Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combos are so simple to connect that it almost feels like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is easy to click together with the carrier." This reduces the possibility of mistakes during installation and removal.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from car seat to stroller, and also helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's versatility and user-friendliness, but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between car seats and strollers often find a combination of both attractive. It's also a good option for parents who take public transportation or rideshares frequently as well as those that switch caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they're more portable," says Stanton. Stanton says it is important to secure the car seat correctly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual to ensure a secure fit she advises.
In our tests, we found that the most effective stroller and car seat combos feature a simple, click-in connection that requires little effort beyond moving the carrier from one place to the next. They scored better than those with more complex connections, as they require less pressure and offer the least chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). For instance, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the car seat base that indicates when it's level.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, it's also simple to install and switch from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless transformation that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also comes with an swivel front wheel that gives you an excellent maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
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 makes it easy to store. It has a spacious basket as well as plenty of cup holders to hold drinks, snacks and baby gear. The cushioned seat makes it ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric can be machine washed. It's FAA-approved and includes the safety harness which is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to protect them in the event of a crash.
A good travel system should be simple to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single pivoting wheel in the front to help navigate streets and busy sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo as well as the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and come with useful features, such as one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible should consider a car seat and stroller combination, whether they are running errands or taking a family trip. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move around than separate items, and many models are equipped with features that distinguish them from the competition. However, it's important to note that the car seat and stroller must be compatible in order to work. 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 can help you narrow down your options.
Certain strollers and car seats feature an immediate connection that snaps in place without additional straps or a complicated installation process. This type of easy attachment is a major selling point, and is particularly helpful for families who frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted to stroller with the press 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 infant) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combinations like the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller, and fold it easily into a compact size that can be stored inside the trunk. This is another great feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller itself has a sleek design with high-end fabrics and smart features such as a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your personal preferences and plans for growth and budget. The most affordable models tend to 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. You can be sure that the stroller meets all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families who wish to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat when flying. They are also ideal for those who regularly use public transportation and ride-shares. These cars seats and strollers are simple to transport, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands free while traveling with their children.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models have a smoother ride and can be easier to push on different terrains. Furthermore, the smaller frames can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the rear of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular car seats/strollers are lightweight and compact, and come with foldable casters that make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for instance is a basic seat that can convert into an infant booster when the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are easy to use.
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth mentioning. It's a unique piece of equipment since it can be transformed from a rear-facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of the button. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing the seat from the base and makes it much easier to navigate stairs or hop in and out of taxis without having to store the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option, which is especially appealing for first-time parents. It's less than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it gives new parents peace of mind that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their infant.
Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers when they're deciding on an infant carrier from a certain brand or plan to use it for multiple children. If this is the case, be sure you've read the specifications to ensure that your car seats and strollers will work together. Also consider purchasing an adapter to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is an excellent choice for parents looking for a single piece that can be used for a variety of purposes. They are able to effortlessly switch from a car seat to a stroller and then back again, and they are generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. " why not try these out designed to be more easily portable," says Stanton. "They have less moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold, use, and carry."
These car seats and strollers for infants are also lighter than two-piece models, and they can be easily transported in small trunks. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and feature more useful features, like cup holders and sun shades. Some models even have a swivel front wheel that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat. They are especially useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or who switch between caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing car seat with wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat in and then unfold it into a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
It is also important to consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combination can be used with your preferred car seat brand. If it's compatible, you can expect longer-lasting use from the product since it will still work with your child as they get out of the infant car seat.
It's also important to be aware that some stroller and car seats do not perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult to climb stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat can make it difficult to push. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best for you.