Best 3-in-1 Travel Systems for Babies
Pros and Cons of Using an Infant Stroller Car Seat Combination
Aug 3, 2009
Expecting parents are often overwhelmed at the prospect of buying all the necessary baby gear for their new arrival.
Aside from the baby crib, the two most important pieces of baby gear are a car seat and a stroller. To this end, popular 3-in-1 travel systems are generating a lot of interest among parents.
What Is a 3-in-1 Travel System?
An infant travel system is a matching car seat/stroller combination. The car seat snaps securely into the stroller or into a base in the car. The stroller is appropriate for infants with the car seat attached, and can be used by itself when babies are old enough to sit up.
Advantages of a Baby Travel System
Lots of parents are choosing to purchase a 3-in-1 system, rather than buying a separate stroller and car seat. Some of the benefits of travel systems are:
- Convenience of buying two pieces of baby gear together
- Both pieces are matching and color-coordinated
- The same stroller can be used from birth to late toddlerhood
- It's easy to transport baby from the car to the stroller (or vice versa) without waking him or re-fastening buckles
- Travel system strollers are usually sturdy, durable, and feature snack trays, cup holders, and storage bin underneath
Travel systems are an innovative new approach to baby gear that eliminate the hassles and problems common with separate strollers and car seats.
Disadvantages of Infant Travel Systems
Parents do cite a few problems with baby stroller systems, however. Common objections include:
- Compatibility issues – parents can't use another car seat with the stroller
- If the car seat breaks or gets lost, parents have to replace the entire system
- Cost is higher than a separate stroller and car seat
Travel systems aren't right for everyone, especially new parents with special needs or tight budgets.
Cost of Baby Travel Systems
As with most baby gear, the price of various travel systems can vary widely. Models can run as cheap as $140, all the way up to $900 and beyond for a high-end model. But on average, $250 is a reasonable price to pay for a decent and durable infant travel system.
Travel System Reviews: The Best Baby Travel System
Most baby equipment manufacturers have their own travel systems, but not all of them are equally well-liked by parents. Recommended 3-in-1 infant systems are:
- Graco - Graco is the biggest name in baby travel systems. Most Graco systems come with the top-rated SnugRide car seat, and parents like the durability of Graco systems and the easy one-hand fold feature on the strollers. Systems are reasonably priced at $200 to $300.
- Safety 1st – Safety 1st travel systems are slightly heavier and bulkier than Graco models, but they are also less expensive. The models are basic but are still functional and durable. This one of the lowest priced stroller systems, usually costing less than $200.
- Chicco – Chicco makes very highly rated, lightweight travel systems. Many parents like the distinctive ultra-modern styling that makes it "look like a Chicco." Chicco systems are pricier than the average travel system, usually between $300 and $400.
Though brand name isn't everything, parents seem to favor brands such as Eddie Bauer and Baby Trend less than others. Reasons for disliking these stroller car seat combinations include bulk, weight, difficulty folding the strollers up, issues with the fit between certain models of cars and the car seat base, and tough straps to buckle.
Combining a stroller and car seat with an infant travel system is the route more and more parents are choosing to go. Though they may be more costly than traditional solutions, parents often agree that the convenience of a travel system is worth the price tag.
Readers might also be interested in "5 Best Baby Shower Gifts."
Sources:
- Target.com product ratings
- Amazon.com product ratings
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