Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat and stroller combos almost seem to connect themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This helps reduce the risk of errors during installation and removal.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and also helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's features and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a good option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. This is also a good option for parents who use rides or public transportation frequently, as well as those that switch caregivers. "These are a single product and the wheels are attached to the car seat, which means they're more naturally portable," says Stanton. Stanton says it is important to secure the car seat properly when using a travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's directions and your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combos have a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond moving the carrier from one place to the next. They scored higher in comparison to those with more complex connections due to the fact that they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities to make mistakes, whether they are intentional or accidental. We like, for example, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which requires no straps, and that it includes a meter on the bottom of the car seat that indicates whether the seat is level correctly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's an easy conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or errands. It also comes with a swivel front wheel that provides an excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems that has a springy suspension and a large, one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cup holders to hold snacks, drinks and baby gear. The cushioned seat is 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 can be locked below or at the shoulders of your baby. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect your child in the event of an accident.
A great travel system should be easy to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single, rotating wheel at the front for navigating streets and busy sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and feature useful features, such as one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as they can are better off choosing a stroller and car seat combination, whether they are running errands or planning an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move than separate items, and a lot of models have convenient features that differentiate them from the rest. But, it is crucial to remember that the car seat and stroller must be compatible to work together. The car seat manufacturer should give guidelines on which strollers are compatible with their products. A quick search on the internet can help you narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats come with a direct connection that snaps in place without any straps or an intricate installation procedure. This type of easy attachment is a major selling point for families who regularly utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller with just the touch of a button. This is a significant time-saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to hop into and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to take the infant carrier from the base of the stroller and then fold it up into a compact unit that can be stored inside the trunk of a car. This is a fantastic feature for busy parents. The stroller itself also is sleek and stylish, with high-end fabrics, and smart features like a built in canopy with a drape that can protect babies who are asleep.
The ideal 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combo for your family depends on your lifestyle, 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 a toddler seat, twin strollers, or more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller meets all safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice for families who wish to avoid having to check gate-check the infant car seat on airlines and are also ideal for people who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These cars seats and strollers are simple to transport, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands free while traveling with their children.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through various environments. Furthermore, the smaller frames can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the back of a vehicle.
Many of the most sought-after car seats/strollers are lightweight, compact and feature 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 rear-facing five-point harness to an infant booster when children are no longer in an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are relatively user-friendly (we didn't score it as the best option for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is a standout because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of taking your car seat off its base, and it helps you to climb up taxis without having your car seat stored.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice that is a great choice for parents who are first-time parents. It's cheaper than a year of gym membership and gives parents peace of mind knowing that their child is secure when 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 more than one child. If this is the case, be sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats are compatible. Consider purchasing an adapter to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is an excellent choice for parents who are looking for a single item that can be used for a variety of purposes. They are able to easily switch from a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are designed to be more portable. "They contain a lot fewer moving parts, which means they're more compact to fold, carry and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than two-piece models and can be easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and feature more convenient features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheels on the front, which is great for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, such as Doona provide a stroller and infant car seats that can be used in conjunction. These are especially beneficial for parents who take public transportation or rideshares or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is basically an automobile seat that is rear-facing on wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become an infant stroller when you decide to use it.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and fold it up into a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without needing to click into the base.
prams 2 in 1 should also think about whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combo can accommodate your preferred car seat brand. If it's compatible, then you can expect to get more life from the product because it will still work with your child when they grow out of the infant car seat.
It's also important to know that certain stroller and car seats aren't performing well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to the design of the product that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to use stairs, or because the weight of the stroller and car seat can make it harder to push across different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best one for you.