Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat and stroller combos almost seem to connect themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This will reduce the chance of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that can accomplish this. It easily converts from a car seat into stroller, and frees up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it feels sturdy, but they also love its user-friendliness and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between strollers and car seats often find a mix of both attractive. It's also a great option for parents who take rides or public transportation frequently as well as those who change caregivers. Stanton states that since they're one item and the wheels are connected the car seats are more easily portable. Stanton suggests to secure the car seat properly when using a travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure a secure fit she advises.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combos feature simple click-in connections, that requires no effort other than moving the car seat from one location to another. They scored higher in comparison to models with more complicated connections because they require less pressure and offer fewer chances for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. For instance, we love that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that needs no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the car seat base that shows when it is level.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and then transfer from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless change that allows extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also features a swivel wheel in the front, which allows for excellent mobility even with a seat attached.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It has a big basket and plenty cups for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth touch 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 comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard your child in the event of an accident.
A good travel system will also be easy to push, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have only a single, swivel rear 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 want to keep their child as comfortable as possible, whether they're running errands or heading out for an extended family trip. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to move than separate items, and a lot of models have convenient features that set them apart from the rest. It is important to note that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible to work together. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines on what strollers can be used with their product. A quick search online can help you narrow your options.
Some strollers and carseats come with an attachment that snaps into position without the need for straps or a complicated installation. This kind of effortless attachment is a big selling point, and is particularly beneficial for families that frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller with just the push of a button. This is a huge time saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to take the infant car seat from the stroller's base and then fold it up into a compact package that fits in the trunk of a car. This is a great feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself also features a sleek design and high-end fabrics, and also smart touches such as a built-in canopy that drapes over babies who are asleep.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your personal preferences and plans for growth and your budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that fit a child car seat with little extra space. The more expensive models will have a toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. In any case you can be sure that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
These combos are ideal for families who wish to avoid gate checking the infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who regularly use public transportation and ride-sharing services. These cars seats and strollers are simple to transport, making them perfect for parents who want their hands off 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 across various terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can help you get the car seat in and out of a trunk or at the back of a vehicle.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are compact, lightweight and come with wheels that fold for easy storage. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that can be converted from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for kids who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are relatively easy to use (we did not rate it as the best option for ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is an exceptional model because it's a single piece equipment that can be converted from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in just a few clicks. This lets you avoid the hassle of removing the base of the seat and makes it much easier to maneuver stairs or hop into and out of taxis without having to stow the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice that is particularly appealing for first-time parents. 2 in 1 pushchair than a year's gym membership, and gives parents peace of mind knowing their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece car seat/stroller system if they are set on a particular model of infant carrier or have plans to have several children. If that's your situation, make sure you go over the specifications of the product to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat will work in tandem. Also consider purchasing an adapter if necessary to make 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 a variety of purposes. They are able to effortlessly switch from a car seat to a stroller and then back again, and they are generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says they're designed to be more portable. "They have fewer moving parts, making them easier to fold and use as well as carry."
These strollers and car seats for infants are also lighter than two-piece models, and they can be easily transported in small trunks. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and have more convenient features, including cup holders and sun shades. Some come with a swivel front wheel that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat. These are especially useful for parents who use public transportation or rideshares, or change caregivers often. This model is basically an rear-facing car seat with wheels. The wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you want to use it.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat, and then fold it up into the form of a stroller. 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without needing to click into its base.
You should also consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo will be used with your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a more durable product since it will work with your child even after they have outgrown the car seats for infants.
However, it's important to know that certain car seat and stroller combos don't perform well in our tests for ease of use. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or inconvenient to navigate stairs, or because the weight of the stroller and car seat can make it harder to push on different terrains. In either situation, it's worth checking through our reviews to find the best option for you.
