Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combinations are so easy to attach that it almost feels like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is simple to connect with the carrier." This reduces the chance of mistakes that could occur during the installation process and detachment.
Doona is one option that allows you to accomplish this. It easily transforms from a car seat to a stroller, and it makes space in your trunk. Online reviewers note that it is hefty, but they also love its simplicity of use and its functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between strollers and car seats often find a mix of both appealing. It also makes sense for those who often use rideshares or public transportation and for those who switch between caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are connected to the car seat, so they're more easily portable," says Stanton. However, she says, it's important to ensure that your car seat is properly secured when using it with a travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure a secure fit she adds.
In our tests, we discovered that the best stroller and car seat combos feature a simple, click-in connector that requires no effort beyond shifting the carrier from one to another. These models scored better compared to models with more complicated connections due to their lower pressure and have fewer opportunities to make mistakes, whether they are intentional or accidental. For instance, we love 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.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and transfer from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless change that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also features an adjustable front wheel that gives you excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is in place.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has springy chassis as well as a large fold-down chassis for easy storage. It has a large basket and plenty cups for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The padded seat makes it ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric is washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and includes a SafeCell crumple zone that protects your child in the event of a crash.
A good travel system should also be easy to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single, swivel wheel on the front to help navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with useful features like one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible should consider a car seat stroller combination, whether doing errands during the day or taking an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to maneuver than separate items, and a number of models have convenient features that differentiate them from the rest. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller for them to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on what kinds of strollers are compatible with their product and a quick internet search can help you to narrow your choices.
Some strollers and car seats come with an easy connection that snaps into place with no any straps or an intricate installation procedure. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families who regularly use public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted into stroller with the press of a button. This is a significant time-saver and makes it easy to bypass gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combinations like the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base, and fold it easily into a compact package which can be stored into the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for busy parents. The stroller itself also is sleek and stylish, with high-end fabrics, as well as smart touches such as a built-in canopy with a drape that can protect a baby who's sleeping.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for growth, and your budget. The most affordable models tend to be frame strollers that fit a child car seat with little extra space. More expensive combos will include a toddler seat, a twin strollers, or more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller is compliant with all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a ideal option for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking the infant car seat when flying They're also great for people who use public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These cars seats and strollers are easy to carry and are perfect for parents who prefer their hands free when traveling with their children.
When you're deciding on a stroller that is a 2 in 1 car seat, look for one that's lightweight and compact. These models tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push in various environments. In addition, the smaller frame can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the rear of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are lightweight, compact, and feature foldable wheels for easy storage. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that converts from an rear-facing five-point harness into 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.
The Doona is another 2 in 1 stroller/car seat worth mentioning. It's an exceptional piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat into stroller with the click of a button. This allows you to remove the base of the seat and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop in and out of taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option that is particularly appealing to parents who are just starting out. 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 opt for two-piece stroller/car seat systems in the event that they have decided on a specific type of infant carrier or plans to have more than one child. If that's the situation, make sure you read the product specs to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat will work in tandem. Consider buying an adapter to fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents looking for a single item that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily transition from being a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they are generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says they're designed to be more portable. "They have fewer moving parts, which makes them easy to fold, use, and carry."
Additionally, these types of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece ones and can fit into small trunks, making them easy to transport. They also come with a larger cargo basket and more useful features such as cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel front wheel that is ideal for navigating sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona provide a stroller and baby car seat that can be used in conjunction. These are particularly useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing car seat with wheels that can be converted into a stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and fold it up into the shape of a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you're considering fits your preferred car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a more durable product as it will fit your child after they've outgrown the infant car seats.
It's important to understand that some car seats and stroller combinations aren't very effective in our user-friendliness tests. 2 in 1 pushchairs could be due to a design that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to use stairs, or because the weight of the stroller and car seat makes it more difficult to push across different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to find out which option is the best one for you.