Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos nearly appear to be able to attach themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is easy to click with the carrier." This will reduce the risk of errors that can happen during installation and detachment.
Doona is one option that can do this. It effortlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and it lets you free up space in your trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's functionality and ease of use, but also note its substantial 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 alternative for parents who utilize public transportation or rideshares frequently, as well as those that switch caregivers. Stanton states that since they're a single piece and the wheels are connected, the car seats are more easily portable. Stanton says it is important to secure the car seat properly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure that the seat is secure she adds.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combos have a simple click-in connection, which requires little effort other than moving the car seat from one place to another. These models scored higher than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and offer fewer opportunities for mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps and that it includes a meter at the bottom of the car seat that shows when the seat is leveled correctly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and then transfer from car to stroller. It's an easy conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or errands. It also has an swivel front wheel that provides great maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another option is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has springy chassis as well as an enormous one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It has a spacious basket as well as plenty of cup holders to store drinks, snacks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long journeys, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric is washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that locks either below or on your baby's shoulders. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard your child in the event of a crash.
A great travel system should be easy to push. Our top picks feature rubber tires and a single, pivoting wheel in the front 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 smoothly and have convenient 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 car seat stroller combination, whether they are running errands or going on an excursion with the family. Car seat and stroller combinations are generally more maneuverable than separate pieces, and most models are equipped with convenient features that make them stand out from the rest. It's important to remember that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat must provide guidelines for what types of strollers are compatible with their product, and a quick online search will help narrow down your options.
Certain strollers and car seats feature an easy connection that snaps into place with no any straps or an intricate installation process. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point for families who frequently use public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a huge time saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other stroller and car seat combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact size that can be stored into the trunk of a vehicle. This is another great feature for families with busy schedules, and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with high-end fabrics and smart features such as a built-in drape canopy that can protect a sleepy baby.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your personal preferences, plans for growth, and budget. The cheapest models tend to be frame strollers that can fit a child car seat with a small amount of space. More expensive combos will include a toddler seat, a twin stroller, or more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller meets all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice for families who wish to avoid having to check gate-check the infant car seat on flights They're also great for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. Car seats and strollers are easy to carry and maneuver around on the go and are ideal for parents who need their hands free while traveling with their little ones.
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 in the trunk or back of the car.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seats/strollers combinations are light, compact and come with wheels that fold for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for instance, is a simple seat that can convert into a booster when the child no longer requires an infant carrier. 2 in 1 buggy , light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are user-friendly (we did not rate it as a top pick for ease of installation).
The Doona is a different 2 in 1 stroller/car seat worth to be mentioned. It's a unique piece of equipment since it can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat into a stroller simply by pressing the button. This allows you to skip the step of removing the seat from the base and makes it easier to move up and down stairs or get into taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice that is particularly appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It's less than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it gives new parents peace of mind that they have safe travel gear for their infant.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they're set on an infant carrier from a particular brand or plan to use it for multiple children. If that's your case, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat can work in conjunction. Consider purchasing an adapter in order to accommodate your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is an excellent choice for parents who are looking for a single piece that can be used for a variety of functions. They can easily be converted from a car seat to stroller, and vice versa. They are also easier to move around than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally mobile," says Stanton. "They contain a lot fewer moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold, carry and use."
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece models and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them easy to carry around. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and have more useful features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some models even have a swivel wheel on the front that is ideal for navigating sidewalks and shopping centers.
Some brands, like Doona provide a stroller and infant car seat that can be used together. They are especially useful parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat with wheels that can be converted into stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and fold it up into the shape of a stroller. This model isn't as streamlined as Doona, but it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you're considering will work with your preferred car seat. If it's compatible, you are likely to enjoy longer-lasting use from the product since it will still be able to work with your child once they get out of the infant car seat.
It's important to understand that certain stroller and car seat combinations don't perform very well in our ease of use tests. This could be because of an design that makes it difficult to navigate stairs or due to the weight and size of the car seat may make it harder to push. It is worth reading our reviews to find out which option is the best for you.