Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat and stroller combos almost seem to connect themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This reduces the chance of mistakes that could occur during installation and detachment.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller and helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's features and ease of use, but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It is also a good option for those who regularly use public transportation or rideshares, as well as those who have multiple caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are attached to the car seat, meaning they're more naturally portable," says Stanton. Stanton suggests to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure an appropriate fit she adds.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combinations have a simple click-in connection, which requires little effort, other than moving the car seat from one location to another. These models scored higher compared to those with more complex connections due to their lower pressure and offer fewer chances for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. For instance, we love the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the car seat base that indicates when it's level.
The Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, too, is easy to install and switch from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless transformation that allows extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also features a swivel wheel at the front that permits excellent maneuverability even with a seat attached.
Another option is Britax B Lively & 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 cup holders to store snacks, drinks, and baby gear. Its padded seat is comfortable for long rides and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that locks either below or on the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard your child in the event 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 streets and sidewalks. 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
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can will be better off with a stroller and car seat combination, whether they are running errands for the day or taking an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to maneuver than separate items, and a lot of models are equipped with features that set them apart from the competition. However, it's important to remember that the car seat and stroller must be compatible in order to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on which strollers are compatible with their products. A quick online search will help narrow your choices.
Some strollers and carseats come with a direct attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or complicated assembly. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major selling point for families who frequently take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller with just the push of a button. This is a significant time saver and makes it easy to bypass gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact size that fits inside the trunk. This is a great feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller has a sleek design with premium fabrics and smart features such as a built-in curtain canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle, plans for growth, and budget. The most affordable options 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 twin stroller and offer more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be assured that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families who wish to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for the infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who frequently use public transportation and ride-sharing services. These cars seats and strollers are simple to transport, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands free when traveling with their children.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options are more comfortable to use and are more easy to push over different terrains. Additionally, 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 and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are lightweight, compact and have wheels that fold to make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a standard seat that can be converted into a booster when the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
prams 2 in 1 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is unique because it's a single piece equipment that transitions from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in just a few clicks. This means you can skip the step of taking your car seat off its base. It also allows you to climb the stairs or get into and out taxis without having to have the car seat stowed.
The Doona is a cost-effective option, which is especially appealing for parents who are first-time 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 opt for two-piece car seats/strollers If they're looking for an infant carrier of a specific brand or are planning to have several children. If this is the case, be sure you've read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats are compatible. Consider buying an adapter to match your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents looking for a single piece that can serve multiple functions. They can easily convert from a car seat to a stroller, and reverse the process. They are also easier to maneuver than two piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are made to be lighter and more portable. "They have a lot fewer moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold, carry, and use."
Additionally, these types of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece options and can fit into small trunks, making them easy to carry around. They also come with a larger cargo basket and more convenient features like cup holders and sun shades. Some models even have a swivel wheel on the front that's great for navigating crowded streets and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona provide 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 a rear-facing child car seat with wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and fold it up into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant seat combo you're considering will work with your preferred car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can anticipate a longer-lasting product since it will be able to work with your child after they have outgrown the car seats for infants.
However, it's important to be aware that some stroller and car seats don't perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or inconvenient to use stairs, or due to the weight of the car seat and stroller can make it harder to push across different terrains. In either case, it's worth checking out our full reviews to determine the best solution for you.