Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. Stanton recommends: "Look for a base that is simple to click together with the carrier." This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
One option that does this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from car seat to stroller, and also frees up trunk space. Online reviews praise the Doona's versatility and ease of use, but also note its substantial feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both attractive. It also makes sense for those who regularly use rideshares or public transportation, as well as those who have multiple caregivers. Stanton states that since they're one item and the wheels are connected, the car seats are more mobile. However, she says that it's crucial to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when you use it with a travel system. She says to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combos feature an easy click-in connection that requires no effort other than moving the carrier from one location to the next. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, since they require less pressure and offer fewer opportunities for mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for example, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that requires no straps, and also has a gauge on the bottom of the car seat which indicates that the seat is level properly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's an easy conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. It also has a swivel wheel at the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even with a seat attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features an elongated chassis that is springy and an enormous one-hand fold chassis that makes it easy to store. It comes with a large basket, as well as plenty of cups for snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys, and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric is machine washed. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that can be locked below or at your baby's shoulders. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect them if they are in an accident.
A great travel system should be easy to push. pushchairs 2 in 1 have rubber tires and a single, swivel wheel on the front to help navigate streets and busy sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features like one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can are better off choosing a car seat and stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or going on a family trip. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to move around than separate items, and many models are equipped with features that set them apart from the rest. However, it's important to note that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what strollers can be used with their product. A quick search online can help you narrow down your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have an immediate connection that snaps into place with no any straps or an intricate installation procedure. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major selling point for families who regularly take public transport or ride-share vehicles. 2 in 1 pram pushchair is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the touch of a single button. This is a fantastic time-saver and helps you avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming you've purchased an airline chair for your infant), or to jump in and out of a taxi.
Full Record and stroller combos, 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 can be tucked away in the trunk of a vehicle. This is an excellent feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself also features a sleek design and top quality fabrics as well as smart touches like a built-in canopy that drapes over the baby from sleeping.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your personal preferences and plans for growth and budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat for a child with little extra space. The more expensive models will have a toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be assured that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
These combos are ideal for families that want to avoid gate checking an infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who frequently use public transportation or ride-shares. These car seats and strollers are simple to transport and move in a hurry, which makes them ideal for parents who require their hands off when traveling with their kids.
Find 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 terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat in the trunk or the back of the car.
Many of the most sought-after car seats/strollers are lightweight, compact and feature foldable casters that make it easy to store. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that can be converted from a rear-facing five-point harness to a booster for children who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are relatively easy to use (we didn't score it as the best option for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is an exceptional model because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of removing the seat from the base and makes it easier to navigate stairs or hop in taxis without having to stow the car seat.
Doonas are a fantastic affordable option, especially for first-time parents. It's cheaper than a year of gym membership and gives parents peace of mind knowing that their child is secure when traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system in the event that they have decided on a particular type of infant carrier or plans to have several children. If that's the scenario, be sure to read the product specs to ensure that your stroller and car seat will work in tandem. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents looking for a single piece that can be used for a variety of purposes. They can easily be converted from a car seat to the stroller and vice versa. They are also simpler to maneuver than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more natural-looking and portable," says Stanton. "They contain a lot fewer moving parts, which means they're easier to fold, carry, and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than two-piece models, and they can be easily transported in small trunks. They also tend to have more space for cargo and more convenient features like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which is great for navigating busy streets and stores.
Some brands, like Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat. They are especially useful for parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or who shift between caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and fold it up into a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.
You should also think about whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combination can fit the car seat you prefer. If it is compatible, you can expect more life from the product because it will continue to be able to work with your child once they are no longer in the infant car seat.
However, it's important to know that certain car seat and stroller combos do not perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult to walk stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat could make it more difficult to push. In any scenario, you should check out our complete reviews to find the most suitable solution for you.