Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This will reduce the risk of mistakes that could occur during the installation process and detachment.
Doona is one of the options that allows you to accomplish this. It easily transforms from a car seat to stroller, and makes space in your trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's versatility and ease of use, but also note its substantial feel.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combo is an attractive choice for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. 2 in 1 pram 's also a great option for parents who take rides or public transportation frequently as well as those who change caregivers. "These are a single product and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they're more portable," says Stanton. However, she adds that it's essential to make sure the car seat is properly secured when it's used with a travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual for your vehicle for a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the most effective stroller and car seat combinations come with a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond shifting the carrier from one location to another. These models scored higher than those with more complicated connections, as they require less pressure and offer less chance of making errors (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 has a gauge on the bottom of the car seat that indicates whether the seat is level properly.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is also easy to install and transfer from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless transformation that frees up extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also has a swivel wheel in the front, which allows for excellent maneuverability even with the seat on.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with a springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks, 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 the safety harness which is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and includes a SafeCell crumple zone that protects them in the event of a crash.
A good travel system will also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all have rubber tires that have a single, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and feature useful features, including one-hand brakes and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Car seat stroller combinations are an excellent choice for parents who wish to keep their child as comfortable as they can whether they're running errands, or heading out for an excursion with the family. Combinations of car seats and strollers are often simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and a lot of models have convenient features that help them stand out from the rest. It's important to remember that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat must provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers work with their product A quick internet search can help narrow down your options.
Some strollers and carseats come with a direct attachment that snaps into place without the need for additional straps or complicated assembly. This type of easy attachment is a major benefit for families who frequently take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller at the click of one button. This is a major time-saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking a stroller on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller's base and then fold it up into a compact size that can be tucked away in the trunk of a car. This is a fantastic feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself features a sleek design and high-end fabrics, and smart features such as a built-in canopy that drapes over a baby who's sleeping.
The ideal 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combination for your family is based on your lifestyle, plans for expansion and your budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that fit a car seat with the smallest amount of space. On the other hand, higher-end combos may include twin strollers, and include more advanced features. Either way you can be assured that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
These combos are ideal for families who want to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for the infant car seat while flying. They are also ideal for those who frequently use public transportation or ride-sharing services. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and are ideal for parents who prefer their hands free while traveling with their children.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push in various conditions. Additionally, the smaller frames can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the back of a vehicle.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seat/stroller combinations are light, compact, and feature foldable wheels to make it easy to store. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that can be converted from an rear-facing five-point harness into a booster for kids who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is unique because it's a single piece equipment that transitions from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in just a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the step of taking your car seat off its base, and it helps you to walk up and down stairs or get in taxis without having the car seat stowed.
Doonas are an excellent budget-friendly choice, especially for first-time parents. It's less than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it gives new parents peace of mind that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their child.
Many families opt for two-piece stroller/car seat systems in the event that they have decided on a specific model of infant carrier or plans to have multiple children. If this is the case, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat can work in conjunction. Also, consider buying an adapter to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who want a single piece of baby equipment which can perform multiple functions. They can easily transition from a car seat to a stroller and then back to a car seat, and are generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are designed to be more portable. "They have less moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold and use as well as carry."
Additionally, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece options and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them easy to transport. They also tend to have a larger cargo basket and more practical features like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheels at the front, which can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. These are especially beneficial for parents who use public transportation or rideshares, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be converted into stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into the frame and then fold it out as a stroller. This model isn't as streamlined as Doona, but it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to click it into the base.
You should also consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combo will accommodate your preferred car seat brand. If it's compatible, then you can expect to get more life from the product as it will continue to be able to work with your child once they get out of the infant car seat.
However, it's important to be aware that some stroller and car seats aren't performing well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or inconvenient to use steps, or the weight of the car seat and stroller could make it difficult to push on different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which model is best for you.
