Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat and stroller combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for errors that could occur during the installation process and detachment.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from car seat to stroller, and also makes room for the trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's features and ease of use, but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a good option for parents who wish 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 says that since they're a single piece and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more mobile. Stanton suggests to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using the travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual of your vehicle to ensure an ideal fit.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos feature a simple click-in connection, which requires little effort other than moving the car seat from one location to the next. These models scored better compared to models with more complicated connections because they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. For 2 in 1 travel system Pushchairs & Prams , we love that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has no straps--and that there's an indicator on the base of the car seat that shows when it is properly leveled.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants too, is easy to install and transfer from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to make use of the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or for errands. It also comes with a swivel front wheel that gives you excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has an elongated chassis that is springy and an enormous one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a spacious basket and plenty of cup holders to store snacks, drinks and baby equipment. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long rides and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that locks beneath or around the shoulders of your baby. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects them if they are in an accident.
A great travel system should 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 as well as the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide effortlessly and come with useful features, including one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as they can are better off choosing a stroller and car seat combination, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or planning an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move than separate items, and a number of models are equipped with features that set them apart from other strollers. It is crucial to remember that the car seat has to 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 and a quick internet search can help you narrow down your options.
Some strollers and car seats have an immediate connection that snaps in place without additional straps or a complicated installation procedure. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major selling point for families who frequently utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller at the click of one button. This is a major time-saver and allows you to bypass gate-checking a stroller on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to hop 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 tucked away in the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for busy families, and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with high-end fabrics and clever touches, like a built-in drape canopy that can protect a sleepy baby.
The ideal 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combination for your family will depend on your lifestyle, your plans for expansion and your budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat for a child with a small amount of space. The more expensive models will have the toddler seat, twin strollers, or more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller will meet all 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 people who frequently use public transportation and ride-sharing services. Car seats and strollers are simple to transport and move around on the go, which makes them ideal for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their children.
When you're deciding on a stroller that is a 2 in 1 car seat, you should look for one that is lightweight and compact. These models are more comfortable to use and can be easier to push over different terrains. Additionally, the smaller frames can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the back of a vehicle.
Many of the most sought-after car seats/strollers are lightweight, compact and feature foldable casters that make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for instance is a standard seat that converts to a booster once the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are simple to use (we did not consider it the best option for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is unique because it's a single piece equipment that converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in just a few clicks. This allows you to skip the step of removing the base of the seat and makes it much easier to move up and down stairs or get into and out of taxis without having to stow the car seat.
The Doona is a cost-effective option that is particularly appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It costs less than a year's gym membership and provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they're set on an infant carrier from a certain brand or are planning to have several children. If this is the situation, make sure you go over the specifications of the product to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat work together. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to match your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who need only one piece of baby equipment which can perform multiple functions. They are able to effortlessly switch from a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they're usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily mobile," says Stanton. "They contain fewer moving parts, which makes them easy to fold, use, and carry."
In addition, these types of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece options and fit in smaller trunks, making them simple to transport. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and have more convenient features, like cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which is great for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, such as Doona provide a stroller and infant car seats that can be used in conjunction. 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 child car seat that has wheels that can be converted into stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to slide the car seat into and then unfold it as a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona, but it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
You should also think about whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combo will be used with your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a longer-lasting product as it will work with your child even after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.
It's important to understand that some stroller and car seats don't perform very well in our ease of use tests. This could be due to a design which makes it difficult to climb stairs or because the weight and size of the car seat may make it difficult to push. In either scenario, you should check out our complete reviews to determine the best solution for you.