Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so easy to attach that it's like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is simple to connect with the carrier." This will reduce the risk of mistakes that could occur during the installation process and detachment.
2in1 pushchair is one option that can do this. It seamlessly converts from a car seat to a stroller, and it frees up space in your trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's versatility and ease of use but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a good option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. This is also a good option for parents who use public transportation or rideshares frequently as well as those who change caregivers. Stanton says that since they're one item and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more mobile. However, she adds, it's important to make sure the car seat is properly secured when it's used with the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure a secure fit she advises.
In our tests, we found that the most effective stroller and car seat combos come with a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort other than shifting the car from one location to another. 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair scored better compared to those with more complex connections due to the fact that they require less pressure and offer fewer chances for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. For instance, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that needs no straps--and that there's 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 too, is easy to install and transfer from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel at the front that permits excellent maneuverability even when the seat attached.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems with a springy suspension and a large, one-hand-fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a big basket as well as plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA-approved and includes an safety harness that is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to protect your child in the event of a crash.
A good travel system should also be simple to push. Our top picks feature rubber tires and a single rotating wheel at the front to help navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features such as one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as they can will be better off with a car seat stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move than separate items, and a number of models have convenient features that distinguish them from other strollers. It is crucial to remember that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines for strollers that are compatible with their products. A quick online search can help you narrow your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have an attachment that snaps in place without the need for straps or complicated assembly. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point for families that frequently utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted to stroller with the click of a single 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 child) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base, and fold it easily into a compact unit that can be tucked away inside the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself features a sleek design and top quality fabrics as well as smart touches such as a built-in canopy that drapes over a baby who's sleeping.
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 are likely to be frame strollers which can accommodate a car seat for a child with a small amount of space. The more expensive models will have the toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller is compliant with all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
These combos are perfect for families who want to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat when flying. They're also great for those who regularly use public transportation or ride-shares. These cars seats and strollers are easy to carry, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands off when 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 types of strollers tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat into the trunk or the back of the car.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are compact, lightweight, and feature foldable wheels to make it easy to store. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that can be converted from an rear-facing five-point harness into an infant booster when children are no longer in a baby carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is a standout because it's a single piece of equipment that transitions from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller with just a few clicks. This allows you to skip the step of removing the seat from its base and makes it much easier to navigate stairs or hop in taxis without having to put away the car seat.
Doonas are a great budget-friendly choice, especially for new parents. It's less than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it gives parents assurance that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their infant.
Many families opt for two-piece stroller/car seat systems when they're deciding on a particular type of infant carrier, or have plans to have multiple children. If this is the case, be sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller will work in tandem. Consider buying an adapter to match the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great choice for parents looking for only one piece of baby equipment which can perform multiple functions. They can easily transition from being a car seat to a stroller, and back again, and they're usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They contain fewer moving parts, which makes them easy to fold, use, and transport."
Additionally, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece models and can fit into small trunks, making them simple to carry around. They also have more space for cargo and more convenient features like sun shades and cup holders. Some models even have a swivel wheel on the front that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Certain brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. These are particularly useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is basically an rear-facing car seat with wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you want to use it.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and then unfold it into the shape of a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona however it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without having to click it into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combo you're considering fits your preferred brand of car seat. If it's compatible, then you can expect to get a longer life out of the product because it will continue to be able to work with your child once they get out of the infant car seat.
It's also important to know that certain stroller and car seats do not perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to a design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to use steps, or the weight of the stroller and car seat makes it more difficult to push on different terrains. In any scenario, you should check through our reviews to find the most suitable solution for you.