Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so easy to attach that it almost feels like they're doing it all by themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for errors that could occur during installation and detachment.
One option that can do this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from car seat to stroller and makes room for the trunk. Online reviews have noted that it is hefty, but they also love its user-friendliness and its functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who do not want to switch between strollers and car seats often find a mix of both attractive. It also makes sense for those who often use public transportation or rideshares and for those who have multiple caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are attached to the car seat, meaning they're more easily portable," says Stanton. However, she says that it's crucial to ensure that the car seat is properly secured when it's used with the travel system. She suggests that you always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle for an ideal fit.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combos have simple click-in connections, that requires no effort, other than moving the carrier from one place to another. pram 2 in 1 scored higher than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and offer the least chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for example that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that requires no straps, and that it has a gauge at the bottom of the car seat that shows when the seat is leveled properly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and then transfer from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to use the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or errands. It also has a swivel wheel at the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even when the seat attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has a springy chassis and a large one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket, as well as plenty of cups to hold drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The cushioned seat is comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth knit fabric is machine washed. 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 that protects them if they are in a crash.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have a single, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate 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, such as one-hand brakes and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Car seat stroller combos are a great 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. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to move around than separate items, and many models are equipped with features that distinguish them from the competition. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible in order to work. The car seat manufacturer must provide guidelines for strollers that can be used with their product. A quick online search will help narrow your choices.
Some strollers and carseats have an attachment that snaps into position without the need for additional straps or a complicated installation. This type of easy attachment is a big selling point, and is particularly helpful for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the push of one button. This is a great time-saver and allows you to avoid having your stroller checked at the gate on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your child) or to hop into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact size that can be tucked away into the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself also has a sleek design with top quality fabrics as well as smart touches such as a built-in drape canopy that protects a baby who's sleeping.
The best 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combo for your family will depend on your lifestyle, your plans for growth, and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that can fit in a car seat and have the smallest amount of space. On the other hand, higher-end combos may include twin strollers and have more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller will meet all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families who want to avoid gate checking the infant car seat while flying. They're also great for people who frequently use public transportation or ride-shares. These strollers and cars seats are easy to transport and are ideal 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 types of strollers roll more smoothly and can be easier to push over different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat into a trunk or the back of the car.
A few of the most well-known car seat/stroller combinations are light, compact and feature folding casters that can be stored easily. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that converts from an rear-facing five-point harness into a booster for children who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are easy to use.
The Doona is another 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth to be mentioned. It's a unique piece of equipment because it can be converted from a rear facing infant car seat into stroller with the click of a button. This allows you to skip the step of removing the base of the seat and makes it easier to move up and down stairs or get in taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice, which is especially appealing for first-time parents. It costs less than a year of gym membership and provides parents with peace of mind knowing their child is safe traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system in the event that they have decided on a specific model of infant carrier or plans to have more than one child. If this is the case, make sure you've read the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller will work together. Consider purchasing an adapter if necessary to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who need a single piece of baby equipment that can handle multiple functions. They can easily be converted from a car to a stroller, and reverse the process. They are also more easy to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally portable," says Stanton. "They have fewer moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold and use as well as carry."
These strollers and car seats for infants are lighter than the two-piece options and are easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and come with more convenient features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some models have a swivel wheel on the front that is ideal for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona offer an all-in-one infant car seat and stroller solutions. These are especially useful for parents who use public transportation or rideshares, or change caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing car seat with wheels that can be converted into stroller.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert 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 having to click it into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combination you're considering will work with your preferred car seat. If it's compatible, then you can expect to get a longer life out of the product as it will continue to work with your child when they grow out of the infant car seat.
It is important to be aware that certain car seats and stroller combinations don't perform very well in our user-friendliness tests. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to navigate stairs, or because the weight of the stroller and car seat could make it difficult to push across different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to find out which option is best for you.