A 2 in 1 Travel System
A stroller and car seat combination is the best option, whether you want to travel easily or design a more modern version of the traditional pram. Check the specifications carefully to make sure your car seat and pushchair work together, or think about buying an adaptor.
Travel systems that have been tested 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 two-in-one travel set that includes the stroller as well as an infant car seat that snap together. This is a great choice for parents who regularly run errands or take their baby on rides or public transport. "You will have less gear to deal with," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And it's great for families that alternate between public transportation and carpooling with other moms."
Doona infant car seats and latch bases are a top choice, with 90 percent of Amazon reviews giving it five stars. It's a rear-facing car seat that can be converted into a jogging stroller that rolls in seconds. When not in use, the wheels can be folded away and it's compact. The Doona also attaches to the back of a car using the rigid LATCH base or to taxi-safe belt paths, making it ideal for commuters and city families.
The Mamas & Papas pramette another great combination of a car seat and stroller. It comes with the pram with a hood which opens and an front seat that can be adjusted to let your child lay down for naps or meals. It has a spacious basket with cup holders to store all the necessities for your baby, plus a parent tray and sun shade. The stroller seat is able to recline in a variety of positions and can be flat too and your baby will be comfortable for every ride.
Other important car seat features to take into consideration are the weight and height limits and whether the infant car seat can be used with just the backseat belt or has an extra layer of protection that includes the LATCH system built into it. Also, look for a lock on the handle to keep it safe in its place and the ability to tilt the handle towards the rear seatback for an anti-rebound bar.
Travel systems are only suitable for infant car seats. Extended-use car seats that can be turned forward later, cannot be converted into strollers. Many moms choose to buy an additional car seat and stroller when their child is no longer in an infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is an essential piece of equipment for any new parent. Some travel systems include a baby pram that transforms into a cozy infant carrycot so that your little one can sleep peacefully while on the move which is ideal for parents of newborns and those who don't want to disturb them while traveling. Some brands also offer the option of a car seat and stroller combination that can be linked. This allows you to keep your child in the car seat while transferring them to a stroller without disturbing them.
A good stroller needs to have plenty of features that make it practical and easy to use. 2 in 1 buggy should include a large basket where you can store essentials like nappies, toys and snacks and be in a position to recline to provide your baby a comfortable rest. It should also have a canopy to protect your child from the sun and also an lockable wheel on the front for safety. Additionally, it should be lightweight and compact enough for storage or transporting to and from the car.
Travel system strollers that have been evaluated by editors, such as 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 attached and folded easily. Some models have one wheel on each leg to make them easier to maneuver and roll over different surfaces.
Ideal strollers should be capable of carrying your child through the stage of toddlerhood, and beyond, so that you can continue to use it to take them to and from activities such as school, play dates and other events. If your child is outgrowing their car seat, look for a stroller that is able to seat your child in the world and can recline.
If you are planning to use your 2-in-1 travel system for public transport choose a model with an ISOFIX base, which makes it safe to hop on and off buses or trains. Some models, such as the Doona can be fitted on trains and airplanes to make traveling with a baby even simpler.