Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat and stroller combos almost feel like they attach themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is easy to connect with the carrier." This reduces the chance of errors that could occur when assembling and detaching.
Doona is one of the options that lets you accomplish this. It effortlessly transforms from a car seat to a stroller, and it frees up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it feels substantial but they also appreciate its ease of use and its functionality.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a good option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. This is also a good option for parents who use rides or public transportation frequently, as well as those that switch caregivers. Stanton states that since they're a single piece and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more mobile. However, she notes, it's important to make sure the car seat is securely secured when you use it with an electronic travel system. She says to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual of your vehicle for an ideal fit.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combos feature simple click-in connections, that requires no effort other than moving the stroller from one location to another. These models scored better than those with more complicated connections, since they require less pressure and provide less chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). For example, we like the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the base of the car seat that shows when it is properly leveled.
pram pushchair 2 in 1 in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller it's also simple to install and transfer from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless transformation that allows extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also has a swivel wheel on the front that permits excellent maneuverability even with the seat on.
Another option is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features springy chassis as well as a large one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It has a spacious basket, as well as plenty of cup holders to store snacks, drinks, and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long rides and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA approved and comes with a safety harness that locks at or below the shoulders of your baby and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard them in the event of a crash.
A good travel system will also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have one, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate 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 effortlessly and have convenient features, like one-hand braking and a spacious 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, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or planning an excursion with the family. Combinations of car seats and strollers are often simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and many models have convenient features that help them stand out from the competition. It is important to note that the car seat and stroller must be compatible for use together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers can be used with their product A quick internet search can help narrow down your options.
Some strollers and car seats feature an easy connection that snaps into place without any straps or an intricate installation procedure. This type of easy attachment is a major benefit for families who regularly use public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted to stroller with the click of a button. This is a huge 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 into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact package which fits inside the trunk. This is a great feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself has a sleek design with premium fabrics, as well as smart touches like a built-in canopy with a drape that can protect the baby from sleeping.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle and plans for growth and budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat for a child with a small amount of space. The more expensive models will have a toddler seat, a twin stroller or more advanced features. Either way you can be assured that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest standards of safety.
Easy to Carry
These combos are ideal for families that want to avoid gate checking the infant car seat while flying. They are also ideal for people who frequently use public transportation and ride-sharing services. These car seats and strollers are easy to carry and maneuver around on the go, which makes them ideal for parents who need their hands free when traveling with their kids.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers are more comfortable to use and can be easier to push on different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat into the trunk or back of the car.
Many of the most sought-after car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight, compact and feature foldable casters for easy storage. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that can be converted from a rear-facing five-point harness to an infant booster when children are no longer in an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are relatively user-friendly (we did not consider it the best option for its ease of installation).
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth noting. It's a unique piece of equipment since it can be transformed from a rear-facing infant car seat into a stroller by simply clicking on a button. This means you can skip the step of taking your car seat off its base. It also makes it easier for you to climb the stairs or get into taxis without having your car seat stored.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice that is a great choice for first-time parents. It costs less than a year's gym membership. It also gives parents peace of mind knowing their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families choose two-piece car seats/strollers If they're looking for an infant carrier from a particular brand or are planning to have more than one child. If that's the situation, make sure you review the specifications of the product to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat work in tandem. Consider purchasing an adapter that will fit your preferred 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 be converted from a car to stroller, and vice versa. They are also more easy to maneuver than two piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are made to be lighter and more portable. "They contain fewer moving parts which makes them more compact to fold, use, and carry."
In addition, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece options and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them simple to carry around. They also have a larger cargo basket and more practical features like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel on the front, which is ideal for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona provide a stroller and infant car seats that can be used together. These can be particularly helpful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat with wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into the frame and then fold it out as a stroller. This model isn't 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 can fit the car seat you prefer. If it's compatible, you can expect to get a longer life out of the product as it will still be able to work with your child once they grow out of the infant car seat.
It's also important to be aware that some car seat and stroller combos don't perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be because of an design that makes it difficult to navigate stairs or due to the weight and size of the car seat can make it harder to push. It is worth reading our reviews to find out which option is the best for you.