Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos nearly feel like they attach themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This reduces the chance of errors that could occur when assembling and detaching.
Doona is one option that lets you do this. It easily transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and it makes space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's versatility and ease of use, but also note its substantial feel.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a good option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a great alternative for parents who utilize public transportation or rideshares frequently, as well as those who change caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are attached to the car seat, meaning they're more easily portable," says Stanton. However, she notes that it's crucial to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when you use it with the travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle's owner's manual for a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combinations have a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond shifting the carrier from one place to the next. These models scored better compared to models with more complicated connections due to the fact that they require less pressure and offer fewer chances for mistakes, whether intentional or accidental. For instance, we like the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the car seat base that indicates when it's leveled correctly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and then transfer from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless change that frees up trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has a swivel wheel on the front that allows for excellent mobility even with the seat on.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has a springy chassis and a large one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It has a large basket and plenty cup holders for snacks, drinks, and baby gear. The padded seat makes it ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth knit fabric is machine washed. It's FAA approved and comes with a safety harness that locks at or below your baby's shoulders and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone that protects them in the event of an accident.
A good travel system will also be easy to push, and our top picks all have rubber tires with a single, swivel front wheel for navigating busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and feature convenient features like one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to Store
Car seat stroller combos are a great option for parents who wish to keep their child as comfortable as they can whether they're doing errands or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move than separate items, and a number of models have convenient features that differentiate them from other strollers. However, it's important to note that the car seat and stroller must be compatible to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on which strollers can be used with their product. A quick online search can help you narrow your options.
Certain strollers and car seats feature an easy 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 helpful for families who 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 time-saving feature and allows you to avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming that you have also purchased an airline chair for your infant) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to take the infant car seat from the stroller's base and fold it into a compact package that fits inside the trunk of a car. This is an excellent feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself features a sleek design and top quality fabrics and smart features like a built-in drape canopy that protects babies who are asleep.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your lifestyle and plans for growth and budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers which can accommodate a car seat for a child with little extra space. The more expensive models will have the toddler seat, twin strollers, or more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be sure that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families who wish to avoid gate checking the infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who regularly use public transportation and ride-sharing services. These strollers and car seats are easy to carry and maneuver on the go, which makes them ideal for parents who need their hands free while traveling with their little ones.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through different conditions. In addition, the smaller frame can make it easier to get the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the back of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seats/strollers combinations are light, compact, and feature foldable wheels for easy storage. For instance, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that can be converted from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for children who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is a standout because it's a single piece of equipment that converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in just a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of removing the seat from the base and makes it much easier to move up and down stairs or get in taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a cost-effective option that is particularly appealing for first-time parents. It's less expensive than a year's gym membership, and provides parents with peace of mind knowing their child is safe traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they're set on an infant carrier from a certain brand or have plans for several children. If this is the case, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat will work in conjunction. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter that will fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who need a single piece of baby gear that can handle multiple functions. They can easily convert from a car seat to stroller, and vice versa. 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 a lot fewer moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold, carry and use."
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece options and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them simple to carry around. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and have more useful features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheels on the front, which can be used to navigate busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, such as Doona offer an all-in-one infant car seat and stroller solutions. They are especially useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into and then unfold it into a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combo you're considering will work with your preferred brand of car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a longer-lasting product that will fit your child after they have outgrown the infant car seats.
However, it's important to be aware that some stroller and car seat combos do not perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to a design which makes it difficult to climb stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat may make it difficult to push. In prams 2 in 1 , it's worth checking out our full reviews to determine the best solution for you.