Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combinations are so simple to attach that it almost feels like they're doing it all by themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This reduces the possibility of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that can accomplish this. It easily converts from a car seat to stroller, and frees up space in your trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's functionality and user-friendliness, but also note its substantial feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combo is an attractive choice for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. This is also a good option for parents who take public transportation or rideshares often, as well as those that switch caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are connected to the car seat, which means they're more easily portable," says Stanton. However, she adds that it's crucial to ensure that the car seat is properly secured when using it with the travel system. She suggests that you always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos have simple click-in connections, which requires little effort, other than moving the stroller from one location to another. These models scored better compared to those with more complex connections due to their lower pressure and have fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. We like, for example, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps, and includes a meter on the bottom of the car seat which indicates when the seat is leveled correctly.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and move from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless transition that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has a swivel wheel in the front, which allows for excellent mobility even when the seat attached.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System that has springy suspension as well as an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys, and the tagless smooth knit fabric is washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and comes with a safety harness that locks at or below your baby's shoulders and has a SafeCell crumple zone that protects your child in the event of a crash.
A great travel system should also be easy to push, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and one, swivel front wheel to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. 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 wish to keep their child as comfortable as they can, whether they're running errands, or going on an extended family trip. Car seat and stroller combinations are usually more maneuverable than separate pieces, and many models are equipped with convenient features that make them distinct from other models. It's important to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to provide guidelines for what types of strollers are compatible with their product and a quick internet search will help narrow down your options.
Certain strollers and car seats come with a direct connection that snaps in place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point, and it's particularly helpful for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller with just the click of one button. This is a great time-saver and helps you avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming you've purchased an airline chair for your child) 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 base of the stroller, and fold it easily into a compact size that fits inside the trunk. This is an excellent feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself has a sleek design with high-end fabrics, and smart features like a built-in canopy that drapes over a baby who's asleep.
The ideal 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combination for your family depends on your lifestyle, your plans for expansion and your budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat with little extra space, whereas more expensive combos could include twin strollers, and include more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be assured that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal option for families who wish to avoid having to check gate-check an infant car seat on airlines They're also great for those who utilize ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and cars seats are easy to transport, making them perfect for parents who want their hands free while traveling with their children.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options are more comfortable to use and are easier to push on different terrains. Furthermore, the smaller frames can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk or the back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after car seats/strollers are lightweight and compact, and come with folding casters that can be stored easily. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for example is a basic seat that can convert into a booster once the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are easy to use.
The Doona is another 2 in 1 stroller/car seat worth to be mentioned. It's an exceptional piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be converted from a rear facing infant car seat into stroller with the click of on a button. This allows you to 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.
Doonas are a fantastic option for those on a budget, particularly new parents. It's less expensive than the cost of one year's gym membership and it provides new parents with assurance that they have safe travel gear for their infant.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system if they are set on a specific model of infant carrier, or have plans to have several children. If this is the case, make sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your car seats and strollers will work in tandem. Also, consider buying an adapter if necessary to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents who are 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. "They're designed to be more naturally portable," says Stanton. "They contain fewer moving parts which makes them easy to fold, use, and carry."
These strollers and car seats for infants are lighter than the two-piece options, and they can be easily carried in trunks that are small. They also have more space for cargo and more convenient features like cup holders and sun shades. pram pushchair 2 in 1 have a swivel wheel on the front, which can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller as well as an baby car seat that can be used together. They are especially useful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. pram 2in1 is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat into the frame and then unfold it as a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without needing to click into the base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant seat combo you are considering can accommodate your preferred car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a more durable product as it will work with your child even after they've outgrown their infant car seats.
It's also important to note that some car seat and stroller combos aren't performing well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be because of a design which makes it difficult to navigate stairs or because the weight and size of the car seat could make it difficult to push. In any situation, it's worth checking through our reviews to determine the best option for you.