Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat and stroller combos almost feel like they attach themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for errors that can happen when assembling and detaching.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller, and also makes room for the trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it feels substantial however they also appreciate its ease of use and its functionality.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a good option for parents who want 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. "These are a single product and the wheels are connected to the car seat, which means they're more easily portable," says Stanton. Stanton suggests to secure the car seat properly when using the travel system. She advises you to follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle's owner's manual for a secure fit.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combinations have an easy click-in connection that requires no effort other than moving the stroller from one location to another. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, as they require less pressure and have the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which requires no straps, and includes a meter on the base of the car seat which indicates when the seat is leveled properly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and move from car to stroller. It's a seamless transition that frees up extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also has a swivel front wheel that provides an excellent maneuverability even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems, which has springy suspension 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 snacks, drinks and baby gear. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long journeys, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric can be machine washed. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that locks below or at the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects your child in the event of an accident.
A great travel system should be simple to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single, swivel wheel on the front to navigate streets and busy 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 have convenient features, including one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combinations are a great choice for parents who wish to keep their baby as comfortable as they can whether they're doing errands or heading out for a family vacation. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move around than separate items, and many models have convenient features that differentiate them from the rest. It is crucial to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order 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 can help you narrow down your options.
Some strollers and car seats come with an immediate connection that snaps into place with no any straps or an intricate installation procedure. This kind of effortless attachment is a huge selling point, and is particularly beneficial for families that frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the touch of a single button. This is a significant time-saver and allows you to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other stroller and car seat combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to remove the infant carrier from the stroller base and easily fold it into a compact package that can be tucked away into the trunk of a car. This is a great feature for busy parents. The stroller itself also features a sleek design and premium fabrics, and smart features like a built-in canopy that drapes over babies who are sleeping.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your personal preferences and growth plans and your budget. The cheapest models tend 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 a toddler seat, twin strollers, or more advanced features. In any case you can be sure that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a excellent option for families that are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking an infant car seat on flights They're also great for those who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These cars seats and strollers are easy to carry and are perfect for parents who prefer their hands free while traveling with their children.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers roll more smoothly and are more easy to push over different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat into a trunk or back of a car.
Some of the most popular car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight, compact and feature folding casters that can be stored easily. For example, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that converts from an rear-facing five-point harness into a booster for children who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is a standout because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in just a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the hassle of taking your car seat off its base. It also allows you to navigate up taxis without having the car seat stowed.
Doonas are a great budget-friendly choice, especially for first-time parents. It's less than the cost of one year's gym membership and it gives new parents peace of mind that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their child.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system when they're deciding on a specific type of infant carrier, or have plans to have multiple children. If this is the case, make sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller are compatible. Consider purchasing an adapter that will fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who need only one piece of baby gear that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily convert from a car to a stroller, and vice versa. They are also simpler to move around than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally mobile," says Stanton. "They have a lot fewer moving components, which makes them easy to fold, transport, and use."
In addition, these types of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece models and fit in smaller trunks, making them easy to carry around. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and feature more practical features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel on the front which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona offer a stroller and infant car seat that can be used together. These can be particularly helpful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is basically a rear-facing car seat on wheels. The wheels lower to make a stroller when you wish to use it.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and then fold it up into a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona however it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combo you're considering fits your preferred brand of car seat. If it is compatible, you are likely to enjoy a longer life out of the product because it will still work with your child when they get out of the infant car seat.
However, it's important to note that some stroller and car seat combos do not perform well in our tests for ease of use. This could be due to the design of the product that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to navigate stairs, or because the weight of the car seat and stroller makes it more difficult to push across different terrains. It's worth reading our reviews to determine which model is the best for you.