Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it's like they do it themselves. Stanton recommends: "Look for a base that is simple to click with the carrier." This will reduce the risk of errors that can happen when assembling and detaching.
Doona is one of the options that allows you to accomplish this. It seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and it makes space in your trunk. Online reviews have noted that it feels sturdy but they also appreciate its simplicity of use and its 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 frequently as well as those who change caregivers. Stanton says that because they're a single piece and the wheels are connected to the car seats, they are more easily portable. However, she says, it's important to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using it with the travel system. She suggests that you always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and your vehicle's owner's manual for a secure fit.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos have an easy click-in connection which requires little effort beyond moving the car seat from one place to another. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, since they require less pressure and offer less chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps, and includes a meter on the bottom of the car seat that indicates whether the seat is level properly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and move from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless conversion that allows 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 offers great maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another option is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features springy chassis as well as a large one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cups for snacks, drinks, and baby equipment. The padded seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA-approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and includes a SafeCell crumple zone to protect your child in the event of a crash.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all have rubber tires with a single, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate busy roads 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 feature useful features, like one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible will be better off with a car seat and stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or taking an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to maneuver than separate items, and a number of models are equipped with features that differentiate them from the competition. It is crucial to remember that the car seat needs to be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to give guidelines on what kinds of strollers can be used with their product, and a quick online search will help narrow down your options.
Some strollers and car seats come with an easy connection that snaps into place without any straps or an intricate installation process. This kind of simple attachment is a big selling point, and is particularly helpful for families who frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted to stroller with the click of a single button. This is a significant time-saver and allows you to avoid having a stroller checked on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to remove the infant carrier from the base of the stroller and easily fold it into a compact unit that fits inside the trunk of a vehicle. This is another great feature for busy families and the stroller has a sleek design with top-quality fabrics and smart features such as a built-in curtain canopy that can protect a sleepy baby.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your personal preferences, plans for growth, and budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that can fit a child car seat with little space. More expensive combos will include a toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller is compliant with all safety standards.
Easy to Carry
Car seat/stroller combos are a ideal option for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking an infant car seat when flying, and they're also perfect for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and cars seats are easy to transport and are perfect for parents who prefer their hands free while traveling with their children.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push across various terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can make it easier to get the car seat in and out of a trunk or the back of a vehicle.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are compact, lightweight and come with wheels that fold for easy storage. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that converts from a rear-facing five-point harness to an infant booster when children are no longer in a baby carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are relatively simple to use (we didn't score it as a top pick for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's an exceptional model because it's a single piece equipment that converts from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller with just a few clicks. This allows you to skip the step of removing the seat from the base and makes it much easier to move up and down stairs or get in and out of taxis without having to store the car seat.
Doonas are an excellent budget-friendly choice, especially for new parents. It's cheaper than a year of gym membership, and gives parents peace of mind knowing their child is secure when traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system in the event that they have decided on a specific type of infant carrier or have plans to have more than one child. If this is the scenario, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat can work in tandem. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to match the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents looking for a single piece that can be used for a variety of purposes. They can easily transition from being a car seat to a stroller and then back again, and they are generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says they're designed to be more compact. "They have a lot fewer moving components, which makes them easy to fold, transport and use."
Additionally, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece models and fit in smaller trunks, making them simple to carry around. They also have more space for cargo and more useful features such as sun shades and cup holders. Some models even come with a swivel front wheel that is ideal for navigating sidewalks and shopping centers.
Some brands, such as Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. These are particularly useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. 2 in 1 travel system is a rear-facing car seat with wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and then unfold it into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
It is also important to consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combo can accommodate your preferred car seat brand. If it is compatible, you are likely to enjoy more life from the product since it will still work with your child when they grow out of the infant car seat.
However, it's important to note that some car seat and stroller combos don't 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 car seat can make it more difficult to push. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which one is best for you.