Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos almost seem to connect themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is simple to connect with the carrier." This reduces the possibility of mistakes during installation and removal.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller, and also frees up trunk space. Online reviews praise the Doona's functionality and ease of use but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. This is also a good alternative for parents who utilize public transportation or rideshares frequently, as well as those who change caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, which means they're more mobile," says Stanton. However, she notes that it's crucial to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when you use it with a travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure an appropriate fit she adds.
In our tests, we discovered that the most effective stroller and car seat combinations come with a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond moving the carrier from one to another. These models scored higher than those with more complicated connections, as they require less pressure and have less chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for example the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that requires no straps, and also includes a meter on the base of the car seat which indicates that the seat is level correctly.
2 in 1 pram in-One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and move from car to stroller. It's an easy conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or errands. It also features an adjustable front wheel that gives you an excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is attached.
Another option is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has springy chassis as well as a large fold-down chassis that makes it easy to store. It comes with a large basket and plenty cups for snacks, drinks, and baby equipment. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth knit fabric is machine washed. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that locks either below or on the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects your child in the event of a crash.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and only a single, swivel rear wheel for navigating busy streets 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 feature useful features, including one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combinations are a great choice for parents who wish to keep their baby as comfortable as possible, whether they're running errands, or going on an extended family trip. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move than separate items, and a number of models come with convenient features that differentiate them from the competition. It's important to remember that the car seat needs to be compatible with the stroller to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their products. A quick search on the internet will help narrow your choices.
Some strollers and carseats have a direct attachment that snaps into place without the need for straps or a complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a huge selling point, and is particularly beneficial for families that often use ride-share cars or public transport. 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 allows you to avoid having a stroller checked on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant car seat from the stroller base and then fold it up into a compact unit that can be stored into the trunk of a vehicle. This is a fantastic feature for busy parents. The stroller itself also is sleek and stylish, with top quality fabrics as well as smart touches like a built in canopy that drapes over the baby from snoozing.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle, plans for growth, and budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers that fit a child car seat with little extra space. More expensive combos will include the toddler seat, twin stroller, or more advanced features. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are excellent option for families that are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking the infant car seat on airlines, and they're also perfect for those who use public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport and are perfect for parents who prefer their hands free when traveling with their children.
When deciding on a stroller that is a 2 in 1 car seat, choose one that is lightweight and compact. These types of strollers have a smoother ride and are more easy to push across different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in a trunk or back of the car.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are lightweight, compact, and feature foldable wheels for easy storage. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that converts from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for children who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are simple to use (we didn't score it as an ideal choice for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is unique because it's a single piece of equipment that converts from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller with just a few clicks. This means you can skip the hassle of getting your car seat removed from its base, and it helps you to walk up and down stairs or get in and out taxis without having to have the car seat stowed.
The Doona is a cost-effective option that is particularly appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It costs less than a year's gym membership and provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families choose two-piece car seats/strollers when they're deciding on an infant carrier of a specific brand or plan to use it for more than one child. If this is the case, be sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats will work in tandem. Consider purchasing an adapter if necessary to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents who are looking for a single piece that can be used for a variety of functions. They are able to effortlessly switch from a car seat to a stroller and then back again, and they are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily portable," says Stanton. "They contain a lot fewer moving parts, which makes them easy to fold, transport and use."
Additionally, these types of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece ones and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them simple to transport. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and come with more practical features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, like Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat solutions. These are especially useful for parents who take rideshares or public transportation, or change caregivers often. This model is essentially an rear-facing car seat with wheels, and 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 in and then unfold it as a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.
Check if the stroller and infant car seat combination you're considering fits your preferred car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can anticipate a longer-lasting product as it will be able to work with your child after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.
However, it's important to note that some stroller and car seat combos don't perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to the design of the product that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to use stairs, or due to the weight of the car seat and stroller can make it harder to push across different terrains. In any situation, it's worth checking out our complete reviews to determine the best option for you.