Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos nearly appear to be able to attach themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This reduces the possibility of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that can accomplish this. It effortlessly transforms from a car seat into stroller, and frees up space in your trunk. pram pushchair 2 in 1 praise the Doona's functionality and user-friendliness, but also note its substantial feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both attractive. It's also a great option for parents who take public transportation or rideshares often and who change caregivers. Stanton says that since they are a single item and the wheels are connected the car seats are more easily portable. Stanton says it is important to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using the travel system. She advises you to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and your vehicle's owner's manual for a secure fit.
In our tests, we discovered that the best stroller and car seat combos feature a simple, click-in connector that requires no effort other than shifting the car from one place to the next. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and have the least chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). For instance, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the base of the car seat that shows when it is properly leveled.
The Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller too, is easy to install and transfer from car to stroller. It's an easy conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. It also has a swivel wheel at the front that allows for excellent mobility even when the seat attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features springy chassis as well as an enormous 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 gear. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA approved and comes with the safety harness which is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and has a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard them in the event of an accident.
A good travel system should also be easy to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single, rotating wheel at the front to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and feature convenient features such as one-hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible should consider a stroller and car seat combination, whether they are doing errands during the day or going on an outing with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to maneuver than separate items, and many models have convenient features that set them apart from the competition. It's important to remember that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work together. The car seat manufacturer must provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their product. A quick search on the internet can help you narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats have an easy connection that snaps in place without any straps or an intricate installation process. This type of easy attachment is a major selling point for families that frequently 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 great time-saver and lets you avoid gate-checking your stroller on planes (assuming that you have also purchased an airline chair for your infant) or to get into and out of a taxi.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact unit that can be stored in the trunk. This is a great feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller has a sleek design with high-end fabrics and clever touches, like a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle and plans for growth and your budget. The cheapest models are likely 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, twin strollers, or more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller is compliant with all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are a ideal option for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking an infant car seat on airlines They're also great for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and move around on the go and are ideal for parents who need their hands free while traveling with their little ones.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push across various environments. Additionally, the smaller frames can aid in getting the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after car seat/stroller combinations are light compact and folding casters that can be stored easily. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for example is a standard seat that can convert into an infant booster when the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are easy to use (we did not consider it a top pick for ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is a standout because it's a single piece of equipment that converts from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in just a few clicks. This lets you avoid the hassle of removing the seat from the base and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop into taxis without having to put away the car seat.
Doonas are a fantastic affordable option, especially for new parents. It's cheaper than a year's gym membership, and gives parents peace of mind knowing that their child is secure when traveling.
Many families opt for two-piece stroller/car seat systems when they're deciding on a particular type of infant carrier, or have plans to have multiple children. If that's your scenario, be sure to read the product specs to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat will work in tandem. Consider purchasing an adapter that will fit 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 that can handle multiple functions. They can easily convert from a car to a stroller, and vice versa. They are also simpler to maneuver than two piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They have a lot fewer moving parts, which makes them easier to fold, carry and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than the two-piece options and are easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and have more practical features, such as sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel on the front, which can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer an 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 shift between caregivers frequently. This model is basically an rear-facing car seat with wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you wish to use it.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat, and then fold it up into the shape of a stroller. This model is not 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're considering fits your preferred car seat. If it is compatible, you are likely to enjoy a longer life out of the product because it will still be able to work with your child once they grow out of the infant car seat.
It is important to be aware that some stroller and car seat combinations don't perform very well in our ease of use tests. This could be because of an design that makes it difficult to walk stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat may make it more difficult to push. It's worth reading our review to determine which model is best for you.