Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combos are so simple to connect that it's almost like they do it themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for mistakes that could occur during installation and detachment.
One option that does this is the Doona that effortlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and also helps to free up space in the trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it feels substantial, but they also love its ease of use and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between car seats and strollers often find a mix of both attractive. It's also a great option for parents who use public transportation or rideshares often as well as those who 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. However, she says that it's crucial to make sure the car seat is securely secured when you use it with an electronic travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure a secure fit, she says.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combos have simple click-in connections, which requires little effort beyond moving the stroller from one place to another. These models scored better than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and have the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that does not require straps, and has a gauge on the bottom of the car seat that shows whether 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 errands. It also comes with a swivel front wheel that offers excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has springy chassis as well as a large one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket and plenty cups to hold drinks, snacks and baby gear. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless smooth-touch fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved, and comes with an safety strap that is secured either below or on your baby's shoulders. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects your child in the event 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 for navigating busy streets and 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 have convenient features, like one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combinations are an excellent choice for parents who want to keep their child as comfortable as they can, whether they're running errands or going on a family vacation. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to move around than separate items, and many models come with convenient features that differentiate them from the competition. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller for them to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their products. A quick search online can help you narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats feature an easy connection that snaps in place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families who frequently utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted to stroller with the press 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 baby) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact size that can be stored into the trunk. This is a great feature for busy families and the stroller has a sleek profile with top-quality fabrics and clever touches, like a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle, plans for growth, and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat for a child with little space. Higher-end combos will include a toddler seat, twin stroller, or more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller will meet all safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are excellent option for families that wish to avoid having to check gate-check the infant car seat on flights, and they're also perfect for people who use public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and are perfect for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their children.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push in various environments. Furthermore, the smaller frames can make it easier to get the car seat into and out of a trunk or the back of a vehicle.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are compact, lightweight and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that can be converted from an rear-facing five-point harness into a booster for children who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are simple to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is a standout because it's a single piece equipment that transitions from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in just a few clicks. This means you can skip the hassle of taking your car seat off its base, and also makes it easier for you to walk up and down stairs or get in taxis without having the car seat stored.
Doonas are a great option for those on a budget, particularly first-time parents. 2 in 1 pushchair 's less than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it provides new parents with peace of mind that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their child.
Many families choose two-piece stroller/car seat systems in the event that they have decided on a specific model of infant carrier, or have plans to have more than one child. If that's the situation, make sure you review the specifications of the product to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat will work in tandem. Consider buying an adapter that will fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is an excellent choice for parents looking for a single item that can be used for a variety of functions. They can easily convert from a car to the stroller and reverse. They are also simpler to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They have fewer moving parts which makes them easy to fold and use as well as carry."
In addition, these types of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece options and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them simple to transport. They also tend to have a larger cargo basket and more practical features like cup holders and sun shades. Some even have a swivel wheel on the front that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Some brands, like Doona offer a stroller as well as an infant car seats that can be used in conjunction. They are particularly useful for parents who take public transportation or rideshares, or change caregivers often. This model is basically an automobile seat that is rear-facing on wheels. The wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you wish to use it.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to slide 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.
It is also important to consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combination can be used with the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can anticipate a longer-lasting product since it will fit your child after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.
However, it's important to note that some stroller and car seats do not perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to the design that makes it difficult to climb stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat could make it harder to push. It's worth reading our review to determine which one is the best for you.