Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combinations are so simple to connect that it almost feels like they do it themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that lets you do this. It effortlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller, and it makes space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it feels sturdy however they also appreciate its user-friendliness and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between car seats and strollers often find a mix of both attractive. It's also an ideal choice for those who often take public transportation or rideshares and for parents who change caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are connected to the car seat, meaning they're more easily portable," says Stanton. However, she notes that it's essential to ensure that your car seat is secured properly when it's used with the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure an appropriate fit she adds.
In our tests, we discovered that the best stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connector that requires no effort beyond moving the carrier from one location to another. These models scored better than those with more complex connections, since they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities for mistakes (intentional or accidental). For instance, we love 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 base of the car seat that indicates when it's level.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and then transfer from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel at the front that permits excellent maneuverability even when the seat attached.
Another option is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has an elongated chassis that is springy and a large one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a spacious basket, as well as plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth knit fabric is washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved, and comes with an safety strap that is secured beneath or around the shoulders of your baby. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect the child in case of an accident.
A great travel system should also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all have rubber tires that have one, swivel front wheel to navigate busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with useful features like one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as they can should consider a car seat and stroller combination, whether doing errands during the day or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to move than separate items, and many models come with convenient features that differentiate them from the rest. 2 in 1 pram and pushchair to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on which strollers are compatible with their products. A quick search online can help you narrow down your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have a direct connection that snaps into place with no any straps or an intricate installation process. This type of easy attachment is a big selling point, and is particularly helpful for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted to stroller with the click of a button. This is a huge time saver and makes it easy to bypass gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to hop into and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to take the infant car seat from the stroller base and then fold it up into a compact unit that can be stored in the trunk of a vehicle. This is a fantastic feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself features a sleek design and high-end fabrics, and smart features such as a built-in canopy with a drape that can protect babies who are snoozing.
The ideal 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combination for your family depends on your lifestyle, your plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that fit a child car seat with a small amount of space. Higher-end combos will include the toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be sure that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to Carry
These combos are perfect for families that want to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat when flying. They are also ideal for those who frequently take public transport or ride-shares. These strollers and cars seats are simple to transport and are perfect for parents who prefer their hands off when traveling with their children.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models have a smoother ride and are more easy to push over different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat in the trunk or the back of a car.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are lightweight, compact and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that converts from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for kids who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are relatively easy to use (we didn't score it as an ideal choice for ease of installation).
The Doona is a different 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth noting. It's an exceptional piece of equipment since it can be converted from a rear facing infant car seat to a stroller simply by pressing on a button. This lets you skip the hassle of removing your car seat from its base. It also allows you to walk up and down up and out taxis without having your car seat stored.
The Doona is a cost-effective option, which is especially appealing for first-time parents. It costs less than a year of gym membership, and provides parents with peace of mind knowing their child is safe traveling.
Many families choose two-piece stroller/car seat systems when they're deciding on a particular model of infant carrier, or have plans to have more than one child. If this is the case, be sure to read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats are compatible. Consider purchasing an adapter if necessary to accommodate your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want a single piece of baby gear which can perform multiple functions. They can easily be converted from a car to stroller, and reverse the process. 2 in 1 stroller and car seat are also easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They have a lot less moving parts, which makes them easier to fold, carry and use."
Additionally, these types of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece models and can fit into small trunks, making them simple to transport. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and feature more useful features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheels at the front, which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona offer a stroller as well as an infant car seat that can be used in conjunction. They are especially useful for parents who intend to use rideshares or public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing child car seat with wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into and then unfold it as a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without needing to click into its base.
You should also consider whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combination can accommodate your preferred car seat brand. If it is compatible, you can expect to get a longer life out of the product since 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 aren't performing well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to the design of the product that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to navigate steps, or the weight of the car seat and stroller could make it difficult to push on different terrains. In either case, it's worth checking through our reviews to determine the best solution for you.