A 2 in 1 Travel System
A car seat and stroller combination is the best choice, whether you want to travel with ease or create a contemporary version of the pram. Check the specifications carefully to make sure your car seat and pushchair work together, or consider buying an adaptor.
Editor-tested travel systems allow you to move your sleeping newborn seamlessly from the car to the stroller, without disturbing them. Some travel systems include the option of a carrycot that encourages natural sleep.
2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair -in-one travel system comes with an infant car seat as well as a stroller that snap together. It's a convenient option for caregivers and parents who often run errands while with their infant or take their young child on rideshares or public transportation. "You will have less gear to worry about," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller for families who switch between carpooling with other moms or using public transportation."
A top choice is the Doona infant car seat and latch base, which gets 90% of five-star reviews on Amazon. It's a rear-facing car seat that drops down into a stroller that rolls. The transition is quick and easy. The wheels fold down underneath, and it's compact when not in use. The Doona can also be attached to a car's backseat with the LATCH base that is rigid or to taxi-safe belt routes, making it ideal for city families and commuters.
The Mamas & Papas pramette another great combination of a car seat and stroller. It features a pram with a hood which opens and an front seat that can be lowered to allow your child to lie down for naps or meals. It has a spacious basket with cup holders to store all of your baby's necessities, plus a parent tray and sun shade. The stroller seat features a multi-position reclining seat, and can recline to a flat position, so baby is comfy for every ride.
Other important car seat features to be considered are the weight and height limits and whether the infant car seat can be used with just the backseat belt or has 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 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 to face forward later, cannot be converted into strollers. For this reason, many mothers opt to purchase an additional stroller and car seat once their child grows out of the infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is a vital piece of equipment for any new parent. Some travel systems come with a baby stroller that can transform into a cozy infant carrycot so that your baby can rest peacefully on the go which is ideal for newborns and parents who don't want to disturb them when travelling. Some brands also offer a stroller and car seat combination that can be linked. This allows you to keep your child in the car seat while transferring them to the stroller without disrupting them.
A good stroller should have many features that make it easy to use and practical. It should come with an ample basket for storing essential items such as nappies as well as toys and snacks. It should also be able recline so that your baby can rest comfortably. It should also include a good canopy to protect your baby from sun, and a lockable front wheel for extra security. It should also be lightweight and compact for storage as well as transporting to and from the car.
Editor-tested travel system strollers such as the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo, Chicco Keyfit Caddy and Doona Combo all offer convenience by connecting with a range of top car seats that click to attach to the frame and fold up easily. Some have one wheel on each leg to make them more maneuverable and easier to roll over different surfaces.
A stroller should be versatile enough to last through toddlerhood - and beyond if you require it to carry your child to and from school or to play dates, activities and so on. If 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair is outgrowing their car seat, consider a stroller that has a seat facing the world and reclines.
If you intend to use your 2-in-1 travel system on public transport choose models that have an ISOFIX base, which makes it safe to hop on and off trains or buses. Some models, like the Doona can also be fitted on planes and trains to make traveling with a child more convenient.