Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat and stroller combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. Stanton recommends: "Look for a base that is simple to click with the carrier." This helps reduce the risk of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that allows you to do this. It effortlessly transforms from a car seat into stroller, and frees up space in your trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's versatility and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It also makes sense for those who regularly use public transportation or rideshares, as well as those who switch between caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, meaning they're more naturally mobile," says Stanton. Stanton stresses the need to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure an appropriate fit, she says.
In our tests, we discovered that the best stroller and car seat combinations come with a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond shifting the carrier from one to another. They scored higher in comparison to those with more complex connections due to their lower pressure and have fewer opportunities to make mistakes, whether they are intentional or accidental. We like, for example the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that does not require straps, and that it includes a meter at the bottom of the car seat that indicates when the seat is leveled properly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and move from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or running errands. It also has a swivel front wheel that provides excellent maneuverability even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is the Britax & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System that has springy suspension 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 gear. Its cushioned 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 safeguard them in the event of an accident.
A good travel system must also be simple to push. Our top picks feature rubber tires and a single, pivoting wheel in the front for navigating busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with useful features such as one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible should consider a stroller and car seat combination, regardless of whether they are running errands or taking an excursion with the family. Car seat and stroller combinations are generally more maneuverable than separate pieces, and most models have convenient features that help them stand out from the rest. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat needs to be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work. The manufacturer of the car seat must give guidelines on what kinds of strollers can be used with their product, and a quick online search will help narrow down your options.
Certain strollers and car seats feature an easy connection that snaps in place without any straps or a complex installation process. This type of easy attachment is a major selling point for families that frequently use public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted into stroller with the press of a button. This is a major time-saver and makes it easy to bypass gate-checking a stroller on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop into 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 package which fits inside the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for busy families and the stroller is sleek and stylish, with top-quality fabrics and clever touches such as a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your personal preferences and plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat for a child with little extra space. More expensive combos will include a toddler seat, a twin stroller, or more advanced features. Either way you can be sure that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to Carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice for families who wish to avoid having to check gate-check an infant car seat on flights They're also great for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and cars seats are simple to transport, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands off when traveling with their children.
When you're deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, look for one that is lightweight and compact. These models tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push in different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the rear of a vehicle.
A few of the most well-known car seat/stroller combinations are light and compact, and come with foldable casters that make it easy to store. For two in one pram , the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that converts from a rear-facing five-point harness to an infant booster when children are no longer in an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are simple to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is an exceptional model 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 allows you to avoid the hassle of removing your car seat from its base. It also makes it easier for you to climb stairs or get in and out taxis without having the car seat stowed.
Doonas are an excellent option for those on a budget, particularly first-time parents. It's less than the cost of one 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 two-piece car seats/strollers If they're looking for an infant carrier from a particular brand or are planning to have several children. If this is the case, be sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your car seats and strollers will work in tandem. Consider purchasing an adapter to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who want one piece of baby gear that can handle multiple functions. They can easily be converted from a car seat to a stroller, and reverse the process. They are also easier to move around than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily mobile," says Stanton. "They have less moving parts, making them easy to fold, use, and carry."
These strollers and car seats for infants are also lighter than two-piece models and can be easily transported in small trunks. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and have more convenient features, such as cup holders and sun shades. Some models even come with a swivel front wheel that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, like Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat. These are especially beneficial for parents who take rideshares or public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is essentially an automobile seat that is rear-facing on wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you want to use it.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat and then unfold it into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
You should also consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combo will fit 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 work with your child even after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.
It is important to be aware that certain car seats and stroller combinations do not perform well in our ease of use tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult or inconvenient to climb stairs, or due to the weight of the stroller and car seat can make it harder to push on different terrains. It's worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best one for you.