Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos almost feel like they attach themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for errors that could occur during installation and detachment.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller and helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviewers note that it feels substantial, but they also love its ease of use and its functionality.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a good option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a great alternative for parents who utilize public transportation or rideshares often and that switch caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are connected to the car seat, which means they're more mobile," says Stanton. Stanton stresses the need to secure the car seat properly when using a travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure an appropriate fit, she says.
In our tests, we found that the most effective stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connection that requires little effort beyond shifting the carrier from one place to the next. These models scored better than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities for errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for example that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that requires no straps, and includes a meter on the bottom of the car seat that shows whether the seat is level properly.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or running errands. It also features a swivel front wheel that offers an excellent maneuverability even when the seat is in place.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand-fold chassis for easy storage. It has a large basket as well as plenty of cups to hold snacks, drinks, and baby gear. Its padded seat is comfortable for long trips and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved, and comes with an safety strap that is secured beneath or around your baby's shoulders. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects them if they are in a crash.
A good travel system must be simple to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single swivel wheel on the front for navigating streets and busy 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 brakes and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can should consider a car seat stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or going on a family trip. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to maneuver than separate items, and many models come with convenient features that set them apart from other strollers. It is crucial to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on what kinds of strollers work with their product A quick internet search can help you narrow down your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have an attachment that snaps into position 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 an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted to stroller with the click of a button. This is a major time-saver and allows you to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop in and out of taxis.
2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair -car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller, and fold it easily into a compact unit that can be tucked away in the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller is sleek and stylish, with high-end fabrics and smart features, like a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
The best 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combo for your family depends on your lifestyle, plans for growth and your budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat for a child with a small amount of space. The more expensive models will have a toddler seat, twin strollers, 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 combinations are perfect for families who wish to avoid gate checking the infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who frequently use public transportation or ride-sharing services. These strollers and cars seats are easy to transport and are ideal for parents who want their hands free while traveling with their children.
When deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that is light and compact. These options roll more smoothly and are more easy to push on different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can help you get the car seat in and out of a trunk, or the back of a vehicle.
Many of the most sought-after car seat/stroller combinations are light, compact and feature foldable casters for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example, is a simple seat that converts to an infant booster when the child no longer requires an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are relatively user-friendly (we did not consider it the best option for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's a standout because it's a single piece equipment that transitions 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 much easier to maneuver stairs or hop into taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice that is particularly appealing to parents who are just starting out. It's less than the cost of one year's gym membership and it gives new parents assurance that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their infant.
Many families opt for a two-piece car seat/stroller system when they're deciding on an infant carrier from a particular brand or plan to use it for multiple children. If this is the situation, make sure you review the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat work in tandem. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter that will fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who need a single piece of baby gear which can perform multiple functions. They can easily convert from a car to the stroller and reverse. They are also simpler to move around than two piece travel systems. Stanton says they're designed to be more portable. "They contain fewer moving parts, making them more compact to fold, use, and transport."
In addition, these types of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece options and fit in smaller trunks, making them simple to transport. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and feature more convenient features, like cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheels at the front, which is ideal for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and infant car seats that can be used together. They are especially useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or who change 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 slide the car seat in and then fold it out as a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however, it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to click it into the base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant seat combination you're considering fits the car seat you prefer. seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a more durable product that will be able to work with your child after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.
It's also important to know that certain stroller and car seat combos do not perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult to walk stairs or due to the weight and size of the car seat could make it harder to push. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which model is best for you.