear to handle," explains Graco spokeswoman Rachel Stanton. "And it's ideal for families that alternate between carpooling with other moms and taking public transportation."
A top choice is the Doona infant car seat and latch base, which receives an astounding 90 percent of five-star reviews on Amazon. It's a rear-facing car seat that can be converted into a rolling jogging stroller in a matter of seconds. When not in use, the wheels can be folded down and it's compact. The Doona also attaches to a car's backseat with the LATCH base, which is rigid, or to taxi-safe belt paths making it perfect for commuters and families in cities.
The Mamas & Papas Pramette is a top car seat/stroller, which includes a pram that has the hood as well as a front seat that open for you to lay your child down to sleep or feedings. It comes with a big basket, cup holders and a sun shade to store your baby's necessities. The stroller seat can recline in various positions and even flat, so your baby will be able to relax on every ride.
Other important car seat features to be considered are the weight and height limits as well as whether the infant seat can be used only with a backseat car belt or comes with an additional layer of protection with a built-in rigid LATCH system. Look for a lock on the handle to keep the handle in position. You can also tilt the handle towards the seatback in the rear to create an anti-rebound bar.
Travel systems only work for infant car seats. Extended-use car seats which can be turned forward-facing later, are not able to snap into strollers. For this reason, many moms opt to get a separate stroller and car seat when their child is no longer in the infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a must-have piece of equipment for new parents. Some travel systems come with a baby pram that transforms into a cosy infant carrycot, so your little one can sleep peacefully on the go, making them ideal for newborns and parents who do not want to disturb them while traveling. Some brands also offer carseats and strollers combination that can be linked. This allows you to keep your child in the car seat while you transfer them to the stroller without disrupting them.
A good stroller needs to be equipped with a variety of features to make it practical and user-friendly. It should have a large basket where you can store essentials like nappies, toys and snacks and be able to recline to give your baby a restful and comfortable sleep. It should have a canopy to shield your child from sun and an lockable wheel on the front for safety. It should also be lightweight and compact to store it in and transportation to and from the car.
Travel system strollers that have been tested by editors, like the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo and Chicco Keyfit Caddy, offer convenience due to their ability to connect with various top car seats. The car seats snap onto the frame to be connected and can be folded up quickly. Some models also come with a single wheel on each leg, which makes them more maneuverable and roll over different surfaces.
Ideally, a stroller should be able to function throughout toddlerhood and beyond if you require 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 that features 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 transport, choose a model that has an ISOFIX base. This will ensure that it is safe for you to get on and off buses or trains. Some models, like the Doona can be fitted on planes and trains to make travelling with your baby easier.