Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so simple to connect that it almost feels like they're doing it themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This reduces the possibility of errors during installation and removal.
One option that can do this is the Doona that effortlessly transforms from car seat to stroller, and also helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviewers note that it feels substantial however they also appreciate its ease of use and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between car seats and strollers often will find a combination of both attractive. It's also a great alternative for parents who utilize public transportation or rideshares frequently, as well as those who change caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are attached to the car seat, meaning they're more mobile," says Stanton. pram 2 in 1 suggests to secure the car seat properly when using the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure an appropriate fit she adds.
In our tests, we discovered that the top stroller and car seat combinations come with a simple click-in connection that requires little effort other than shifting the car from one to another. These models scored better than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and have less chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that requires no straps, and also includes a meter at the bottom of the car seat which indicates whether the seat is level correctly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and then transfer from stroller to vehicle. It's an easy conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or errands. It also comes with an swivel front wheel that provides excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension and a large, one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large storage basket as well as plenty of cup holders to hold snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The padded seat is comfortable for long trips and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that locks below or at the shoulders of your baby. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard them if they are in a crash.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have one, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with useful features such as one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combinations are a great option for parents who want to keep their baby as comfortable as they can whether they're doing errands or heading out for an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move than separate items, and many models have convenient features that set them apart from other strollers. However, it's important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible for use together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to give guidelines on what kinds of strollers can be used with their product A quick internet search will help narrow down your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have an easy connection that snaps in place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This type of 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 which can be converted into a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a huge time-saver and makes it easy to bypass gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant carrier from the base of the stroller and then fold it up into a compact size that can be tucked away in the trunk of a car. This is an excellent feature for busy parents. The stroller itself has a sleek design with top quality fabrics as well as smart touches like a built in canopy with a drape that can protect a baby who's sleeping.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your personal preferences and growth plans and budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers which can accommodate a car seat for a child with little space. More expensive combos will include the toddler seat, twin stroller, or more advanced features. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to Carry
These combos are ideal for families who wish to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat when flying. They're also great for those who frequently use public transportation and ride-sharing services. These car seats and strollers are easy to transport and maneuver on the go and are ideal for parents who need their hands off when traveling with their kids.
When you're deciding on a stroller that is a 2 in 1 car seat, look for one that is light and compact. These models have a smoother ride and can be easier to push across different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in a trunk or back of the car.
A few of the most well-known 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 an infant booster when children are no longer in a baby carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are simple to use (we didn't score it as the best option for ease of installation).
The Doona is another 2 in 1 stroller/car seat that's worth mentioning. It's an exceptional piece of equipment since it can be transformed from a rear facing infant car seat into stroller with the click of a button. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing the base of the seat and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop in and out of taxis without having to stow the car seat.
Doonas are a fantastic budget-friendly choice, especially for new parents. It's less expensive than a year's gym membership. It also provides parents with peace of mind knowing their child is secure when traveling.
Many families choose two-piece stroller/car seat systems in the event that they have decided on a specific model of infant carrier or plans to have several children. If this is the case, be sure to read the product specs to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat will work in conjunction. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to match the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent choice for parents looking for only one piece of baby gear that can handle multiple functions. They can easily convert from a car to stroller, and reverse. They are also more easy to maneuver than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily portable," says Stanton. "They have a lot fewer moving components, which makes them easy to fold, transport, and use."
These strollers and car seats for infants are also lighter than two-piece models and are easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and have more convenient features, like cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheel on the front that can be used to navigate busy streets and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller as well as an infant car seats that can be used together. These are particularly useful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or who shift between caregivers frequently. This model is essentially a rear-facing car seat on wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you want to use it.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into and then unfold it into a stroller. This model isn't as streamlined as Doona, but it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to click it into the base.
Consider 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 more durable product since it will work with your child even after they've outgrown the infant car seats.
It is important to be aware that certain stroller and car seat combinations don't perform very well in our user-friendliness tests. This could be because of the design that makes it difficult to navigate stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat can make it difficult to push. In any case, it's worth checking out our complete reviews to find the most suitable solution for you.