Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so easy to attach that it's almost like they're doing it all by themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that lets you do this. It easily transforms from a car seat to stroller, and makes space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it is hefty however they also appreciate its user-friendliness and its functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both appealing. It also makes sense for those who frequently take public transportation or rideshares, as well as those who have multiple caregivers. Stanton states that since they're one item and the wheels are attached the car seats are more mobile. However, she notes that it's essential to ensure that your car seat is securely secured when you use it with a travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure an appropriate fit she adds.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combinations come with a simple click-in connector that requires no effort other than shifting the car from one to another. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and provide the least chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). For example, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the base of the car seat that tells you when it's leveled correctly.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and move from car to stroller. It's a seamless transition that allows extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel on the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even with the seat on.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features a springy chassis and a large fold-down chassis that makes it easy to store. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cups for snacks, drinks and baby gear. The cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys, and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric is machine washed. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that can be locked either below or on the shoulders of your baby. 2 in 1 pram and pushchair has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard 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, pivoting wheel in the front to help navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and feature convenient features like one-hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible are better off choosing a car seat and stroller combination, whether running errands or taking an outing with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move around than separate items, and a number of models have convenient features that set them apart from other strollers. But, it is crucial to note that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible for use together. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their products. A quick search on the internet can help you narrow your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have a direct connection that snaps into place with no any straps or an intricate installation process. This type of easy attachment is a major selling point, and it's particularly beneficial for families that often use ride-share cars or public transportation. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted to stroller with the press of a single button. This is a time-saving feature and allows you to avoid having your stroller checked at the gate on planes (assuming you've purchased an airline chair for your baby) or to get into and out of a taxi.
Other stroller and car seat combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to take the infant carrier from the stroller's base and fold it into a compact package that fits inside the trunk of a vehicle. 2 in 1 buggy is a fantastic feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself also features a sleek design and high-end fabrics, as well as smart touches like a built-in canopy with a drape that can protect babies who are asleep.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle, plans for growth, and budget. The most affordable options will likely be frame strollers that can fit in a car seat and have the smallest amount of space. On the other hand, more expensive combos could include a toddler seat or a twin strollers and have more advanced features. Either way, you can rest assured that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice for families who want to avoid gate-checking the infant car seat on flights and are also ideal for those who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport and maneuver on the go, which makes them ideal for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their kids.
When deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that is lightweight and compact. These options tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push across various conditions. Furthermore, the smaller frames can aid in getting the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the rear of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight compact and folding casters that can be stored easily. For example, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that can be converted from an rear-facing five-point harness into an infant booster when children are no longer in a baby carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is an exceptional model because it's a single piece of equipment that transitions from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of removing the seat from its base and makes it much easier to maneuver stairs or hop in and out of taxis without having to put away the car seat.
Doonas are an excellent budget-friendly choice, especially for new parents. It's cheaper than the cost of one year's gym membership and it gives parents peace of mind knowing that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their child.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system when they're deciding on an infant carrier from a certain brand or plan to use it for several children. If that's your case, be sure to read the product specs to ensure that your stroller and car seat can work in conjunction. Also consider purchasing an adapter to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combo is a great choice for parents who are looking for a single piece that can be used for multiple functions. They are able to effortlessly switch from being a car seat to a stroller, and back again, and they're generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They have a lot less moving parts, which makes them easy to fold, transport, and use."
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece options and fit in smaller trunks, making them simple to transport. They also have more space for cargo and more convenient features like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel on the front that is ideal for navigating sidewalks and shopping centers.
Some brands, such as Doona, offer all-in-one infant car seat and stroller solutions. These are especially beneficial for parents who take public transportation or rideshares, or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat with wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat, and then unfold it into the form of a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
You should also 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 to get longer-lasting use from the product because it will continue to work with your child as they are no longer in 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 the design of the product that makes it difficult or inconvenient to use stairs, or because the weight of the stroller and car seat could make it difficult to push across different terrains. In either scenario, you should check through our reviews to determine the best option for you.