Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat and stroller combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This helps reduce the risk of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that can accomplish this. It easily transforms from a car seat into stroller, and lets you free up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's versatility and ease of use, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who do not want to switch between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both attractive. It's also an ideal choice for those who often take public transportation or rideshares as well as those who switch between caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, which means they're more naturally mobile," says Stanton. However, she adds that it's crucial to ensure that the car seat is securely secured when using it with the travel system. She says to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual of your vehicle to ensure an ideal fit.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combos feature simple click-in connections, which requires little effort other than moving the carrier from one place to another. These models scored better compared to those with more complex connections due to the fact that they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities to make mistakes, whether they are intentional or accidental. For instance, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that needs no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the car seat base that shows when it is properly leveled.
The Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants it's also simple to set up and move from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless change that allows extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has an swivel front wheel that offers excellent maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features springy chassis as well as an enormous one-hand fold chassis that makes it easy to store. It has a big basket as well as plenty of cups to hold snacks, drinks, and baby equipment. The padded seat makes it ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It's FAA approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and has a SafeCell crumple zone that protects your child in the event of a crash.
A good travel system should be simple to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single, swivel wheel on the front to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and feature convenient features such as one-hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Car seat stroller combinations are a great choice for parents who wish to keep their child as comfortable as they can whether they're running errands, or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to move around than separate items, and many models come with convenient features that distinguish them from other strollers. However, it's important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible to work together. The car seat manufacturer must provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their products. A quick search on the internet will help narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats have a direct connection that snaps into place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major selling point for families who regularly utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into stroller with the click of a single button. This is a huge time-saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking a stroller on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combinations like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller, and fold it easily into a compact package which fits into the trunk. This is a great feature for busy parents. The stroller itself features a sleek design and top quality fabrics and also smart touches like a built in canopy with a drape that can protect the baby from sleeping.
The ideal 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combination for your family will depend on your lifestyle, your plans for expansion and your budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers that fit in a car seat and have little extra space, whereas more expensive combos could include a toddler seat or a twin strollers, and include more advanced features. Whatever you choose, you can rest 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 excellent option for families that are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking an infant car seat on airlines and are also ideal for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are easy to carry and maneuver on the go and are ideal for parents who want their hands free while traveling with their little ones.
When choosing a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, look for one that is light and compact. These models are more comfortable to use and are easier to push over different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat into a trunk or the back of a car.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seats/strollers combinations are light, compact and have wheels that fold to make it easy to store. For instance, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that converts from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to an infant booster when children are no longer in a baby carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are relatively easy to use (we didn't score it as a top pick for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's an exceptional model because it's a single piece equipment that can be converted from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller with just a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of removing the base of the seat and makes it easier to move up and down stairs or get into and out of taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option that is a great choice for parents who are first-time parents. It's cheaper than a year's gym membership and gives parents peace of mind knowing their child is safe traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system if they're set on an infant carrier from a particular brand or plan to use it for several children. If this is the case, be sure you've read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats will work in tandem. Also consider purchasing an adapter if necessary to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combination is an excellent choice for parents who are seeking a single piece that can be used for multiple purposes. They can easily convert from a car to the stroller and vice versa. They are also simpler to maneuver than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally portable," says Stanton. "They contain a lot fewer moving parts, which makes them easier to fold, carry and use."
In addition, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece options and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them simple to carry around. They also tend to have a larger cargo basket and more useful features such as sun shades and cup holders. pram 2in1 have a swivel wheels on the front, which is great for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. These are especially beneficial for parents who take public transportation or rideshares or change caregivers often. This model is basically a rear-facing car seat on wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become an infant stroller when you decide to use it.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and unfold it into the form of a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant seat combo you are considering can accommodate your preferred brand of car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a longer-lasting product since it will be able to work with your child after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.
It's also important to note that some stroller and car seat combos don't perform well in our tests for ease of use. This could be due to the design of the product that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to climb steps, or the weight of the car seat and stroller could make it difficult to push across different terrains. In any situation, it's worth checking out our complete reviews to find the best solution for you.