Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos nearly seem to connect themselves. Stanton recommends: "Look for a base that is easy to connect with the carrier." This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
One option that does this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller and makes room for the trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's features and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between car seats and strollers often will find a combination of both attractive. It also makes sense for those who often take public transportation or rideshares, as well as those who have multiple caregivers. 2 in 1 prams states that since they're one item and the wheels are attached the car seats are more easily portable. However, she notes that it's essential to make sure the car seat is securely secured when you use it with an electronic travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual for your vehicle for a secure fit.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combos have a simple click-in connection, which requires little effort, other than moving the carrier from one location to the next. They scored higher in comparison to models with more complicated connections because they require less pressure and offer fewer chances for mistakes, whether intentional or accidental. For instance, we like 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 tells you when it's leveled correctly.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, is also easy to install and switch from car to stroller. It's a seamless transformation that frees up trunk space to shop and run errands. It also has a swivel front wheel that offers excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with a springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis for easy storage. online comes with a large basket, as well as plenty of cups to hold snacks, drinks and baby gear. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth knit fabric is machine washed. It is FAA-approved, and comes with an safety strap that is secured either below or on the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects your child in the event of a crash.
A good travel system will also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and only a single, swivel rear wheel that can be used to navigate busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide effortlessly and have convenient features, like 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 will be better off with a car seat and stroller combination, whether running errands or planning a family trip. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move around than separate items, and a number of models are equipped with features that distinguish them from other strollers. It is important to remember that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to provide guidelines for what types of strollers work with their product and a quick internet search can help to narrow your choices.
Some strollers and carseats have an immediate attachment that snaps into position without the need for straps or complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point for families who frequently take public transport 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 click of one button. This is a huge 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 in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combinations like the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact unit that can be tucked away in the trunk. This is a great feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself is sleek and stylish, with high-end fabrics, and smart features like a built in drape canopy that protects a baby who's asleep.
The ideal 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combo 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 can fit a car seat with minimal extra space, while higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or twin strollers, and include more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be assured that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families that want to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat when flying. They're also great for people who frequently take public transport or ride-sharing services. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport and maneuver in a hurry, which makes them ideal for parents who require their hands free when traveling with their kids.
When you're deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, look for one that is light and compact. These models tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push in various conditions. In addition, the smaller frame can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the back of a car.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are lightweight, compact, and feature foldable wheels for easy storage. For example, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that converts from an rear-facing five-point harness into an infant booster when children are no longer in an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are user-friendly (we didn't score it as the best option for ease of assembly).
The Doona is another 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth noting. It's a unique piece of equipment since it can be transformed from a rear facing infant car seat into a stroller simply by pressing a button. This allows you to avoid the process of taking your car seat off its base. It also allows you to navigate stairs or get in taxis without having to have the car seat in the.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice that is a great choice to parents who are just starting out. It's less expensive than a year's gym membership and provides parents with peace of mind knowing their child is safe traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system if they're set on an infant carrier from a particular brand or have plans for multiple children. If this is the case, make sure to read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats will work together. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who want a single piece of baby gear that can serve multiple purposes. They are able to effortlessly switch from being a car seat to a stroller and then back again, and they're generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're designed to be more compact. "They contain fewer moving parts, which makes them easy to fold, use, and transport."
These strollers and car seats for infants are also lighter than the two-piece options, and they can be easily transported in small trunks. They also tend to have a larger cargo basket and more useful features such as cup holders and sun shades. Some models have a swivel wheel on the front, which is ideal for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, like Doona offer an all-in-one infant car seat and stroller solutions. These can be particularly helpful for parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or who switch between caregivers often. This model is essentially an automobile seat that is rear-facing on wheels, and the wheels drop down to become a stroller when you want to use it.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and then fold it up into a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.
You should also think about whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combination can be used with your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a more durable product as it will fit your child after they've outgrown the infant car seats.
It is important to be aware that certain stroller and car seats aren't very effective in our ease of use tests. This could be due to an design that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to climb stairs, or due to the weight of the car seat and stroller makes it more difficult to push across different terrains. It's worth reading our review to determine which model is the best for you.