Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat and stroller combos almost seem to connect themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is easy to click with the carrier." This helps reduce the risk of mistakes during installation and removal.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller and makes room for the trunk. Online reviews have noted that it is hefty, but they also love its user-friendliness and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between car seats and strollers often find a combination of both attractive. It's also an ideal choice for those who often use rideshares or public transportation and for parents who change caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they're more naturally portable," says Stanton. However, she says that it's essential to make sure the car seat is securely secured when you use it with a travel system. She advises you to follow the manufacturer's directions and your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure an ideal fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combinations have simple click-in connections, that requires no effort other than moving the car seat from one location to another. These models scored better than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and have the least chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). For instance, we love that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the base of the car seat that tells you when it's level.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is also easy to set up and move from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel on the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even with the seat on.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features springy chassis as well as a large one-hand fold chassis that makes it easy to store. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cups to hold snacks, drinks and baby gear. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that can be locked either below or on your baby's shoulders. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard the child in case of a crash.
A great travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires with only a single, swivel rear wheel to navigate busy roads and sidewalks. Related Homepag and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with useful features such as one hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible will be better off with a car seat stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands or going on a family trip. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to maneuver than separate items, and many models are equipped with features that set them apart from other strollers. 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair is important to keep in mind that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work. The manufacturer of the car seat must give guidelines on what kinds of strollers are compatible with their product, and a quick online search can help you narrow down your options.
Some strollers and car seats feature an immediate connection that snaps into place with no any straps or an intricate installation process. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point, and it's particularly helpful for families who frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted to stroller with the press of a button. This is a major time saver and makes it easy to avoid gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact package that can be tucked away into the trunk of a car. This is a great feature for busy parents. The stroller itself also features a sleek design and premium fabrics, as well as smart touches such as a built-in canopy that drapes over a baby who's snoozing.
The best 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combination for your family depends on your lifestyle, plans for expansion and your budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers which can 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. In any case you can be sure that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
These combos are perfect for families that want to avoid gate checking an infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who regularly use public transportation and ride-sharing services. These cars seats and strollers are easy to transport and are ideal for parents who prefer their hands free when traveling with their children.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push across various conditions. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat in a trunk or the back of the car.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seat/stroller combinations are light, compact and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for instance is a basic seat that converts to a booster when the child no longer requires an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is unique 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 allows you to remove the base of the seat and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop in taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option, which is especially appealing for first-time parents. It's cheaper than a year of gym membership and provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their child is safe traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system when they're deciding on a particular type of infant carrier, or have plans to have 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 in order to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents who are seeking a single piece that can be used for a variety of functions. They are able to easily switch from being a car seat to a stroller, and back again, and they're generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally mobile," says Stanton. "They contain a lot fewer moving components, 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 ones and can fit into small trunks, making them simple to transport. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and feature more useful features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some models have a swivel wheel on the front, which can be used to navigate busy streets and stores.
Certain brands, like Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. These can be particularly helpful for parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is essentially an rear-facing car seat with wheels. The wheels drop down to become a stroller when you wish to use it.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat into and then unfold it into a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona, but it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without having to click it into the base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant seat combo you're considering fits your preferred brand of car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a more durable product that will fit your child after they have outgrown the car seats for infants.
It's also important to note that some car seat and stroller combos don't perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to the design of the product that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to navigate stairs, or due to the weight of the stroller and car seat makes it more difficult to push across different terrains. In any case, it's worth checking out our complete reviews to determine the best solution for you.