As the news of the first pregnancy breaks on a couple, their hearts are overwhelmed with warmth and joy. Indeed the happiness is over the top but simultaneously the stress levels reach their maximum because the little one is on the way.
Parents consider numerous factors, especially the traveling essentials like car seats, strollers, carrycot and whatnot! But what if you get all in one? A dream come true!
However, this question, “Is It Better to Buy Car Seat and Stroller Combo” is normal to hit parents at this point. So, let’s just find out the answer to this question in this article painstakingly written for our beginner moms and dads.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Fprt-product-britax-willow-brook-jkim-0290-02f313c87a33483f8fc87f66d134e49b.jpeg&tbnid=t9A0_E5rLoXiwM&vet=12ahUKEwjYwKqC27-EAxW4T6QEHaaTC1gQMygDegQIARBU..i&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.parents.com%2Fbest-stroller-car-seat-combos-7568493&docid=5ZLnp8rZ0bkYVM&w=1500&h=1000&q=car%20seats%20and%20stroller%20combos&ved=2ahUKEwjYwKqC27-EAxW4T6QEHaaTC1gQMygDegQIARBU)
What Is a Travel System?
A baby travel system refers to the pairing of an infant car seat, with a stroller allowing for transitions, between car rides and strolls with your little one.
However, some travel systems may include a carrycot as well. The stroller frame is compatible with both the car seat and carrycot, and you can simply swap them out depending on your journey.
Furthermore, many brands provide extra complementary accessories in their travel systems, which would increase their value. These include:
- Backpack
- Integrated mosquito net for carrycot
- Cup holder
- Rain cover
A travel system is ideal for
- First-time parents
- Parents with cars
The typical age range for travel system is
- 0-6 months
- +6 months
The benefits of a travel system include,
- It is a one-purchase decision
- Complete solution from birth
- It reflects versatility
- Your baby will not be disturbed if falls asleep in the car
Pros and Cons of Car Seat and Stroller Combo
The combination of a car seat and stroller becomes a major concern for parents especially those who are having their first child. No doubt, it has many advantages but it does have certain disadvantages as well. So, let’s explore some of them
Pros of Car Seat and Stroller Combo
Some of the pros of the car seat and stroller combo are listed below:
Convenience:
The most significant advantage of this combination is its convenience and support especially for parents who are always on the go. You can move your kid from a car to a stroller or the other way around with utmost ease.
Safety and Security
The safety of your child is paramount with this combination. It meets the required safety standards. The seat of the car is tightly connected to the stroller which ensures stability and minimizes the chances of any mishaps and accidents.
Cost Considerations:
Its cost is another benefit, since purchasing a stroller, car seat, and pushchair individually may be pricey. Moreover, you can also get extra accessories like changing bags and footmuffs with an improved travel system.
Multiple Purpose
The car seat and stroller combo can be used for multiple purposes. The carrycot is multipurpose as it may be easily used as a Moses basket or a bassinet.
Space-saving:
It is an excellent alternative For parents with smaller cars or who live in small places. This is due to the fact that they take up less room as compared to separate car seats and strollers.
Extra Features:
Many travel system strollers also include excellent features like cupholders, a front tray, one-hand folding, and a fully reclining seat for infants.
Cons of Car Seat and Stroller Combo
Some of the cons of the car seat and stroller combo are listed below:
Heavy and Bulky:
The weight and bulkiness of this car seat and stroller combination is a potential disadvantage. Because of this, it is more difficult to maneuver and is not appropriate for small areas or public transportation.
Limited Options
Travel systems do not offer vast options thus requiring extensive research to find a travel system that is affordable and of high quality. Further, you may need to compromise on certain features that you might prefer in a stroller.
Shortage Usage Period
Your child will outgrow the car seat as they get older because this combo is designed for infants and small babies only. However, the stroller can be used independently, increasing its usefulness.
Component Quality
It is quite possible that its Individual components may lack quality which means that the quality of the car seat and stroller may vary. The car seat could be of great quality and the stroller is not or vice versa.
How Long Does a Travel System Last?
The life of your travel system depends on its maintenance, brand, and quality. However, within 1-2 years, your child will outgrow the car seat and move to a convertible car seat that stays in the car. Nevertheless, you can use the stroller itself for many years.
So, Is It Better to Buy Car Seat and Stroller Combo?
In our opinion, when it comes to the question that is it better to buy car seat and stroller combo, then we would answer yes. But, you should keep the following points in mind.
The decision to buy a car seat and stroller combo or each element separately is situation-specific. Being parents, you need to clear your priorities by keeping in mind your lifestyle, needs, preferences, and the kind of activities you will encounter.
- Travel systems are revolutionary for parents who are from urban areas in terms of convenience and ease as they are constantly driving and strolling.
- However, those parents who look for stroller performance, comfort, and durability must go for separate infant car seats and strollers.
In summary, the primary considerations of your child’s safety and welfare should be the key considerations in whatever decisions you make.
As well, it is vital to ensure that you go for a system that is approved by the safety standards and operates according to its instructions.
Conclusion:
To sum up, it is not accidental that the purchase of a car seat and stroller combo is wise and significant. One needs to delve deep into several considerations such as lifestyle, likes, and priorities by keeping in mind both the positive and negative sides of it.
In conclusion, whatever way a parent chooses, the safety of the parents for their mental health should be the top priority, and the well-being of the children should be the last resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mix and match strollers and car seats?
Only some brands allow you to mix and match with other brands while others prefer a single brand of the stroller and car seat.
Do I need a stroller and car seat?
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises to not use a stroller without a car seat for babies younger than four months old. It is due to the risk of sleepiness and possibly dangerous position changes.
Click here to know about top 5 best infant stroller car seat combos.
Click here to find out top 5 safest car seat stroller combos.
Head over to the home page of the website and find lots of diverse content related to car seats.