Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos nearly seem to connect themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is easy to click with the carrier." This reduces the chance of errors that can happen during the installation process and detachment.
Doona is one option that can do this. It seamlessly converts from a car seat to stroller, and 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 stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It is also a good option for those who often take public transportation or rideshares and for parents who change caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are connected to the car seat, meaning they're more easily mobile," says Stanton. Stanton suggests to secure the car seat correctly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure an appropriate fit she advises.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos feature a simple click-in connection, which requires little effort, other than moving the stroller from one location to another. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, since they require less pressure and offer the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). For example, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that needs straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the car seat base that indicates when it's properly leveled.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and transfer from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or running errands. It also features a swivel wheel on the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even with a seat attached.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems that has a springy suspension and a large, one-hand-fold chassis for easy storage. pushchairs 2 in 1 has a big basket, as well as plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The padded seat is comfortable for long journeys, and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved and comes with an safety strap that is secured below or at your baby's shoulders. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard them if they are in an accident.
A great travel system should be easy to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single pivoting wheel in the front for navigating busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and feature useful features, including one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible are better off choosing a stroller and car seat combination, whether running errands or planning an excursion with the family. Combinations of car seats and strollers are generally more maneuverable than separate pieces, and most models come with features that make them stand out from the rest. It's important to remember that the car seat needs to be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers work with their product A quick internet search can help find the right stroller.
Some strollers and car seats have an easy connection that snaps in place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point for families who regularly utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller with just the touch of the button. This is a great 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 child) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact unit that can be tucked away in the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for busy families and the stroller has a sleek profile with top-quality fabrics and clever touches, like a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your preferences, lifestyle, plans for growth, and budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that can fit a child car seat with little space. The more expensive models will have a toddler seat, a twin strollers, or more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller meets all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are a excellent option for families that wish to avoid having to check gate-check an infant car seat on flights, and they're also perfect for those who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. Car seats and strollers are easy to transport and maneuver on the go, which makes them ideal for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their little ones.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push through various environments. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat into the trunk or the back of the car.
Some of the most popular car seats/strollers are lightweight, compact and feature foldable casters for easy storage. For example, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that converts from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for children who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's 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 skip the step of removing the seat from the base and makes it easier to navigate stairs or hop into taxis without having to put away the car seat.
Doonas are a fantastic option for those on a budget, particularly new parents. It's cheaper than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it provides new parents with assurance that they have safe travel gear for their infant.
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 multiple children. If this is the case, make sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller will work in tandem. Consider purchasing an adapter in order to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who need a single piece of baby gear that can handle multiple functions. They can easily convert from a car to a stroller, and reverse. They are also more easy to maneuver than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more natural-looking and mobile," says Stanton. "They have fewer moving parts, making them more compact to fold, use, and transport."
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece ones and fit in smaller trunks, making them easy to carry around. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and come with more practical features, like cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheels on the front that is ideal for navigating busy streets and stores.
Some brands, like Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. They are especially useful parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or who shift between caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat into and then unfold it as a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant seat combination you are considering can accommodate your preferred car seat. If it is compatible, you are likely to enjoy a longer life out of the product as it will continue to work with your child when they get out of the infant car seat.
It is important to be aware that some car seats and stroller combinations don't perform very well in our ease of use tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to navigate steps, or the weight of the car seat and stroller makes it more difficult to push on different terrains. In either situation, it's worth checking out our full reviews to determine the best solution for you.