Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat and stroller combos almost seem to connect themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This helps reduce the risk of errors during installation and removal.
One option that can do this is the Doona that effortlessly transforms from car seat to stroller and helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's versatility and ease of use, but also note its substantial feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between strollers and car seats often find a mix of both appealing. It's also an ideal choice for those who frequently take public transportation or rideshares as well as parents who change caregivers. Stanton says that since they're one item and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more mobile. However, she adds, it's important to make sure the car seat is securely secured when using it with an electronic travel system. She suggests that you always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle for a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller and car seat combinations come with a simple click-in connector that requires no effort other than shifting the car from one place to the next. They scored better than those with more complex connections, since they require less pressure and offer the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for example the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps and also has a gauge on the base of the car seat that shows when the seat is leveled properly.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. It also features a swivel front wheel that provides excellent maneuverability even when the seat is mounted.
Another option is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has an elongated chassis that is springy and a large one-hand fold chassis that makes it easy to store. It has a big basket as well as plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks, and baby equipment. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth knit fabric can be machine washed. It's FAA approved and comes with the safety harness which is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and has a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard them in the event of an accident.
A good travel system should also be simple to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single swivel wheel on the front for navigating 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 braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as they can are better off choosing a car seat stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands or planning an outing with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move than separate items, and a lot of models have convenient features that set them apart from the competition. It's important to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat must provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers are compatible with their product, and a quick online search can help you to narrow your choices.
Some strollers and carseats have an attachment that snaps into place without the need for straps or a complicated installation. 2 in 1 pram stroller 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 that can be converted into a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a fantastic time-saver and allows you to avoid having your stroller checked at the gate on planes (assuming that you have also purchased an airline chair for your baby) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combinations like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact package which fits in the trunk. This is an excellent feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself has a sleek design with premium fabrics, as well as smart touches such as a built-in drape canopy that protects babies who are sleeping.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your lifestyle and growth plans 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 combos could include a toddler seat or a twin strollers, and include more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller will meet all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are great choice for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat when flying and are also ideal for those who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport, making them perfect for parents who want 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 could make them easier to push in different environments. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in a trunk or the back of the car.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are lightweight, compact and have wheels that fold for easy storage. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that can be converted from an rear-facing five-point harness into a booster for kids who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is unique because it's a single piece equipment that can be converted from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing the seat from the base and makes it much easier to navigate stairs or hop in taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a cost-effective option that is a great choice to parents who are just starting out. It's cheaper than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it provides new parents with assurance that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their child.
Many families choose two-piece car seats/strollers If they're looking for an infant carrier from a certain brand or plan to use it for more than one child. If that's the scenario, be sure to read the product specs to ensure that your stroller and car seat can work in tandem. Also, consider buying an adapter in order to accommodate your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents looking for a single item that can be used for a variety of functions. They can easily convert from a car seat to the stroller and reverse. They are also more easy to maneuver than two piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are designed to be more portable. "They have a lot less moving components, which makes them easy to fold, transport and use."
These strollers and car seats for infants are lighter than the two-piece options and are easily transported in small trunks. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and have more useful features, such as cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and infant car seat that can be used in conjunction. These are especially beneficial for parents who use rideshares or public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is basically an automobile seat that is rear-facing on wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you wish to use it.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and unfold it into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.
You should also consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo will fit the car seat you prefer. If it is compatible, you are likely to enjoy more life from the product since it will work with your child as they are no longer in 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 a design that makes it difficult or inconvenient to climb stairs, or because the weight of the car seat and stroller could make it difficult to push on different terrains. In either case, it's worth checking out our complete reviews to find the most suitable solution for you.