Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combos are so simple to connect that it's like they do it themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is easy to connect with the carrier." This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that can do this. It effortlessly converts from a car seat into stroller, and makes space in your trunk. Online reviewers note that it is hefty, but they also love its user-friendliness and performance.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between strollers and car seats often find a combination of both appealing. This is also a good alternative for parents who utilize public transportation or rideshares often as well as those who change caregivers. Stanton states that since they're a single piece and the wheels are connected, the car seats are more mobile. Stanton stresses the need to secure the car seat correctly when using an air 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, we found that the best stroller-car seat combinations have an easy click-in connection which requires little effort beyond moving the stroller from one location to another. These models scored better compared to those with more complex connections because they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for mistakes, whether intentional or accidental. We like, for example, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps and that it has an indicator on the base of the car seat which indicates that the seat is level correctly.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and transfer from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to make use of the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or running errands. It also features an adjustable front wheel that gives you an excellent maneuverability even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems that has springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket and plenty cups for snacks, drinks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long rides 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 your baby's shoulders and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to protect your child in the event of a crash.
A good travel system will also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all have rubber tires with only a single, swivel rear wheel that can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. 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, including one-hand brakes and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Car seat stroller combos are a great choice for parents who want to keep their child as comfortable as they can whether they're running errands or going on an extended family trip. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move than separate items, and a number of models are equipped with features that distinguish them from the rest. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible for use together. The car seat manufacturer should give guidelines on which strollers can be used with their product. A quick online search will help narrow your choices.
Some strollers and car seats feature an immediate connection that snaps in place without any straps or an intricate installation process. This type of easy 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 into a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a major time saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact size that can be tucked away in the trunk. This is a great feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself also has a sleek design with premium fabrics, as well as smart touches such as a built-in drape canopy that protects the baby from asleep.
The best 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combo for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that 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. In any case, you can rest assured that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are great choice for families who wish to avoid having to check gate-check the infant car seat on flights and are also ideal for people who use public transportation and ride-shares frequently. Car seats and strollers are simple to transport and move on the go, which makes them ideal for parents who require their hands off when traveling with their children.
When choosing the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that is light and compact. These options tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push through different terrains. Additionally, the smaller frames can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the back of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular car seat/stroller combinations are light, 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 can be converted from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to an infant booster when children are no longer in a baby carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
The Doona is another 2 in 1 stroller/car seat that's worth mentioning. It's an exceptional piece of equipment since it can be converted from a rear facing infant car seat into a stroller by simply clicking a button. This lets you skip the process of taking your car seat off its base, and it makes it easier for you to navigate up taxis without having the car seat stowed.
2 in 1 pram pushchair is a budget-friendly option, which is especially appealing for first-time parents. It's cheaper than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it provides new parents with peace of mind knowing that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their baby.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system when they're deciding on an infant carrier from a particular brand or are planning to have more than one child. If this is the case, be sure to read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats will work in tandem. Also consider purchasing an adapter in order to accommodate your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who need one piece of baby equipment that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily convert from a car to a stroller, and reverse. They are also simpler to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more natural-looking and portable," says Stanton. "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 the two-piece versions and are easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and feature more convenient features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel on the front, which can be used to navigate busy streets and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona offer a stroller as well as an infant car seats that can be used together. They are particularly useful for parents who take rideshares or public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be converted into stroller.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat into and then unfold it into a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without having to click into the base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you're considering will work with your preferred brand of car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a more durable product as it will work with your child even after they've outgrown the infant car seats.
It's important to know that certain stroller and car seats aren't very effective in our ease of use tests. This could be due to a design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to navigate steps, or the weight of the car seat and stroller 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.