Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it's like they're doing it themselves. Stanton recommends: "Look for a base that is easy to connect with the carrier." This helps reduce the risk of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that can accomplish this. It seamlessly transforms from a car seat into stroller, and makes space in your trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's versatility and ease of use, however, they also appreciate its sturdy 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. It's also a good option for parents who take public transportation or rideshares frequently, as well as those who switch caregivers. Stanton states that since they're a single piece and the wheels are connected, the car seats are more portable. However, she says that it's essential to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using it with an electronic travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual to ensure an appropriate fit, she says.
In our tests, we discovered that the best stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connection that requires minimal effort other than shifting the car from one to another. 2 in 1 pram stroller scored better than those with more complex connections, since they require less pressure and have less chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). For instance, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the base of the car seat that shows when it is leveled correctly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and move from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or running errands. It also has an swivel front wheel that gives you excellent maneuverability even when the seat is in place.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has springy chassis as well as a large one-hand fold chassis that makes it easy to store. It comes with a large storage basket and plenty of cup holders to hold snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The padded seat is ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It's FAA approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and includes a SafeCell crumple zone to protect them in the event of an accident.
A good travel system will also be easy to push, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and only a single, swivel rear wheel that can be used 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 have convenient features, like one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible should consider a car seat stroller combination, whether doing errands during the day or going on a family trip. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to move than separate items, and a lot of models come with convenient features that distinguish them from the competition. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible in order to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers work with their product A quick internet search can help you to narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats have a direct attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or complicated assembly. This type of easy attachment is a big selling point, and it's especially beneficial for families who often use ride-share cars or public transport. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller at the push of a button. This is a time-saving feature and helps you avoid having your stroller checked at the gate on planes (assuming that you have also purchased an airline chair for your infant), or to jump into and out of a taxi.
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 unit that fits in the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for busy families and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with high-end fabrics and clever touches such as a built-in drape canopy that can protect a sleepy baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle and growth plans and your budget. The most affordable models tend to be frame strollers that can fit a child car seat with little space. More expensive combos will include a toddler seat, a twin stroller, or more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be assured that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal option for families who wish to avoid having to check gate-check an infant car seat on flights and are also ideal for people who use public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These car seats and strollers are easy to transport and maneuver in a hurry and are perfect for parents who require their hands free while traveling with their little ones.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options have a smoother ride and are easier to push on different terrains. Additionally, the smaller frames can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the back of a car.
Some of the most popular car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight, compact and feature foldable casters for easy storage. For example, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that can be converted from a rear-facing five-point harness to a booster for kids who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are easy to use (we did not consider it the best option for its ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is unique because it's a single piece of equipment that converts from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the step of removing your car seat from its base. It also allows you to navigate stairs or get in taxis without having to have the car seat in the.
Doonas are a fantastic option for those on a budget, particularly first-time parents. It's less expensive than a year of gym membership and gives parents peace of mind knowing that their child is safe traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they are set on a particular model of infant carrier or plans to have several children. If this is the case, make sure you've read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats will work together. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents who are looking for a single piece that can be used for a variety of functions. They can easily convert from a car to a stroller, and reverse. They are also more easy to move around than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally portable," says Stanton. "They contain a lot fewer moving components, which makes them easier to fold, carry, and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are also lighter than the two-piece versions and can be easily transported in small trunks. They also have an extra cargo basket and more practical features like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheels at the front, which is ideal for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller as well as an baby car seat that can be used together. These are particularly useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is essentially a rear-facing car seat on wheels. The wheels lower to make a stroller when you wish to use it.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat into the frame and then fold it out as a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without having to click it into the base.
It is also important to consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo can accommodate the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a more durable product that will fit your child after they've outgrown their infant car seats.
It's also important to note that some stroller and car seats don't perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be because of a design which makes it difficult to walk stairs or due to the weight and size of the stroller/car seat can make it harder to push. It's worth reading our review to determine which one is the best for you.