Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combinations are so easy to attach that it's almost like they're doing it all by themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for errors that could occur during the installation process and detachment.
Doona is one of the options that lets you accomplish this. It seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and it lets you free up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's features and ease of use however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. This is also a good alternative for parents who utilize public transportation or rideshares often and who change caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are connected to the car seat, which means they're more easily portable," says Stanton. However, she says that it's crucial to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when it's used with an electronic travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure that the seat is secure she advises.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combinations have an easy click-in connection that requires no effort, other than moving the car seat from one location to the next. They scored higher in comparison to those with more complex connections because they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for mistakes, whether intentional or accidental. For instance, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires no straps--and that there's an indicator on the base of the car seat that shows when it is leveled correctly.
The Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants too, is easy to install and switch from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless change that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has an adjustable front wheel that gives you great maneuverability, even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features an elongated chassis that is springy and a large one-hand fold chassis that makes it easy to store. It has a big basket and plenty cup holders for snacks, drinks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long trips, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric is washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that can be locked beneath or around your baby's shoulders. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects them if they are in an accident.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all come with rubber tires and a single, swivel front wheel 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 come with useful features, like one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible should consider a car seat stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands or taking a family trip. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to move than separate items, and a number of models have convenient features that differentiate them from the competition. It is important to remember that the car seat and stroller must be compatible for use together. The car seat manufacturer must provide guidelines for strollers that can be used with their product. A quick online search will help narrow your options.
Some strollers and car seats come with an immediate connection that snaps into place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This type of easy attachment is a huge selling point, and it's particularly beneficial for families that frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted into stroller with the click of a single button. This is a great time-saver and lets you avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming that you have also purchased an airline chair for your child) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to remove the infant carrier from the base of the stroller and easily fold it into a compact package that fits in the trunk of a car. This is a fantastic feature for busy families and the stroller is sleek and stylish, with premium fabrics and smart touches, like 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 plans for growth and budget. The most affordable options will likely be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat with minimal extra space, while more expensive models may include a toddler seat or a twin stroller and offer more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be assured that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to Carry
These combos are perfect for families that want to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat when flying. They are also ideal for those who regularly use public transportation and ride-shares. Car seats and strollers are easy to transport and maneuver around on the go and are perfect for parents who require their hands off when traveling with their kids.
When you're deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that is light and compact. These options are more comfortable to use and are easier to push over different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat in a trunk or back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after car seats/strollers are lightweight and compact, and come with foldable casters that make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a basic seat that can be converted into a booster once the child no longer requires an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are easy to use.
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth to be mentioned. It's an exceptional piece of equipment since it can be transformed from a rear facing infant car seat into a stroller simply by pressing the button. This lets you avoid the hassle of removing the seat from its base and makes it easier to move up and down stairs or get into taxis without having to stow the car seat.
Doonas are a fantastic option for those on a budget, particularly new parents. It's cheaper than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it gives parents peace of mind knowing that they have safe travel gear for their child.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system when they're deciding on an infant carrier from a particular brand or plan to use it for several children. If two in one pram is the scenario, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat work in tandem. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter that will fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combo is a great choice for parents looking for a single item that can be used for a variety of purposes. They can easily convert from a car to a stroller, and reverse the process. They are also more easy to move around than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily mobile," says Stanton. "They have less moving parts, making them easier 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 fit into small trunks, making them easy to carry around. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and have more useful features, like cup holders and sun shades. Some come with a swivel front wheel which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and shopping centers.
Some brands, like Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat solutions. They are especially useful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is basically a rear-facing car seat on wheels, and the wheels lower to make a stroller when you want to use it.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat and then fold it up into the shape of a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona however it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
You should also consider whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combo will be used with your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a more durable product as it will be able to work with your child after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.
It is important to be aware that certain car seats and stroller combinations aren't very effective in our user-friendliness tests. This could be because of an design that makes it difficult to navigate stairs, or the weight and size of the car seat could make it harder to push. It's worth reading our reviews to determine which one is best for you.