A 2 in 1 Travel System

A car seat and stroller combination is the best 2 in-1 prams choice for those who want to travel easily or create a contemporary version of a pram. Read the specs carefully to make sure the car seat you choose and pushchair are compatible, or think about buying an adapter.

Editor-tested travel systems allow you to transfer your newborn baby in a seamless manner from the car to the stroller, without having to disturb them. Some travel systems have the option of a carrycot that encourages the natural sleeping.

Car Seat

A 2 in 1 travel system that includes an infant car seat as well as a stroller that snap together. This is a great option for parents who regularly make errands, or take their child on rideshares or public transport. "You'll have less equipment to deal with," explains Graco spokeswoman Rachel Stanton. "And it's perfect for families who switch between carpooling with other moms or using public transportation."

Doona infant car seats and latch bases are a top choice, with 90 % of Amazon reviews rating it five stars. It's a rear-facing car seat that drops down into a rolling stroller--the transition only takes seconds. When not in use, the wheels can be folded away and it's small. The Doona can also be connected to a car's backseat by using the sturdy LATCH base or to taxi-safety belts. This makes it ideal for urban families.

The Mamas & Papas pramette another excellent car seat/stroller combo. It has an infant pram with a hood which opens and a front seat that can be lowered so that your child can lay down for naps or for feedings. It comes with a large basket and cup holders for all the necessities for your baby as well as a tray for parents and sun shade. The stroller seat has a multi-position reclining seat, and can recline to a flat, making sure your baby is comfortable on every ride.

Other important car seat features to take into consideration are the weight and height limits and whether the infant seat can be used only with a car belt for backseats or has an extra layer of protection that includes a built-in rigid LATCH system. Also, look for a locking mechanism on the handle to ensure it stays safe in its place and the possibility of tilting the handle toward the back of the seatback to make an anti-rebound bar.

Travel systems are only suitable for infant car seats. Extended-use car seats which can be turned forward-facing later, do not snap into strollers. Many moms decide to purchase an additional stroller and car seat when their child has outgrown an infant seat.

Stroller

A stroller is an essential piece of equipment for any new parent. Some travel systems come with a baby stroller that can be transformed into a comfy infant carrycot. This is a great option for parents who do not want to disturb their baby while traveling. Based on the brand it may also come with an automobile seat and stroller combination that connects to each other. This lets you keep your child in the car seat and then transfer them to the stroller without disrupting them.

A quality stroller should come with many features that make it simple to use and practical. It should include a large storage basket that can hold essentials such as nappies as well as toys and snacks. It should also be able recline so that your child can lie down comfortably. It should also come with a sturdy canopy to shield your baby from the sun and a lockable front wheel for extra security. It should also be lightweight and compact to store it in and 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 have the benefit of connecting to a variety top car seats that snap to the frame and fold easily. Some have a single wheel at each leg, which makes them more maneuverable and roll over different surfaces.

Ideally, a stroller should be able to function throughout toddlerhood and beyond if you want it to carry your child to and from school or to play dates, activities and so on. This is why you should consider a model that has an open-air seat that faces the world (and reclines) when your child is no longer in the car seat.

If you plan on using your 2-in-1 travel system on public transport you should look for models that have an ISOFIX base to ensure that it is safe to hop on and off buses or trains. Certain models, like the Doona can be mounted on trains and airplanes to make traveling with a baby even simpler.