Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it's like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is easy to click together with the carrier." This minimizes the potential for mistakes that could occur when assembling and detaching.
Doona is one of the options that allows you to do this. It seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and it frees up space in your trunk. Online reviews have noted that it is hefty but they also appreciate its user-friendliness and its functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between strollers and car seats often find a mix of both attractive. This is also a good option for parents who use rides or public transportation frequently and who switch caregivers. Stanton says that since they're one item and the wheels are attached to the car seats, they are more portable. However, she adds, it's important to make sure the car seat is securely secured when you use it with the travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure an ideal fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combos have a simple click-in connection, which requires little effort other than moving the stroller from one place to another. They scored higher in comparison to those with more complex connections due to their lower pressure and provide fewer opportunities for mistakes, whether intentional or accidental. We like, for example, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that requires no straps, and that it has a gauge on the base of the car seat which indicates that the seat is level correctly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and transfer from stroller to vehicle. 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 has a swivel steering wheel at the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even when the seat attached.
Another option is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has an elongated chassis that is springy and an enormous one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It has a large basket, as well as plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby gear. The padded seat makes it comfortable for long journeys, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and includes the safety harness which is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and includes a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard them in the event of a crash.
A great travel system should also be easy to push, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have a single, swivel front wheel for navigating 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 effortlessly and have convenient features, such as one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combinations are a great option for parents who want to keep their baby as comfortable as possible, whether they're running errands or going on an extended family trip. Stroller and car seat combinations are usually simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and many models are equipped with convenient features that make them stand out from the competition. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible to work together. The car seat manufacturer must provide guidelines for strollers that can be used with their product. A quick search online can help you narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats have a direct connection that snaps into place with no additional straps or a complicated installation process. This type of easy attachment is a major selling point for families who regularly utilize 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 car seat and stroller combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact size that can be stored inside the trunk of a car. This is a great feature for busy parents. The stroller itself features a sleek design and premium fabrics, and smart features like a built-in canopy with a drape that can protect the baby from sleeping.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle and plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable options are likely to be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat with minimal extra space, while more expensive models may include a toddler seat or twin strollers, and include more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller meets all safety standards.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families who want to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat when flying. pram 2in1 are also ideal for those who frequently use public transportation or ride-shares. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and move around on the go and are ideal for parents who require their hands free when traveling with their children.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models have a smoother ride and can be easier to push across different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can help you get the car seat in and out of a trunk or at the rear 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 to make it easy to store. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that can be converted from a rear-facing five-point harness to an infant booster when children are no longer in a baby carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is a standout because it's a single piece equipment that can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller with just a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of removing the base of the seat and makes it easier to move up and down stairs or get into and out of taxis without having to stow the car seat.
Doonas are an excellent option for those on a budget, particularly new parents. It's cheaper than a year's gym membership. It also gives parents peace of mind knowing that their child is safe traveling.
Many families choose two-piece car seats/strollers If they're looking for an infant carrier from a certain brand or are planning to have multiple children. If this is the case, make sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seats and strollers will work in tandem. Also, consider buying an adapter to accommodate 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 transition from a car seat to a stroller and then back again, and they're generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are designed to be more compact. "They have less moving parts which makes them easier to fold, use, and carry."
These strollers and car seats for infants are lighter than two-piece models and can be easily transported in small trunks. They also have an extra cargo basket and more practical features like cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheel on the front that is ideal for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, such as Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. These can be particularly helpful for parents who intend to use rideshares or public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be converted into a stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat and unfold it into the shape of a stroller. This model is not 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 seat combo you're considering will work with your preferred brand of car seat. If it's compatible, you can expect more life from the product as it will continue to be able to work with your child once they grow out of the infant car seat.
It's important to know that some stroller and car seat combinations do not perform well in our ease of use tests. This could be because of a design which makes it difficult to climb stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat could make it harder to push. In any scenario, you should check through our reviews to find the most suitable solution for you.