Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos nearly seem to connect themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for mistakes that could occur during the installation process and detachment.
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 reviewers love the Doona's versatility and user-friendliness, but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both appealing. It's also a great option for parents who take rides or public transportation frequently as well as those who switch caregivers. Stanton states that since they're one item and the wheels are connected, the car seats are more mobile. However, she adds that it's essential to ensure that your car seat is secured properly when using it with an electronic travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure that the seat is secure, she says.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combos feature simple click-in connections, that requires no effort other than moving the stroller from one location to another. These models scored higher compared to those with more complex connections because they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities for mistakes, whether intentional or accidental. We like, for instance, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that requires no straps, and that it has a gauge on the bottom of the car seat that shows when the seat is leveled correctly.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and then transfer from car to stroller. It's a seamless transformation that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel at the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even with a seat attached.
Another option is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features a springy chassis and an enormous one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks, and baby gear. The cushioned seat is ideal for long journeys and the smooth, tagless knit fabric is machine washed. It's FAA-approved and includes the safety harness which is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and has a SafeCell crumple zone that protects them in the event of a crash.
A good travel system must also be easy to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single swivel wheel on the front to navigate streets and busy sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and 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 combos are a great option for parents who want to keep their child as comfortable as possible, whether they're doing errands or heading out for an excursion with the family. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to maneuver than separate items, and a lot of models are equipped with features that distinguish them from other strollers. But, it is crucial to note that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible in order to work. The manufacturer of the car seat must give guidelines on what kinds of strollers work with their product and a quick internet search can help find the right stroller.
Some strollers and car seats have a direct connection that snaps into place with no any straps or a complex installation process. This kind of simple attachment is a huge selling point, and it's particularly beneficial for families that frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller at the touch of the button. This is a major time-saver and allows you to bypass gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to hop into and out of taxis.
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 great feature for families with busy schedules, and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with premium fabrics and clever touches such as a built-in curtain canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle and growth plans and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers which can accommodate a car seat for a child with little space. More expensive combos will include a toddler seat, a twin stroller, or more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller will meet all safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice 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 rides-shares and public transportation often. These strollers and car seats are easy to carry and maneuver around on the go and are ideal for parents who need their hands free while traveling with their children.
When choosing a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that is lightweight and compact. These models tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push in various environments. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat into the trunk or back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seats/strollers combinations are light, compact, and feature foldable wheels to make it easy to store. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that converts from a rear-facing five-point harness to a booster for children who are no longer in a baby carrier. 2 in 1 pram pushchair (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are simple to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is an exceptional model because it's a single piece of equipment that transitions from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in just a few clicks. This allows you to remove the base of the seat and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop into and out of taxis without having to stow the car seat.
The Doona is a cost-effective option that is a great choice for first-time parents. It's less than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it provides new parents with assurance that they have safe travel gear for their baby.
Many families opt for two-piece stroller/car seat systems if they are set on a specific brand of infant carrier or have plans to have multiple children. If that's your scenario, be sure to read the product specs to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat work in conjunction. Consider buying an adapter to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combination is an excellent choice for parents who are looking for a single piece that can be used for a variety of purposes. They can easily be converted from a car to stroller, and reverse the process. They are also more easy to maneuver than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more natural-looking and mobile," says Stanton. "They have fewer moving parts which makes them easier to fold, use, and transport."
These strollers and car seats for infants are also lighter than two-piece models, and they can be easily transported in small trunks. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and come with more practical features, such as sun shades and cup holders. Some models even come with a swivel front wheel that's great for navigating crowded streets and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer an all-in-one infant car seat and stroller solutions. They are particularly useful for parents who use public transportation or rideshares, or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be converted into a stroller.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into and then fold it out as a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona, but it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
It is also important to consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combination can fit the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can anticipate a longer-lasting product that will be able to work with your child after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.
It's also important to know that certain stroller and car seats do not perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or inconvenient to climb stairs, or due to the weight of the car seat and stroller can make it harder to push on different terrains. It's worth reading our review to determine which one is the best one for you.