Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combinations are so simple to connect that it's like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton recommends: "Look for a base that is easy to click together with the carrier." This minimizes the potential for mistakes that could occur during installation and detachment.
Doona is one option that allows you to accomplish this. It seamlessly converts from a car seat into stroller, and makes space in your trunk. Online reviewers note that it is hefty but they also appreciate its simplicity of use and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between strollers and car seats often find a combination of both attractive. It is also a good option for those who frequently use rideshares or public transportation and for parents who change caregivers. Stanton says that because they are a single item and the wheels are connected the car seats are more portable. However, she adds that it's crucial to ensure that the car seat is securely secured when using it with the travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle's owner's manual for a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connection that requires little effort beyond moving the carrier from one location to another. These models scored better compared to those with more complex connections due to their lower pressure and offer fewer chances to make mistakes, whether they are intentional or accidental. We like, for instance the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that does not require straps and also has a gauge on the base of the car seat that shows that the seat is level properly.
The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller too, is easy to install and switch from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. It also comes with an swivel front wheel that provides great maneuverability even when the seat is mounted.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has a springy suspension and a large, one-hand-fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large storage basket as well as plenty of cup holders to hold snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The padded seat makes it comfortable for long trips, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric is washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that locks beneath or around your baby's shoulders. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect your child in the event of an accident.
A good travel system must be easy to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single pivoting wheel in the front to help navigate streets and busy sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features like one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combos are a great option for parents who want to keep their baby as comfortable as possible, whether they're running errands, or heading out for an extended family trip. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to move than separate items, and a lot of models have convenient features that distinguish them from the competition. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible for use 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 can help you to narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats have an immediate attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or a complicated installation. This type of easy attachment is a major benefit for families who regularly utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller at the touch of one button. This is a great time-saver and helps you avoid gate-checking your stroller on planes (assuming you've purchased an airline chair for your child) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combinations 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 an excellent feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself also has a sleek design with high-end fabrics, and smart features like a built in canopy that drapes over the baby from asleep.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your preferences, lifestyle and growth plans and budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat for a child with little space. More expensive combos will include the toddler seat, twin strollers, or more advanced features. Either way 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 great choice for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat on flights and are also ideal for those who use public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These strollers and car seats are easy to carry, making them perfect for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their children.
When deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that is lightweight and compact. These options roll more smoothly and are easier to push on different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat into a trunk or the back of a car.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are lightweight, compact and have wheels that fold to make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a basic seat that converts to a booster once the child no longer requires an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are relatively simple to use (we did not rate it as a top pick for ease of assembly).
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth mentioning. It's an exceptional piece of equipment since it can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of a button. This lets you skip the step of removing the seat from its base and makes it much easier to maneuver stairs or hop into taxis without having to stow the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice that is particularly appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It costs less than a year's gym membership and provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they're set on an infant carrier from a particular brand or are planning to have multiple children. If that's the situation, make sure you go over the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat work in conjunction. Consider purchasing an adapter that will fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combination is an excellent choice for parents seeking a single piece that can be used for a variety of purposes. They can easily convert from a car seat to the stroller and reverse the process. They are also easier to maneuver than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally mobile," says Stanton. "They have a lot less moving components, which makes them more compact to fold, carry and use."
These strollers and car seats 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 even come with a swivel front wheel that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Some brands, like Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat. These are particularly useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or who switch between caregivers often. 2 in 1 pram and pushchair is a rear-facing child car seat with wheels that can be transformed 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 the shape of a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you are considering can accommodate your preferred car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a longer-lasting product since it will fit your child after they've outgrown their infant car seats.
It's also important to be aware that some stroller and car seats do not perform well in our tests for ease of use. This could be due to an design that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to climb stairs, or because the weight of the stroller and car seat makes it more difficult to push on different terrains. In any case, it's worth checking through our reviews to find the best option for you.