Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so simple to connect that it's almost like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is simple to click with the carrier." This will reduce the chance of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that allows you to do this. It easily transforms from a car seat to a stroller, and it frees up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it feels sturdy however they also appreciate its ease of use and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between strollers and car seats often find a combination of both attractive. It's also a good 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 connected to the car seat, which means they're more naturally mobile," says Stanton. Stanton suggests to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual to ensure a secure fit she adds.
In our tests, we discovered that the best stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connection that requires minimal effort other than shifting the car from one location to another. They scored higher in comparison to those with more complex connections due to their lower pressure and have fewer opportunities for mistakes, whether intentional or accidental. For instance, we love that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that needs straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the base of the car seat that shows when it is leveled correctly.
The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller, is also easy to install and transfer from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless change that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also features a swivel front wheel that gives you great maneuverability even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features a springy chassis and a large one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cup holders to store drinks, snacks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long journeys, and the tagless smooth knit fabric is washed in the machine. It's FAA approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard them in the event of a crash.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push, and our top picks all have rubber tires with a single, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and feature useful features, like one-hand braking and a spacious 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, whether they are doing errands during the day or taking an excursion with the family. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to move around than separate items, and a lot of models are equipped with features that differentiate them from other strollers. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat must give guidelines on what kinds of strollers can be used with their product, and a quick online search will help find the right stroller.
Certain strollers and car seats have an immediate attachment that snaps into place without the need for straps or complicated assembly. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point for families who regularly utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the click of a button. This is a major time saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base, and fold it easily into a compact size that fits in the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for busy families and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with top-quality fabrics and clever touches, like a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combination for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that can fit a child car seat with little space. The more expensive models will have the toddler seat, twin strollers, or more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller is compliant with all safety standards.
Easy to Carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a excellent option for families that are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking the infant car seat on airlines, and they're also perfect for those who use public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and move around on the go and are ideal for parents who need their hands free when traveling with their kids.
When deciding on a stroller that is a 2 in 1 car seat, look for one that's lightweight and compact. These options tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push in different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can aid in getting the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the rear of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight compact and folding casters that can be stored easily. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for example, is a simple seat that can convert into a booster once the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are simple to use (we did not rate it as a top pick for ease of installation).
The Doona is another 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth to be mentioned. It's a unique piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be transformed from a rear facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of a button. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing the seat from the base and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop in taxis without having to stow the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice that is a great choice for parents who are first-time parents. It's less expensive than a year of gym membership and provides parents with peace of mind knowing their child is safe traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system in the event that they have decided on a specific brand of infant carrier or plans to have several children. If this is the case, be sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller will work in tandem. Consider buying an adapter that will fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who need one piece of baby equipment that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily transition from being a car seat to a stroller and then back again, and they are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more natural-looking and mobile," says Stanton. " 2 in 1 travel system contain a lot fewer moving components, which makes them easier 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 easy to transport. They also have more space for cargo and more useful features such as cup holders and sun shades. Some even have a swivel wheel on the front that's great for navigating crowded streets and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona offer a stroller as well as an infant car seat that can be used together. They are especially useful for parents who intend to use rideshares or public transportation, or who shift between caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat with wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat, and then fold it up into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.
It is also important to consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo will be used with your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a more durable product as it will work with your child even after they've outgrown their car seats for infants.
It is important to be aware that certain stroller and car seats don't perform very well in our ease of use tests. This could be due to a design which makes it difficult to walk stairs or due to the weight and size of the car seat can make it difficult to push. It's worth reading our review to determine which model is best for you.