Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos nearly feel like they attach themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that can accomplish this. It seamlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller, and it lets you free up space in your trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's versatility and ease of use, but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who do not want to switch between car seats and strollers often find a combination of both attractive. It is also a good option for those who regularly use public transportation or rideshares, as well as parents who change caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they're more easily portable," says Stanton. Stanton stresses the need to secure the car seat properly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual to ensure that the seat is secure she adds.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos have a simple click-in connection, that requires no effort, other than moving the car seat from one location to the next. These models scored better than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and offer the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for example, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps and also includes a meter on the bottom of the car seat which indicates whether the seat is level correctly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and move from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel on the front that permits excellent maneuverability even with the seat on.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket as well as plenty of cups for snacks, drinks, and baby equipment. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that can be locked beneath or around your baby's shoulders. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects the child in case of an accident.
A good travel system should be simple to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single rotating wheel at the front to help navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and feature convenient features such as one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combinations are an excellent choice for parents who wish to keep their child as comfortable as possible, whether they're doing errands or heading out for a family vacation. Car seat and stroller combinations are generally easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and many models are equipped with convenient features that make them stand out from the competition. However, it's important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers are compatible with their product, and a quick online search can help to narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats have an immediate attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a big selling point, and is especially beneficial for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller with just the push of the button. This is a significant time-saver and makes it easy to avoid gate-checking a stroller on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact package which can be tucked away into the trunk. This is a great feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself also features a sleek design and top quality fabrics as well as smart touches such as a built-in canopy that drapes over babies who are asleep.
Ultimately, 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 models are likely to be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat with minimal extra space, while higher-end combos may include twin strollers and have more advanced features. Either way, you can rest assured that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat on flights, and they're also perfect for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and move in a hurry and are ideal for parents who require their hands free when traveling with their kids.
When 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that is light and compact. These types of strollers tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push in different environments. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat in the trunk or the back of a car.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are lightweight, compact and have wheels that fold to make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a basic seat that can convert into a booster when the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are simple to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is unique because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller with just a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the step of getting your car seat removed from its base, and also helps you to walk up and down the stairs or get into taxis without having to have the car seat stored.
Doonas are an excellent option for those on a budget, particularly first-time parents. It costs less than a year's gym membership and provides parents with peace of mind knowing their child is secure when traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they are set on a specific type of infant carrier or plans to have more than one child. If this is the scenario, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat will work together. Consider buying an adapter to match the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents looking for a single piece that can be used for multiple purposes. They can easily be converted from a car to stroller, and reverse. They are also more easy to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily mobile," says Stanton. "They contain fewer moving parts which makes them easier to fold, use, and transport."
Additionally, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece models and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them simple to transport. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and feature more useful features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which is ideal for navigating busy streets and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and infant car seats that can be used together. These can be particularly helpful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is basically a rear-facing car seat on wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become an infant stroller when you decide to use it.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and then fold it up into a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona however it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you're considering will work with your preferred brand of car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can anticipate a longer-lasting product since it will work with your child even after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.
It's important to understand that certain stroller and car seats aren't very effective in our user-friendliness tests. This could be due to the design of the product that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to navigate steps, or the weight of the stroller and car seat makes it more difficult to push on different terrains. It's worth reading our reviews to determine which model is best for you.