Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat and stroller combos almost feel like they attach themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This reduces the chance of mistakes that could occur when assembling and detaching.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller and helps to free up space in the trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's functionality and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both attractive. It's also a good alternative for parents who utilize public transportation or rideshares often and 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 for an ideal fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond shifting the carrier from one place to the next. These models scored better than those with more complex connections, as they require less pressure and offer the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). For example, we like the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires no straps--and that there's an indicator on the car seat base that shows when it is properly leveled.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and then transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or running errands. It also has a swivel wheel on the front that allows for excellent mobility even with a seat attached.
prams 2 in 1 is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features springy chassis as well as a large one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It has a large basket and plenty cups to hold snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The padded seat is ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth knit fabric can be machine washed. It's FAA approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and includes a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard your child in the event of a crash.
A great travel system should also be easy to push. Our top picks feature rubber tires and a single rotating wheel at the front to help navigate streets and busy 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 have convenient features, including one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can are better off choosing a car seat stroller combination, whether running errands or going on an excursion with the family. Car seat and stroller combinations are usually simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and most models are equipped with convenient features that make them stand out from the competition. It is important to remember that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible to work together. The car seat manufacturer must provide guidelines for strollers that are compatible with their product. A quick online search will help narrow your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have a direct connection that snaps in place without any straps or a complex installation process. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major benefit for families that frequently take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller with just the push of a button. This is a major time-saver and makes it easy 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-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 size that fits in the trunk. This is another great feature for families with busy schedules, and the stroller itself is sleek and stylish, with premium fabrics and smart features such as a built-in curtain canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
The ideal 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combination for your family depends on your lifestyle, plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat with minimal extra space, while more expensive models may include twin stroller and offer more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller will meet all safety standards.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families that want to avoid checking the gate of an infant car seat when flying. They are also ideal for people who frequently use public transportation or ride-shares. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport and maneuver on the go, which makes them ideal for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their kids.
When you're deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that is lightweight and compact. These models tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push across various terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can make it easier to get the car seat in and out of a trunk or the back of a vehicle.
A few of the most well-known 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 a no-frills seat that can be converted from an rear-facing five-point harness into a booster for kids who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are 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 a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of removing the seat from its base and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop into and out of taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option that is a great choice for first-time parents. It's cheaper than a year's gym membership. It also provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their child is safe traveling.
Many families choose two-piece stroller/car seat systems if they are set on a specific brand of infant carrier or have plans to have more than one child. If that's the situation, make sure you review the specifications of the product to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat can work together. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents looking for a single piece that can be used for multiple functions. They are able to easily convert from a car seat to the stroller and reverse the process. They are also simpler to maneuver than two piece travel systems. Stanton says they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They contain a lot fewer moving components, which makes them more compact to fold, carry and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than the two-piece options, and they can be easily transported in small trunks. They also tend to have more space for cargo and more convenient features like sun shades and cup holders. Some models have a swivel wheel at the front, which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. These are particularly useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and then fold it up into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
You should also think about whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combo can fit your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a more durable product since it will be able to work with your child after they've outgrown their car seats for infants.
However, it's important to know that certain car seat and stroller combos don't perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to climb stairs, or because the weight of the car seat and stroller can make it harder to push across different terrains. It's worth reading our review to determine which model is the best one for you.