Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About 2 In 1 Travel System
A 2 in 1 Travel System
A stroller and car seat combination is the best option for those who want to travel easily or create a contemporary version of the traditional pram. Read the specs carefully to ensure that the car seat you choose and pushchair are compatible, or think about buying an adaptor.
Travel systems that have been evaluated by editors allow you to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to a stroller without disturbing them. Some travel systems include an infant carrycot to help encourage the natural sleeping.
Car Seat
A 2-in-1 travel set includes a stroller and a baby car seat that snap together. It's a convenience for parents and caregivers who often run errands while with baby or take their little baby out on rideshares or public transportation. "You have less equipment to deal with," explains Graco spokesperson Rachel Stanton. "And it's perfect for families that alternate between carpooling with other moms and using public transit."
A top pick 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 transforms to a stroller that can be turned into a rolling one. The change only takes seconds. When not in use, the wheels can be folded down and it's small. The Doona can also be attached to the back of a car using the rigid LATCH base or to taxi-safe belt paths, making it ideal for commuters and families in cities.
The Mamas & Papas pramette is another great combination of a car seat and stroller. It features an infant pram with a hood that can be opened and the front seat can be lowered so that your child can lay down for naps or meals. It comes with a large basket, cup holders and an umbrella shade for your baby's essentials. The stroller seat is a multi-position reclining seat, and can recline to a flat position making sure your baby is comfortable on every ride.
Other important car seat features to consider are the weight and height limits as well as whether the infant seat can be used with just a car belt for backseats or comes with an additional layer of protection that includes a built-in rigid LATCH system. Also look for a lock on the handle to ensure it stays secure in place and the ability to tilt the handle toward the back of the seatback to make an anti-rebound bar.
Travel systems only work for infant car seats. Extended-use car seats which can be turned forward later, cannot be converted into strollers. This is why many mothers opt to purchase a separate stroller and car seat once their child grows out of the infant seat.
Stroller
A stroller is an essential piece of equipment for any new parent. 2 in 1 prams come with the baby pram that converts into a cosy infant carrycot so your baby can rest peacefully in the car which is ideal for parents with newborns or who do not want to disturb them when traveling. Depending on the model they may also include a car seat and stroller combo that clicks into each other. This lets you keep your child in the car seat and then transfer them to a stroller without disrupting them.
A great stroller should include numerous features that make it easy to use and practical. It should come with a large storage basket that can hold important items like nappies, toys, and snacks. It must also recline so that your baby can lie down comfortably. It should also have a good canopy to protect your baby from the sun and a lockable front wheel for added safety. Additionally it should be light and compact to make it easy to store or transport 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 because they connect with a range of top car seats. These car seats click onto the frame to be attached and can be folded up easily. Some models also come with a single wheel on each leg, making them easier to manoeuvre and roll on different surfaces.
A stroller should be versatile enough to last through toddlerhood - and beyond if you want it to continue to transport your child to and from school as well as to play dates and activities. When your child outgrows their car seat, you should look for a stroller that features a seat that faces the world and reclines.
If you intend to use your 2-in-1 travel system for public transport choose a model with an ISOFIX base so it's safe to hop on and off buses or trains. Certain models, like the Doona can be fitted on planes and trains to make traveling with your baby a lot easier.