A 2 in 1 Travel System
A stroller and car seat combination is the best option, whether you want to travel comfortably or create a modern version of a pram. Take a look at the specifications carefully to ensure your chosen car seat and pushchair are compatible or think about buying an adapter.
Travel systems that have been tested by editors allow you to move your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without disturbing 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 stroller that snaps together. This is a great option for parents who regularly make errands, or take their baby on public transport or rideshares. "You'll have less gear to handle," explains Graco spokeswoman Rachel Stanton. "And it's perfect for families who alternate between carpooling and public transit with other moms."
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 seconds. The wheels fold down underneath and the Doona is compact when not in use. The Doona 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 a top car seat/stroller combo, with a pram that has a hood and front seat that open to let you lay your child down for naptime or feedings. It comes with a big basket, cup holders and a sun shade to store your baby's necessities. The stroller seat is able to recline in various positions, and it can even be flat, so your baby will be able to relax on every ride.
Other important car seat features to consider are the weight and height limits and whether the infant seat can be used only with a backseat car belt or comes with an additional layer of protection that includes a built-in rigid LATCH system. Find a lock for the handle to ensure that the handle stays in the right place. You can also tilt the handle toward the rear seatback to create an anti-rebound bar.
It's important to note that travel systems only work with infant car seats, and extended-use car seats that are able to later be turned forward-facing snap into strollers. For this reason, many moms choose to purchase a separate car seat and stroller when their baby grows out of the infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a crucial piece of equipment for any new parent. Some travel systems come with a baby pram which can be transformed into a comfortable carrycot for infants. This is ideal for parents who don't want to disturb their baby while traveling. Certain brands also provide carseats and strollers combo that can be linked. This means you can keep your child secure in the car seat, and then transfer them to a stroller without causing disturbance. This is ideal for long drives and busy shopping centres.
A quality stroller should come with numerous features that make it simple to use and practical. It should include a large basket that can store essentials like nappies or snacks, as well as toys and toys. It should also be capable of reclining to give your baby a restful and comfortable sleep. It should have an umbrella to protect your child from sun and a lockable wheel on the front for security. Lastly it should be light and compact for storage or transporting to and from the car.
Travel system strollers that have been tested by editors, for instance the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo and Chicco Keyfit Caddy, offer convenience due to their ability to connect with a range of top car seats. The car seats snap onto the frame to be connected and can be folded up quickly. Some come with a single wheel on each leg, making them easier to manoeuvre and roll across different surfaces.
Ideally, a stroller should be able to function through toddlerhood - and beyond if you want it to to transport your child to and from school as well as to play dates and activities. When 2 in 1 prams outgrows their car seat, you should choose a stroller which features a seat that faces the world and that reclines.
If you intend to use your 2-in-1 travel system for public transport you should look for one with an ISOFIX base to ensure that it is safe to take off and on buses or trains. Certain models, like the Doona can be installed on planes and trains to make travelling with your baby easier.