Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so simple to connect that it's almost like they're doing it themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for mistakes that could occur during the installation process and detachment.
Doona is one option that allows you to accomplish this. It effortlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and it frees up space in your trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's functionality and user-friendliness, but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It is also a good option for those who regularly take public transportation or rideshares as well as parents who change caregivers. "These are a single product and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they're more easily mobile," says Stanton. Stanton suggests to secure the car seat correctly when using an air travel system. She advises you to follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combos feature a simple click-in connection, which requires little effort, other than moving the carrier from one location to another. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, as they require less pressure and offer the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for example that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps and that it has a gauge at the bottom of the car seat that indicates that the seat is level correctly.
The Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, is also easy to install and switch from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless transformation that allows extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also has an adjustable front wheel that provides great maneuverability, even when the seat is in place.
Another option is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has springy chassis as well as an enormous one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cups to hold snacks, drinks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long trips and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. 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 to safeguard your child in the event of a crash.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and a single, swivel front wheel to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo as well as the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and have convenient features, such as one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combinations are an excellent choice for parents who want to keep their baby as comfortable as they can, whether they're running errands or heading out for a family vacation. Combinations of car seats and strollers are usually simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and many models are equipped with convenient features that help them distinct from other models. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers can be used with their product and a quick internet search will help to narrow your choices.
Some strollers and carseats come with an attachment that snaps into position without the need for additional straps or a complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families who regularly take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a significant time saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to take the infant carrier from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact package that can be stored into the trunk of a car. This is a fantastic feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself features a sleek design and top quality fabrics as well as smart touches like a built-in drape canopy that protects babies who are asleep.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle, plans for growth, and budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat for a child with a small amount of space. Higher-end combos will include a toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. Either way you can be sure that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
These combos are perfect for families who wish to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for the infant car seat while flying. They're also great for people who frequently use public transportation or ride-shares. These cars seats and strollers are easy to carry, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands off when traveling with their children.
When choosing a stroller that is a 2 in 1 car seat, look for one that is lightweight and compact. These models tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through different conditions. Furthermore, the smaller frames can make it easier to get the car seat in and out of a trunk or at the rear of a vehicle.
Many of the most sought-after car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight and compact, and come with foldable casters that make it easy to store. For example, 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 a baby carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are easy to use (we did not rate it as an ideal choice for ease of assembly).
The Doona is a different 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth to be mentioned. 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 the button. This allows you to avoid the hassle of taking your car seat off its base. It also makes it easier for you to navigate stairs or get in taxis without having the car seat stowed.
Doonas are an excellent option for those on a budget, particularly new parents. It's less than the cost of one year's gym membership and it gives new parents peace of mind knowing that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their child.
Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers if they're set on an infant carrier of a specific brand or have plans for more than one child. If this is the case, be sure you've read the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller are compatible. Also consider purchasing pram 2 in 1 if necessary to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents looking for a single piece that can serve multiple functions. They are able to easily switch from a car seat to a stroller and then back again, and they're generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily portable," says Stanton. "They have less moving parts which makes them easy to fold, use, and carry."
In addition, these types of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece models and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them easy to transport. They also tend to have a larger cargo basket and more practical features like cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. These are especially beneficial for parents who use public transportation or rideshares or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and then fold it up into the shape of a stroller. This model isn't 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 and infant car seat combo can fit the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a longer-lasting product that will be able to work with your child after they have outgrown the infant car seats.
However, it's important to be aware that some stroller and car seat combos do not perform well in our tests for ease of use. This could be because of the design that makes it difficult to climb stairs or because the weight and size of the car seat could make it harder to push. It's worth reading our review to determine which model is the best for you.