Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so easy to attach that it's like they're doing it themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This helps reduce the risk of mistakes during installation and removal.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from car seat to stroller and frees up trunk space. Online reviews praise the Doona's versatility and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a good option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. This is also a good option for parents who take rides or public transportation frequently and who change caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, meaning they're more easily mobile," says Stanton. However, she notes that it's crucial to make sure the car seat is properly secured when it's used with a travel system. She says to always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual of your vehicle to ensure an ideal fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combinations have simple click-in connections, that requires no effort other than moving the car seat from one place to another. These models scored better compared to models with more complicated connections due to the fact that they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. For instance, we love the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the car seat base that tells you when it's leveled correctly.
The Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, it's also simple to install and transfer from vehicle into stroller. pram pushchair 2 in 1 's a seamless change that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also has an adjustable front wheel that gives you excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has springy chassis as well as a large one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket and plenty cup holders for snacks, drinks, and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long trips and the tagless smooth-touch fabric is machine washable. It's FAA-approved and comes with the safety harness which is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and includes a SafeCell crumple zone to protect them in the event of a crash.
A good travel system should also be easy 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 and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with useful features like one-hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can are better off choosing a car seat and stroller combination, whether they are running errands for the day or going on a family trip. Stroller and car seat combinations are generally more maneuverable than separate pieces, and a lot of models have convenient features that help them stand out from the competition. It's important to remember that the car seat needs to be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The car seat manufacturer must provide guidelines for strollers that can be used with their product. A quick online search will help narrow your options.
Some strollers and carseats have an immediate attachment that snaps in place without the need for straps or complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point, and is especially beneficial for families who often use ride-share cars or public transportation. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the click of the button. This is a significant 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 and car seat combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to remove the infant carrier from the stroller's base and then fold it up into a compact unit that can be tucked away into the trunk of a car. This is a great feature for families with busy schedules, and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with premium fabrics and smart features, like a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle and plans for growth and budget. The most affordable options are likely to be frame strollers that fit in a car seat and have little extra space, whereas higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or twin strollers, and include more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller is compliant with all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
These combos are perfect for families who want to avoid checking the gate of the infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who regularly take public transport or ride-shares. These cars seats and strollers are easy to transport and are ideal for parents who prefer their hands free when traveling with their children.
When deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that's lightweight and compact. These options have a smoother ride and can be easier to push across different terrains. Furthermore, the smaller frames can make it easier to get the car seat in and out of a trunk or the rear of a vehicle.
A few of the most well-known car seat/stroller combinations are light, compact and feature foldable casters for easy storage. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that can be converted from a rear-facing five-point harness to an infant booster when children are no longer in an infant carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are relatively user-friendly (we did not rate it as an ideal choice for ease of assembly).
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 stroller/car seat that's worth to be mentioned. It's an exceptional piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be converted from a rear facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of the button. This allows you to skip the step of removing the seat from the base and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop into and out of taxis without having to store the car seat.
Doonas are an excellent budget-friendly choice, especially for new parents. It's less expensive than a year of gym membership. It also provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their child is secure when traveling.
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 more than one child. If this is the case, be sure you've read the specifications to ensure that your car seats and strollers will work together. Consider purchasing an adapter to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want only one piece of baby gear that can serve multiple purposes. They are able to effortlessly switch from being a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they are generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. " pram pushchair 2 in 1 designed to be more natural-looking and portable," says Stanton. "They contain a lot fewer moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold, carry and use."
These strollers and car seats for infants are lighter than two-piece models and can be easily transported in small trunks. They also tend to have more space for cargo and more convenient features like cup holders and sun shades. Some models have a swivel wheel on the front that is great for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, such as Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. These are particularly useful parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or who shift between caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and unfold it into the form of a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
You should also think about whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combo can be used with your preferred car seat brand. If it is compatible, you can expect longer-lasting use from the product because it will 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 do not perform well in our tests for ease of use. This could be due to an design that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to use stairs, or due to the weight of the car seat and stroller makes it more difficult to push on different terrains. It's worth reading our review to find out which option is the best one for you.