Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combinations are so simple to attach that it's like they do it themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is simple to connect with the carrier." This will reduce the chance of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that can do this. It easily converts from a car seat into stroller, and lets you free up space in your trunk. Online reviews have noted that it is hefty but they also appreciate its simplicity of use and performance.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a great option for parents who use rides or public transportation frequently as well as those who change caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, which means they're more easily mobile," says Stanton. Stanton suggests to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure that the seat is secure, she says.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combinations have simple click-in connections, that requires no effort other than moving the stroller from one location to the next. These models scored higher compared to models with more complicated connections due to the fact that they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for mistakes, whether intentional or accidental. For instance, we like the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the base of the car seat that tells you when it's level.
The Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, it's also simple to set up and move from vehicle into stroller. It's an easy conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. pram 2 in 1 features a swivel front wheel that gives you great maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cup holders to store snacks, drinks and baby gear. The padded seat makes it ideal for long journeys and the smooth, tagless knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and has a SafeCell crumple zone that protects your child in the event of an accident.
A good travel system should also be simple to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single rotating wheel at the front to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. two in one pram and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and feature convenient features such as one hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible will be better off with a car seat and stroller combination, whether they are running errands for the day or taking an outing with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move around than separate items, and many models come with convenient features that set them apart from the rest. It is important to remember that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible in order to work. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their product. A quick search on the internet will help narrow your options.
Some strollers and carseats come with a direct attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or a complicated installation. 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 instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller with just the push of the button. This is a time-saving feature and lets you avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming you've purchased an airline chair for your infant) or to hop into and out of a taxi.
Other stroller and car seat combos, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact size that fits inside the trunk of a vehicle. This is a great feature for busy families, and the stroller itself has a sleek design with premium fabrics and smart touches, like a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
The best 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combo for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for growth, and your budget. The most affordable models tend to be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat for a child with little extra space. More expensive combos will include a toddler seat, a twin stroller or more advanced features. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are great choice for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat on flights They're also great for those who use rides-shares and public transportation often. Car seats and strollers are easy to transport and maneuver in a hurry and are ideal for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their kids.
When you're deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that's lightweight and compact. These models tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push in various terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat into a trunk or the back of the car.
A few of the most well-known car seats/strollers are lightweight compact and foldable casters for easy storage. 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 kids who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are simple 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 transitions from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller with just a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of taking your car seat off its base, and also helps you to walk up and down stairs or get in and out taxis without having to have the car seat stored.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option, which is especially appealing for first-time parents. It costs less than a year's gym membership. It also provides parents with peace of mind knowing their child is safe traveling.
Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers if they're set on an infant carrier from a certain brand or plan to use it for several children. If that's the case, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat will work in tandem. Consider purchasing an adapter if necessary to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combo is a great choice for parents looking for a single item that can be used for a variety of purposes. They are able to effortlessly switch from being a car seat to a stroller, and back to a car seat, and are generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They have fewer moving parts, which makes them easier to fold, use, and transport."
These car seats and strollers for infants are also lighter than two-piece models and can be easily transported in small trunks. They also come with an extra cargo basket and more useful features such as sun shades and cup holders. Some models have a swivel wheel on the front that is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. These can be particularly helpful parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat with wheels that can be converted into a stroller.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on 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.
It is also important to consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combo can be used with the car seat you prefer. If it's compatible, then you are likely to enjoy more life from the product since it will work with your child when they get out of the infant car seat.
However, it's important to be aware that some car seat and stroller combos aren't performing well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to a design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to use steps, or the weight of the car seat and stroller makes it more difficult to push on different terrains. In either case, it's worth checking through our reviews to find the most suitable solution for you.