Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combinations are so simple to connect that it's almost like they do it themselves. Stanton recommends: "Look for a base that is easy to click with the carrier." This reduces the chance of mistakes that could occur during installation and detachment.
One option that does this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from car seat to stroller, and also makes room for the trunk. Online reviews have noted that it feels substantial, but they also love its user-friendliness and performance.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a good option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It is also a good option for those who often take public transportation or rideshares as well as parents who change caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are connected to the car seat, which means they're more naturally portable," says Stanton. However, she adds that it's essential to make sure the car seat is secured properly when using 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 adds.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combos feature an easy click-in connection that requires no effort beyond moving the stroller from one location to another. These models scored higher compared to models with more complicated connections because they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities to make mistakes, whether they are intentional or accidental. For example, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires no straps--and that there's an indicator on the car seat base that tells you when it's properly leveled.
The Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, it's also simple to install and switch from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or errands. It also comes with a swivel front wheel that offers excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is in place.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features an elongated chassis that is springy and a large one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large storage basket as well as plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby gear. The padded seat is ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth knit fabric is machine washed. It is FAA-approved and comes with an safety strap that is secured beneath or around your baby's shoulders. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects the child in case of a crash.
A great travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have a single, swivel front wheel for navigating busy sidewalks and streets. 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
Car seat stroller combinations are an excellent choice for parents who wish to keep their child as comfortable as they can, whether they're running errands, or going on an extended family trip. Stroller and car seat combinations are generally easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and many models come with features that help them stand out from the competition. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible in order to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their product. A quick search on the internet will help narrow your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have a direct attachment that snaps into place without the need for additional straps or a complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a big selling point, and it's especially beneficial for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller with just the click of one button. This is a fantastic time-saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking your stroller on planes (assuming you've purchased an airline chair for your baby), or to jump in and out of a taxi.
Other stroller and car seat combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to remove the infant carrier from the stroller base and fold it into a compact size that fits in the trunk of a car. This is an excellent feature for busy parents. The stroller itself has a sleek design with high-end fabrics, and also smart touches like a built-in canopy with a drape that can protect babies who are snoozing.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your personal preferences, plans for growth, and your budget. The most affordable options are likely to be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat with little extra space, whereas higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or a twin stroller and offer more advanced features. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are great choice for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking the infant car seat when flying, and they're also perfect for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are easy to carry and maneuver around on the go and are ideal for parents who need their hands free when traveling with their children.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push in different conditions. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in a trunk or the back of a car.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are lightweight, compact and come with wheels that fold for easy storage. For example, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that converts from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for children who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are user-friendly (we did not rate it as a top pick for ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is unique because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller with just a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the step of getting your car seat removed from its base. It also allows you to walk up and down stairs or get in and out taxis without having the car seat in the.
Doonas are an excellent option for those on a budget, particularly new parents. It's less expensive than a year's gym membership. It also gives parents peace of mind knowing that their child is safe traveling.
Many families choose two-piece car seats/strollers if they're set on an infant carrier of a specific brand or plan to use it for more than one child. If stroller 2 in 1 car seat is the situation, make sure you read the product specs to ensure that your stroller and car seat can work together. Also consider purchasing an adapter in order to accommodate your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents looking for a single item that can be used for multiple functions. They are able to easily convert from a car seat to a stroller, and reverse. They are also simpler to maneuver than two piece travel systems. Stanton says they're designed to be more compact. "They have less moving parts, making them more compact to fold and use as well as carry."
In addition, these types of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece ones and fit in smaller trunks, making them simple to transport. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and come with more useful features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some models even have a swivel wheel on the front which is great for navigating busy streets and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona provide a stroller and baby car seat that can be used together. They are especially useful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and 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.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat in and then unfold it into a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona however it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to click it into the base.
You should also consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combo will accommodate your preferred car seat brand. If it is compatible, you can expect to get longer-lasting use from the product since it will continue to be able to work with your child once they get out of the infant car seat.
It's also important to note that some car seat and stroller combos aren't performing well in our tests for ease of use. This could be due to the design that makes it difficult to navigate stairs or due to the weight and size of the car seat can make it difficult to push. It's worth reading our reviews to find out which option is the best one for you.