Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so simple to connect that it almost feels like they do it themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This helps reduce the risk of mistakes during installation and removal.
One option that can do this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from car seat to stroller and makes room for the trunk. Online reviews have noted that it feels substantial but they also appreciate its simplicity of use and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both appealing. It is also a good option for those who regularly use rideshares or public transportation as well as parents who change caregivers. "These are a single product and the wheels are connected to the car seat, meaning they're more easily mobile," says Stanton. Stanton stresses the need to secure the car seat correctly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure that the seat is secure, 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 other than shifting the car from one place to the next. These models scored better than those with more complex connections, as they require less pressure and have less chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for example, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which requires no straps, and includes a meter on the base of the car seat that shows whether the seat is level properly.
The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller it's also simple to install and transfer from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or errands. It also has a swivel front wheel that gives you an excellent maneuverability even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features an elongated chassis that is springy and a large fold-down chassis that can be easily stored. It has a big basket as well as plenty of cups for snacks, drinks, and baby gear. Its padded seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved and comes with an safety strap that is secured beneath or around the shoulders of your baby. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect them if they are in an accident.
A good travel system must be simple to push. Our top picks feature rubber tires and a single pivoting wheel in the front to navigate streets and busy 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, such as one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible will be better off with a car seat stroller combination, whether they are running errands or taking a family trip. Stroller and car seat combinations are often simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and a lot of models have convenient features that help them distinct from other models. However, it's important to note that the car seat and stroller must be compatible to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on what kinds of strollers are compatible with their product and a quick internet search will help narrow down your options.
Some strollers and car seats have an immediate connection that snaps into place without any straps or an intricate installation procedure. This kind of simple attachment is a big selling point, and is particularly beneficial for families that frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the touch of one button. This is a huge 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 get 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 into the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for busy parents. The stroller itself also has a sleek design with premium fabrics, as well as smart touches like a built-in canopy with a drape that can protect a baby who's sleeping.
The ideal 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combination for your family depends on your lifestyle, your plans for expansion and your budget. The cheapest models tend to be frame strollers that fit a child car seat with a small amount of space. Higher-end combos will include a toddler seat, twin stroller, or more advanced features. In any case you can be sure that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families who wish to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat when flying. They are also ideal for those who regularly take public transport or ride-sharing services. These cars seats and strollers are easy to transport and are ideal for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their children.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers are more comfortable to use and are easier to push over different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can aid in getting the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the rear of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are lightweight, compact and come with wheels that fold 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 kids who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are easy to use.
The Doona is another 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth noting. It's a unique piece of equipment because it can be transformed from a rear facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of a button. This lets you skip the hassle of taking your car seat off its base. It also makes it easier for you to navigate the stairs or get into and out taxis without having your car seat stored.
Doonas are an excellent budget-friendly choice, especially for first-time parents. 2in1 travel system costs less than a year's gym membership, and provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their child is safe traveling.
Many families opt for two-piece stroller/car seat systems if they are set on a particular model of infant carrier or have plans to have multiple children. If this is the scenario, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat can work in tandem. Consider purchasing an adapter to fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who need one piece of baby gear that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily convert from a car seat to the stroller and reverse. They are also simpler to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're designed to be more portable. "They have a lot fewer moving components, which makes them more compact to fold, carry, and use."
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece ones and can fit into small trunks, making them easy to carry around. They also come with more space for cargo and more practical features like sun shades and cup holders. Some models even come with a swivel front wheel that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona provide a stroller and infant car seats that can be used in conjunction. They are especially useful parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is essentially an rear-facing car seat with wheels, and the wheels lower to make a stroller when you wish to use it.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat into and then fold it out as a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without needing to click into its base.
You should also consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combination can accommodate your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a more durable product as it will be able to work with your child after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.
It's important to understand that some stroller and car seats aren't very effective in our user-friendliness tests. This could be due to the design that makes it difficult to walk stairs or due to the weight and size of the car seat could make it difficult to push. It's worth reading our reviews to determine which model is the best one for you.