Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it almost feels like they're doing it themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This reduces the possibility of mistakes during installation and removal.
One option that can do this is the Doona that effortlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and also makes room for the trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's versatility and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combo is an attractive choice for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It is also a good option for those who frequently use public transportation or rideshares as well as those who switch between caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are connected to the car seat, so they're more naturally portable," says Stanton. However, she notes that it's essential to ensure that your car seat is secured properly when you use it with the travel system. She advises you to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combinations have simple click-in connections, that requires no effort, other than moving the carrier from one place to another. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, since they require less pressure and have the least 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 that it includes a meter on the bottom of the car seat that shows that the seat is level correctly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and transfer from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless transformation that allows extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has an adjustable front wheel that gives you excellent maneuverability even when the seat is in place.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems, which has springy suspension and a large, one-hand-fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket, as well as plenty of cups to hold drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The padded seat is comfortable 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 your baby's shoulders and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone that protects your child 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 one, swivel front wheel to navigate busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features like one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible should consider a stroller and car seat combination, whether they are doing errands during the day or taking an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to move around than separate items, and a number of models come with convenient features that distinguish them from the rest. However, it's important to note that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible for use together. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their products. A quick search online will help narrow your options.
Some strollers and carseats have an immediate attachment that snaps into place without the need for straps or a complicated installation. This type of easy attachment is a major benefit for families that frequently utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller with just the touch of one button. This is a time-saving feature and lets you avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming you've purchased an airline chair for your child) or to get in and out of a taxi.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller, and fold it easily into a compact unit that fits in the trunk. This is a great feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself also is sleek and stylish, with premium fabrics, and smart features like a built-in canopy that drapes over a baby who's asleep.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle and growth plans and budget. 2 in 1 prams are likely to be frame strollers that can fit a child car seat with little space. More expensive combos will include the toddler seat, twin strollers, or more advanced features. In any case you can be assured that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a excellent option for families that want to avoid gate-checking the infant car seat on flights, and they're also perfect for those who use public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and are perfect 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 more easy to push over different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in the trunk or back of the car.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are lightweight, compact and have wheels that fold to make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for instance, is a simple seat that can be converted into a booster when the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are simple to use (we did not rate it as an ideal choice for ease of assembly).
The Doona is another 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth to be mentioned. It's an exceptional piece of equipment since it can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat into a stroller by simply clicking a button. This allows you to skip the step of removing the seat from its base and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop in taxis without having to store the car seat.
Doonas are an excellent affordable option, especially for first-time parents. It's less expensive than a year of gym membership, and provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families opt for two-piece stroller/car seat systems when they're deciding on a specific type of infant carrier or have plans to have several children. If this is the case, make sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller will work together. Consider buying an adapter that will fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want only one piece of baby gear that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily be converted from a car seat to a stroller, and reverse. They are also simpler to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're designed to be more compact. "They have less moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold, use, and transport."
These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than the two-piece versions and are easily transported in small trunks. They also tend to have more space for cargo and more useful features such as cup holders and sun shades. Some models even have a swivel front wheel that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Some brands, like Doona offer a stroller and infant car seats that can be used together. These are especially beneficial for parents who take public transportation or rideshares or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat with wheels that can be converted into a stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and fold it up into the form of a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona however, it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without having to click it into the base.
Check if the stroller and infant seat combination you're considering will work with your preferred car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can anticipate a longer-lasting product since it will be able to work with your child after they have outgrown the infant car seats.
It's important to know that some stroller and car seats don't perform very well in our user-friendliness tests. This could be because of a design which makes it difficult to navigate stairs or due to the weight and size of the stroller/car seat can make it harder to push. In either situation, it's worth checking out our complete reviews to determine the best option for you.