Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos almost feel like they attach themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This will reduce the risk of errors that can happen when assembling and detaching.
Doona is one option that lets you accomplish this. It easily transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and it lets you free up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it feels sturdy however they also appreciate its ease of use and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combo is an attractive choice for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a good alternative for parents who utilize public transportation or rideshares frequently as well as those who switch caregivers. Stanton says that because they're one item and the wheels are connected the car seats are more easily portable. However, she adds that it's crucial to ensure that the 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 that the seat is secure she advises.
In our tests, we discovered that the top stroller and car seat combos come with a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond shifting the carrier from one location to another. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, since they require less pressure and provide less chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for example, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that does not require straps, and that it has an indicator at the bottom of the car seat that indicates when the seat is leveled properly.
The Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants it's also simple to install and switch from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless transformation that frees up trunk space for shopping and errands. It also comes with a swivel front wheel that offers great maneuverability even when the seat is mounted.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with springy suspension and a large, one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket, as well as plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks, and baby gear. The padded seat makes it comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth knit fabric is machine washed. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that can be locked beneath or around the shoulders of your baby. 2 in 1 buggy comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect the child in case of an accident.
A great travel system should also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all have rubber tires with one, swivel front wheel for navigating busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and feature useful features, including one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible are better off choosing a car seat stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or taking an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move around than separate items, and a lot of models come with convenient features that set them apart from the rest. It is crucial to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller to work together. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines for strollers that are compatible with their products. A quick online search can help you narrow your options.
Some strollers and car seats feature an easy connection that snaps into place with no any straps or a complex installation process. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major benefit for families who regularly utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller at the click of a button. This is a great time-saver and helps you avoid having your stroller checked at the gate on planes (assuming that you have also purchased an airline chair for your infant) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combinations like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact package which can be stored in the trunk. This is an excellent feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself has a sleek design with premium fabrics, and smart features such as a built-in canopy that drapes over the baby from sleeping.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your lifestyle and growth plans and your budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that can fit in a car seat and have minimal extra space, while more expensive combos could include a toddler seat or a twin stroller and offer more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be assured that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are great choice for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat on airlines and are also ideal for those who use public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These strollers and cars seats are easy to carry, making them perfect for parents who want their hands free while traveling with their children.
When deciding on a stroller that is a 2 in 1 car seat, look for one that's lightweight and compact. These types of strollers are more comfortable to use and can be easier to push over different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can aid in getting the car seat in and out of a trunk or at the back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are compact, lightweight and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. For example, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use 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 has LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
The Doona is another 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth to be mentioned. It's an exceptional piece of equipment because it can be transformed from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller simply by pressing the button. This means you can skip the step of removing your car seat from its base. It also allows you to climb stairs or get in taxis without having to have the car seat stored.
Doonas are an excellent option for those on a budget, particularly first-time parents. It's less expensive than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it provides new parents with peace of mind that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their child.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat 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 you read the product specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats will work in tandem. Also consider purchasing an adapter in order to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want a single piece of baby equipment which can perform multiple functions. They are able to effortlessly switch from a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they are generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more natural-looking and mobile," says Stanton. "They have a lot fewer moving parts, which means they're easier to fold, carry and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are also lighter than the two-piece options, and they can be easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and feature more useful features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some models even have a swivel front wheel that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona offer a stroller and infant car seats that can be used in conjunction. They are especially useful for parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or who shift between caregivers frequently. This model is basically an rear-facing car seat with wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you want to use it.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat, and then unfold it into the form of a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without having to click into the base.
You should also consider whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combination can fit your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a longer-lasting product that will work with your child even after they've outgrown their infant car seats.
However, it's 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 a design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to use stairs, or because the weight of the stroller and car seat could make it difficult to push across different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to find out which option is the best for you.