Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos nearly appear to be able to attach themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This reduces the chance of errors that could occur when assembling and detaching.
Doona is one option that can accomplish this. It effortlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and it makes space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it feels sturdy but they also appreciate its user-friendliness and performance.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both attractive. It also makes sense for those who often take public transportation or rideshares as well as those who have multiple caregivers. "These are a single product and the wheels are connected to the car seat, meaning they're more mobile," says Stanton. Stanton stresses the need to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit she advises.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combos feature an easy click-in connection that requires no effort, other than moving the carrier from one place to another. They scored better than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and provide less chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). For example, we like the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the car seat base that tells you when it's properly leveled.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is also easy to install and transfer from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. It also features a swivel wheel in the front, which allows for excellent mobility even with a seat attached.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System that has springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand-fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a spacious basket, as well as plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks, and baby gear. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless smooth-touch fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that can be locked beneath or around your baby's shoulders. pram 2 in 1 comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects them if they are in a crash.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and a single, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and come with useful features, like one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible should consider a car seat stroller combination, whether doing errands during the day or going on an outing with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to maneuver than separate items, and many models have convenient features that differentiate them from the rest. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines for what types of strollers are compatible with their product and a quick internet search will help to narrow your choices.
Some strollers and car seats have an immediate connection that snaps into place with no any straps or an intricate installation process. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point for families who frequently utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted to stroller with the click of a single button. This is a huge time-saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to take the infant carrier from the stroller's base and then fold it up into a compact size that fits inside the trunk of a vehicle. This is another great feature for busy families and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with top-quality fabrics and smart features such as a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
The ideal 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combination for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable models tend to be frame strollers that fit a child car seat with little space. Higher-end combos will include a toddler seat, twin strollers, or more advanced features. In any case you can be assured that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat on airlines and are also ideal for people who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport and are ideal for parents who prefer their hands free while traveling with their children.
When deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that's lightweight and compact. These options have a smoother ride and are easier to push over different terrains. Additionally, the smaller frames can aid in getting the car seat in and out of a trunk, or the back of a car.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are lightweight, compact and have wheels that fold for easy storage. For instance, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that converts from an rear-facing five-point harness into a booster for children who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are easy to use (we did not consider it a top pick for its ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is a standout because it's a single piece of equipment that converts from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of removing the seat from the base and makes it much easier to maneuver stairs or hop in taxis without having to stow the car seat.
Doonas are a fantastic affordable option, especially for new parents. It's less than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it gives parents peace of mind knowing that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their baby.
Many families opt for a two-piece car seat/stroller system when they're deciding on a particular brand of infant carrier, or have plans to have several children. If that's the situation, make sure you read the product specs to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat will work together. Consider purchasing an adapter to match your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents looking for a single item that can be used for multiple purposes. They can easily be converted from a car to stroller, and reverse. They are also more easy to move around than two piece travel systems. Stanton says they're designed to be more portable. "They contain fewer moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold, use, and carry."
These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than the two-piece options and are easily carried in trunks that are small. They also have more space for cargo and more convenient features like sun shades and cup holders. Some models even have a swivel front wheel that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. They are particularly useful for parents who take public transportation or rideshares or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and unfold it into the shape of a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona, but it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you're considering fits your preferred brand of car seat. If it's compatible, then you can expect to get a longer life out of the product because it will still work with your child as they grow out of the infant car seat.
However, it's important to note that some car seat and stroller combos don't perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or inconvenient to use steps, or the weight of the car seat and stroller could make it difficult to push across different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best one for you.