A 2 in 1 Travel System
If you're looking to move around easily or you want to make a modern interpretation of an old-fashioned stroller, a car seat and stroller combination is the best option. Read the specs carefully to make sure the car seat you choose and pushchair are compatible or you could consider purchasing an adaptor.
Editor-tested travel systems let you transfer your newborn baby in a seamless manner from the car to the stroller without having to disturb them. Some include a carrycot that allows for a natural sleep.
Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system includes an infant car seat as well as a stroller that snap together. This is a great solution for parents who frequently run errands or take their baby on rides or public transport. "You have less gear to worry about," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And it's great for families who alternate between carpooling with other moms or using public transit."
A top pick is the Doona infant car seat and latch base, which has an astounding 90 percent of five-star reviews on Amazon. It's a rear facing car seat that can be converted into a stroller with wheels in just a few seconds. The wheels fold underneath, and it's compact when not in use. The Doona can also be attached to a car's backseat using the rigid LATCH base, or to taxi safety belts. This makes it ideal for urban families.
The Mamas and Papas Pramette is another top car seat/stroller combination, featuring the pram having a hood and the front seat, which opens to allow you to lie your child down for naps or feedings. It comes with a large basket, cup holders and a basket for everything your baby needs and a tray for parents and sun shade. The stroller seat features an adjustable reclining seat that can recline to a flat, so your baby is comfortable for every ride.
Other important car seat features to be considered are the weight and height limits as well as whether the infant car seat can be used with only the backseat belt or comes with an additional layer of protection that includes an integrated LATCH system. Look for a lock on the handle to ensure that the handle stays in the right place. You can tilt the handle to the rear seatback to create an anti-rebound bar.
It's worth noting that travel systems are only compatible with infant car seats. Extended-use car seats that can later turn forward-facing do not snap into strollers. For this reason, many mothers opt to purchase an additional stroller and car seat once their baby grows out of the infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is an essential piece of equipment for newly parents. Some travel systems include a baby stroller that can be converted into a comfortable infant carrycot. This is a great option for parents who don't want to disturb their baby while traveling. Some brands also have a stroller and car seat combo that can be connected. This lets you keep your child in the car seat while transferring them to the stroller without disturbing them.
A good stroller should have numerous features that make it easy to use and practical. It should have an ample basket in which you can put away essentials like nappies, toys and snacks and be in a position to recline to provide your baby a comfortable rest. It should have a canopy to protect your child from sun and also an lockable wheel on the front to ensure safety. In addition it should be light and fold compactly to store it in storage or for transporting to and from the car.
Travel system strollers that have been tested by an editor such as the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo, Chicco Keyfit Caddy and Doona Combo all provide convenience by connecting to a variety top car seats that can be attached to the frame and fold down effortlessly. Some have a single wheel at each leg, making them easier to manoeuvre and roll over different surfaces.
2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller are capable of carrying your child throughout toddlerhood and beyond, so that you can continue to use it to transport your child to and from activities such as school, play dates and other events. To do this, choose a stroller that has an opening that allows your child to face 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 transport, select the model with 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 be mounted on trains and airplanes to make traveling with a baby even easier.