Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos nearly feel like they attach themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This reduces the chance of errors that could occur when assembling and detaching.
Doona is one option that can accomplish this. It seamlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller, and it frees up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's versatility and user-friendliness, but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combo is an attractive choice for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also an ideal choice for those who regularly use rideshares or public transportation and for those who switch between caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are connected to the car seat, which means they're more naturally portable," says Stanton. Stanton suggests to secure the car seat properly when using the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure that the seat is secure she adds.
In our tests, we found that the most effective stroller and car seat combinations have a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort other than shifting the car from one to another. These models scored higher compared to models with more complicated connections due to the fact that they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities to make mistakes, whether they are intentional or accidental. We like, for instance the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps and that it includes a meter on the base of the car seat that shows when the seat is leveled properly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and move from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless transformation that frees up trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel in the front, which permits excellent maneuverability even with a seat attached.
Another option is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has an elongated chassis that is springy and an enormous one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The padded seat is comfortable for long rides and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved, and comes with an safety strap that is secured below or at the shoulders of your baby. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard the child in case of a crash.
A great travel system should be easy to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single swivel wheel on the front for navigating streets and busy sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and feature convenient features like one-hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible are better off choosing a stroller and car seat combination, whether they are doing errands during the day or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move around than separate items, and a number of models have convenient features that differentiate them from other strollers. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work 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 you narrow down your options.
Certain strollers and car seats feature a direct connection that snaps in place without any straps or a complex installation process. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point, and is especially beneficial for families who often use ride-share cars or public transport. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller at the push of the button. 2 in 1 pushchair is a great time-saver and helps you avoid gate-checking your stroller on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your child), or to jump in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like 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 stored into the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for busy families and the stroller itself is sleek and stylish, with top-quality fabrics and smart features, like a built-in drape canopy that can protect a sleepy baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your preferences, lifestyle and growth plans and budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat for a child with a small amount of space. The more expensive models will have the toddler seat, twin stroller, or more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller will meet all safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are excellent option for families that wish to avoid having to check gate-check the infant car seat when flying and are also ideal for those who utilize public transportation and ride-shares frequently. Car seats and strollers are easy to transport and maneuver in a hurry, which makes them ideal for parents who need their hands free when traveling with their children.
When choosing the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that is lightweight and compact. These models are more comfortable to use and can be easier to push on different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in a trunk or the back of the car.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are compact, lightweight and have wheels that fold for easy storage. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that can be converted from a rear-facing five-point harness to a booster for children who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are easy to use (we didn't score it as the best option for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is an exceptional model because it's a single piece of equipment that transitions from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in a few clicks. This allows you to skip the step of removing the seat from its base and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop into taxis without having to put away the car seat.
Doonas are an excellent affordable option, especially for new parents. It costs less than a year's gym membership, and gives parents peace of mind knowing their child is safe traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they are set on a particular model of infant carrier, or have plans to have several children. If that's the case, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat work together. Consider purchasing an adapter to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who need a single piece of baby equipment that can handle multiple functions. They are able to easily convert from a car to the stroller and reverse. They are also simpler to move around than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more natural-looking and mobile," says Stanton. "They have a lot fewer moving parts, which means they're easier to fold, carry and use."
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece ones and can fit into small trunks, making them easy to carry around. They also come with more space for cargo and more convenient features like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which is ideal for navigating busy streets and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer an all-in-one infant car seat and stroller solutions. These are particularly useful parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or who shift between caregivers frequently. 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be converted into a stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and then fold it up into the form of a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without having to click into the base.
You should also think about whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combo will fit the car seat you prefer. If it is compatible, you can expect longer-lasting use from the product since it will continue to work with your child as they get out of the infant car seat.
It's important to know that some car seats and stroller combinations do not perform well in our user-friendliness tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult to navigate stairs or because the weight and size of the car seat may make it difficult to push. In any situation, it's worth checking out our full reviews to find the most suitable solution for you.