Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combinations are so easy to attach that it almost feels like they do it themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is easy to click together with the carrier." This helps reduce the risk of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that lets you do this. It seamlessly converts from a car seat to a stroller, and it makes space in your trunk. Online reviews have noted that it is hefty, but they also love its ease of use and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combo is an attractive choice for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a great option for parents who use public transportation or rideshares frequently, as well as those that switch caregivers. 2 in 1 stroller and car seat states that since they're one item and the wheels are attached to the car seats, they are more easily portable. Stanton suggests to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using a travel system. She advises you to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure an ideal fit.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combos feature a simple, click-in connection that requires minimal effort other than shifting the car from one to another. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and offer fewer opportunities for errors (intentional or accidental). For instance, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that needs straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the base of the car seat that tells you when it's level.
2 in 1 stroller with car seat -in One Infant Car Seat Stroller is also easy to install and switch from the car to the stroller. It's an easy conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or running errands. It also features a swivel wheel on the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even with a seat attached.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with springy suspension and a large, one-hand-fold chassis for easy storage. It has a spacious basket, as well as plenty of cup holders to hold snacks, drinks, and baby gear. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long trips and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. 2 in 1 pram and pushchair 's FAA-approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard your child in the event of an accident.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all have rubber tires with a single, swivel front wheel for navigating busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features such as one hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Car seat stroller combos are an excellent choice for parents who wish to keep their baby as comfortable as possible, whether they're doing errands or heading out for a family vacation. Car seat and stroller combinations are generally easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and most models have convenient features that make them distinct from other models. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The car seat manufacturer must give guidelines on which strollers can be used with their product. A quick online search will help narrow your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have an immediate connection that snaps into place without additional straps or a complicated installation process. This type of easy attachment is a major selling point for families who regularly utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted to a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a significant time saver and allows you to avoid having a stroller checked on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact size that can be tucked away in the trunk. This is a great feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself also is sleek and stylish, with premium fabrics, and also smart touches like a built in canopy with a drape that can protect a baby who's snoozing.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle, plans for growth, and budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers that can fit in a car seat and have the smallest amount of space. On the other hand, more expensive models may include a toddler seat or twin strollers, and include more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller will meet all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are a ideal option for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking an infant car seat when flying, and they're also perfect for those who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport and are perfect for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their children.
When you're deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that's lightweight and compact. These models tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push through various environments. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in a trunk or the back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are compact, lightweight and have wheels that fold to make it easy to store. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that converts from an rear-facing five-point harness into an infant booster when children are no longer in an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively simple to use.
The Doona is a different 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth to be mentioned. It's an exceptional piece of equipment since it can be converted from a rear facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of on a button. This allows you to remove the seat from the base and makes it much easier to maneuver stairs or hop in taxis without having to put away the car seat.
Doonas are a fantastic affordable option, especially for new parents. It's less than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it gives parents peace of mind knowing that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their baby.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they are set on a particular type of infant carrier, or have plans to have more than one child. If that's the situation, make sure you read the product specs to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat will work together. Consider purchasing an adapter that will fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents who are looking for a single item that can be used for multiple functions. They can easily transition from a car seat to a stroller and then back to a car seat, and are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are designed to be more portable. "They contain fewer moving parts, which makes them easier to fold, use, and transport."
In addition, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece models and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them easy to transport. They also have more space for cargo and more convenient features like cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheels on the front, which is great for navigating busy streets and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller as well as an baby car seat that can be used together. They are particularly useful for parents who use public transportation or rideshares, or change caregivers often. 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 slide the car seat into the frame and then fold it out as a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona, but it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
You should also think about whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo can fit the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can anticipate a longer-lasting product that will fit your child after they've outgrown the infant car seats.
It's also important to be aware that some stroller and car seat combos don't perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to use stairs, or due to the weight of the stroller and car seat can make it harder to push across different terrains. In either situation, it's worth checking out our full reviews to determine the best option for you.