Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it's almost like they're doing it themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This helps reduce the risk of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that can accomplish this. It seamlessly transforms from a car seat to a stroller, and it makes space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's versatility and ease of use but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between car seats and strollers often find a combination of both appealing. It's also an ideal choice for those who regularly use rideshares or public transportation as well as those who have multiple caregivers. Stanton says that since they're a single piece and the wheels are connected the car seats are more easily portable. However, she adds that it's crucial to ensure that your car seat is secured properly when you use it with an electronic travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit she advises.
In pushchairs 2 in 1 , we discovered that the most effective stroller and car seat combos feature a simple, click-in connection that requires minimal effort other than shifting the car from one place to the next. They scored better than those with more complex connections, as they require less pressure and offer the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for example that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that requires no straps, and that it has a gauge on the bottom of the car seat which indicates that the seat is level properly.
The Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants is also easy to install and switch from car to stroller. It's an easy conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. It also has an adjustable front wheel that offers great maneuverability even when the seat is in place.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features an elongated chassis that is springy and an enormous one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It has a big basket as well as plenty of cups for drinks, snacks and baby gear. Its padded seat is comfortable for long trips 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 them in the event of a crash.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all come with rubber tires and only a single, swivel rear wheel to navigate busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo as well as the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide effortlessly and feature useful features, like one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to Store
Car seat stroller combos are a great choice for parents who wish to keep their child as comfortable as they can whether they're running errands, or heading out for an extended family trip. Car seat and stroller combinations are generally simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and many models have convenient features that make them stand out from the competition. It is crucial to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work together. The car seat manufacturer should give guidelines on which strollers can be used with their product. A quick online search can help you narrow your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have an attachment that snaps into place without the need for additional straps or a complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families who regularly use public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the click of one button. This is a significant time saver and allows you to bypass gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the stroller base, and fold it easily into a compact unit that can be tucked away into the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for busy parents. pushchairs 2 in 1 is sleek and stylish, with premium fabrics, as well as smart touches like a built-in drape canopy that protects babies who are asleep.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your lifestyle and plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that can fit a child car seat with little extra space. More expensive combos will include a toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. Whatever you choose 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 combinations are a excellent option for families that wish to avoid having to check gate-check the infant car seat on airlines and are also ideal for those who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and move around on the go and are perfect for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their little ones.
When deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that is lightweight and compact. These models are more comfortable to use and are more easy to push over different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the back of a car.
A few of the most well-known car seat/stroller combinations are light and compact, and come with folding casters that can be stored easily. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for instance is a standard seat that can convert into a booster once the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are easy to use.
The Doona is a different 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth mentioning. It's an exceptional piece of equipment because it can be converted from a rear facing infant car seat to a stroller simply by pressing a button. This lets you avoid the hassle of removing the base of the seat and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop into taxis without having to put away the car seat.
Doonas are a great option for those on a budget, particularly new parents. It's cheaper than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it gives parents peace of mind that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit 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 plans 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 that will fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want one piece of baby gear that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily be converted from a car to the stroller and vice versa. They are also simpler to move around than two piece travel systems. Stanton says they're designed to be more portable. "They have less moving parts, making them easy to fold, use, and transport."
Additionally, these types of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece options and can fit into small trunks, making them easy to transport. They also come with a larger cargo basket and more practical features like sun shades and cup holders. Some even have a swivel wheel on the front that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. They are particularly useful for parents who use rideshares or public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is basically a rear-facing car seat on wheels, and the wheels lower to make a stroller when you wish to use it.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat and unfold it into the shape of a stroller. This model isn't as streamlined as Doona, but it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
Check if the stroller and infant seat combination you're considering will work with your preferred car seat. If it's compatible, then you are likely to enjoy more life from the product because it will still work with your child as they get out of the infant car seat.
However, it's important to know that certain stroller and car seat combos do not perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to a design which makes it difficult to navigate stairs or due to the weight and size of the car seat could make it more difficult to push. In either situation, it's worth checking out our full reviews to find the best option for you.