Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so easy to attach that it almost feels like they're doing it themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This reduces the possibility of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that allows you to do this. It effortlessly transforms from a car seat to stroller, and makes space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's functionality and user-friendliness, but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a great option for parents who use public transportation or rideshares often as well as those who change caregivers. Stanton says that because they're a single piece and the wheels are connected the car seats are more mobile. However, she adds that it's essential to ensure that the car seat is properly secured when it's used with an electronic travel system. She says to always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual of your vehicle for a secure fit.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combos feature a simple click-in connection, that requires no effort other than moving the carrier from one location to the next. They scored higher in comparison to models with more complicated connections because they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities to make mistakes, whether they are intentional or accidental. We like, for instance, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that does not require straps, and that it has an indicator on the bottom of the car seat that indicates whether the seat is level properly.
The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller, it's also simple to set up and move from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or running errands. It also has an swivel front wheel that offers an excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has an elongated chassis that is springy and a large one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a spacious basket, as well as plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that locks either below or on the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects the child in case of an accident.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have a single, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide effortlessly and feature useful features, like one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible are better off choosing a stroller and car seat combination, regardless of whether they are running errands or taking an outing with the family. Stroller and car seat combinations are usually easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and most models are equipped with convenient features that help them stand out from the rest. It's important to remember that the car seat needs to be compatible with the stroller to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on what kinds of strollers can be used with their product A quick internet search can help narrow down your options.
Some strollers and carseats come with a direct attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or a complicated installation. This kind of effortless attachment is a major selling point, and is particularly beneficial for families that frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the push of the button. This is a fantastic time-saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking your stroller on planes (assuming that you have also purchased an airline chair for your child) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller, and fold it easily into a compact size that fits into the trunk. This is an excellent feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself has a sleek design with top quality fabrics and also smart touches like a built in drape canopy that protects a baby who's sleeping.
The ideal 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combination for your family is based on your lifestyle, plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat for a child with little extra space. The more expensive models will have a toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. In any case you can be assured that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families who want to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat while flying. They are also ideal for those who frequently use public transportation or ride-shares. These cars seats and strollers are simple to transport and are ideal for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their children.
When you're deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that's lightweight and compact. These options roll more smoothly and can be easier to push on different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in a trunk or the back of the car.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are compact, lightweight and have wheels that fold for easy storage. For example, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple 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 lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are simple to use.
The Doona is another 2 in 1 stroller/car seat worth noting. It's a unique piece of equipment because it can be transformed from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller simply by pressing the button. This lets you avoid the hassle of removing the base of the seat and makes it much easier to navigate stairs or hop into taxis without having to store the car seat.
Doonas are a fantastic option for those on a budget, particularly first-time parents. It costs less than a year of gym membership and gives parents peace of mind knowing that their child is secure when traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system when they're deciding on a specific model of infant carrier, or have plans to have multiple children. If this is the case, make sure to read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats are compatible. Consider buying an adapter to fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents who are looking for a single piece that can be used for a variety of functions. They can easily transition from being a car seat to a stroller, and back to a car seat, and are generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They contain a lot fewer moving parts, which makes them easier to fold, carry, and use."
These strollers and car seats for infants are lighter than the two-piece versions and can be easily transported in small trunks. They also have an extra cargo basket and more useful features such as sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel on the front, which is great for navigating busy streets and stores.
pram 2in1 , like Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. They are particularly useful for parents who use public transportation or rideshares or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat with wheels that can be converted into a stroller.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat in and then fold it out as a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.
You should also think about whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combination can fit your preferred car seat brand. If it is compatible, you are likely to enjoy a longer life out of the product as it will still be able to work with your child once they get out of the infant car seat.
It is important to be aware that certain car seats and stroller combinations do not perform well in our user-friendliness tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult or inconvenient to climb stairs, or because the weight of the stroller and car seat makes it more difficult to push on different terrains. It's worth reading our review to determine which one is the best for you.