Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so easy to attach that it's like they're doing 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.
Doona is one option that lets you accomplish this. It seamlessly converts from a car seat into stroller, and frees up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's features and ease of use, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between car seats and strollers often find a mix of both appealing. It also makes sense for those who regularly take public transportation or rideshares as well as parents who change caregivers. Stanton says that since they are a single item and the wheels are attached the car seats are more easily portable. Stanton stresses the need to secure the car seat correctly when using a travel system. She suggests that you always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual of your vehicle to ensure an ideal fit.
In our tests, we discovered that the most effective 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 better compared to models with more complicated connections due to the fact that they require less pressure and offer fewer chances for errors, whether deliberate 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 car seat base that indicates when it's leveled correctly.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, it's also simple to install and switch from the car to the 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 the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket and plenty cups to hold snacks, drinks and baby equipment. 2 in 1 prams makes it comfortable for long journeys, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric is machine washed. It is FAA-approved, and comes with an safety strap that is secured beneath or around your baby's shoulders. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects your child in the event of an accident.
A good travel system will also be easy to push, and our top picks all have rubber tires with one, swivel front wheel to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and feature useful features, including one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can should consider a car seat and stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or planning a family trip. Stroller and car seat combinations are often more maneuverable than separate pieces, and most models are equipped with convenient features that help them distinct from other models. However, it's important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller must be compatible for use together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines for what types of strollers are compatible with their product and a quick internet search will help narrow down your options.
Some strollers and carseats have a direct attachment that snaps into place without the need for additional straps or complicated assembly. This kind of effortless attachment is a big selling point, and is particularly beneficial for families that often use ride-share cars or public transport. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller with just the push of one button. This is a major time-saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop into and out of taxis.
Other stroller and car seat combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant car seat from the stroller base and then fold it up into a compact unit that can be stored in the trunk of a car. This is a fantastic feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself features a sleek design and premium fabrics, as well as smart touches like a built in canopy with a drape that can protect a baby who's snoozing.
The ideal 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combo for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for growth, and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that can fit in a car seat and have the smallest amount of space. On the other hand, higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or a twin stroller and offer more advanced features. In any case you can be sure that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest standards of safety.
Easy to Carry
Car seat/stroller combos are great choice for families who wish to avoid having to check gate-check an infant car seat on flights, and they're also perfect for those who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport and maneuver in a hurry and are ideal for parents who require their hands free when traveling with their children.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options have a smoother ride and are more easy to push on different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in the trunk or the back of the car.
Some of the most popular car seats/strollers are lightweight and compact, and come with foldable casters for easy storage. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that converts from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for children who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively simple to use.
The Doona is another 2 in 1 stroller/car seat worth mentioning. It's an exceptional piece of equipment because it can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller by simply clicking a button. This lets you remove the seat from the base and makes it easier to navigate stairs or hop in taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a cost-effective option, which is especially appealing for first-time parents. It's less expensive than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it gives parents peace of mind that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their infant.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system in the event that they have decided on a particular type of infant carrier or have plans to have several children. If that's the case, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat work in conjunction. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent choice for parents looking for a single piece of baby gear which can perform multiple functions. They are able to easily switch from being a car seat to a stroller and back to a car seat, and are generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally portable," says Stanton. "They have fewer moving parts, which makes them easier to fold, use, and transport."
These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than two-piece models, and they can be easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and have more convenient features, like cup holders and sun shades. 2 in 1 pram have a swivel front wheel that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. They are especially useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is basically a rear-facing car seat on wheels, and the wheels drop down to become a stroller when you wish to use it.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into and then unfold it into a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.
You should also consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo will accommodate the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a longer-lasting product as it will fit your child after they've outgrown their car seats for infants.
It's important to understand that some car seats and stroller combinations aren't very effective in our ease of use tests. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or inconvenient to climb steps, or the weight of the stroller and car seat could make it difficult to push on different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to find out which option is best for you.