Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combinations are so easy to attach that it's like they're doing it themselves. Stanton recommends: "Look for a base that is simple to click together with the carrier." This helps reduce the risk of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that can accomplish this. It easily converts from a car seat into a stroller, and it lets you free up space in your trunk. Online
review s have noted that it feels substantial but they also appreciate its simplicity of use and its functionality.
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 also makes sense for those who regularly take public transportation or rideshares as well as parents who change caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, meaning they're more naturally mobile," says Stanton. Stanton says it is important to secure the car seat correctly when using the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure an appropriate fit she advises.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller and car seat combinations have a simple click-in connector that requires no effort other than shifting the car from one to another. These models scored better than those with more complicated connections, as they require less pressure and offer fewer opportunities for mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that requires no straps, and also has an indicator on the base of the car seat which indicates when the seat is leveled properly.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, it's also simple to install and switch from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or for errands. It also comes with an adjustable front wheel that offers an excellent maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems that has springy suspension as well as an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large storage basket, as well as plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long journeys, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that locks below or at your baby's shoulders. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect the child in case of an accident.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have one, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and feature useful features, like one-hand brakes and a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can should consider a car seat and stroller combination, whether running errands for the day or going on an excursion with the family. Combinations of car seats and strollers are often more maneuverable than separate pieces, and a lot of models have convenient features that make them distinct from other models. However, it's important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller must be compatible to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers work with their product, and a quick online search will help narrow down your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have an easy connection that snaps in place without additional straps or a complicated installation procedure. This type of easy attachment is a big selling point, and it's especially beneficial for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted to a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a time-saving feature and allows you to avoid gate-checking your stroller on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your child) or to hop in and out of a taxi.
Other stroller and car seat combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to remove the infant carrier from the stroller's base and fold it into a compact unit that can be stored inside the trunk of a vehicle. This is a great feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller is sleek and stylish, with premium fabrics and smart features, like a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your personal preferences and growth plans and your budget. The cheapest models will likely 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 strollers, or more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller will meet all safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat when flying They're also great for those who utilize rides-shares and public transportation often. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport and maneuver in a hurry, which makes them ideal for parents who require their hands off when traveling with their children.
When deciding on a stroller that is a 2 in 1 car seat, choose one that is light and compact. These types of strollers tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push across different environments. Furthermore, the smaller frames can make it easier to get the car seat into and out of a trunk or the back of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are compact, lightweight and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that can be converted from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for children who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps which are relatively simple to use.
The Doona is a different 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth noting. 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 on a button. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing the base of the seat 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, which is especially appealing for first-time parents. It's cheaper than a year's gym membership, and provides parents with peace of mind knowing their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families choose two-piece car seats/strollers if they're set on an infant carrier from a particular brand or are planning to have multiple children. If that's your situation, make sure you read the product specs to ensure that your stroller and car seat work together. Consider buying an adapter to match your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who need a single piece of baby gear which can perform multiple functions. They can easily be converted from a car seat to the stroller and reverse. They are also easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They have less moving parts, making them more compact to fold and use as well as carry."
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece models and can fit into small trunks, making them easy to transport. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and come with more convenient features, like 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, such as Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat solutions. These can be particularly helpful for parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is essentially an rear-facing car seat with wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you wish to use it.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into and then unfold it into a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.
Check if the stroller and infant seat combo you are considering can accommodate your preferred brand of car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can anticipate a longer-lasting product that will work with your child even after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.
It's also important to note that some car seat and stroller combos don't perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to the design that makes it difficult to climb stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat may make it harder to push. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which one is best for you.