Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it's almost like they do it themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is simple to connect with the carrier." This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that allows you to do this. It effortlessly converts from a car seat into stroller, and makes space in your trunk. Online reviews have noted that it is hefty however they also appreciate its simplicity of use and its functionality.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a good option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also an ideal choice for those who frequently use rideshares or public transportation, as well as those who switch between caregivers. Stanton says that since they are a single item and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more portable. However, she adds, it's important to ensure that your car seat is securely secured when you use it with the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and your vehicle owner's manual to ensure a secure fit she adds.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos have simple click-in connections, that requires no effort beyond moving the stroller from one location to the next. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and provide the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for example, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps, and also includes a meter at the bottom of the car seat which indicates when the seat is leveled properly.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is also easy to set up and move from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless change that frees up trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel at the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even with a seat attached.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand-fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket as well as plenty of cups for snacks, drinks, and baby gear. The padded seat makes it comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric is washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and comes with the safety harness which is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and comes with 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, pivoting wheel in the front to help navigate streets and busy 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
Car seat stroller combos are a great choice for parents who want to keep their child as comfortable as they can whether they're running errands or going on an extended family trip. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to move around than separate items, and a lot of models have convenient features that distinguish them from other strollers. It is important to note that the car seat and stroller must be compatible to work together. The car seat manufacturer should give guidelines on which strollers are compatible with their products. A quick search on the internet can help you narrow your choices.
Some strollers and car seats have an immediate 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 frequently take public transport 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 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 get into and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant car seat from the stroller's base and fold it into a compact size that fits inside the trunk of a vehicle. This is a great feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller itself is sleek and stylish, with premium fabrics and clever touches such as a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
The ideal 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combo for your family depends on your lifestyle, your plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that fit a car seat with minimal extra space, while more expensive combos could include a toddler seat or a twin strollers and have more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller is compliant with all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families who want to avoid checking the gate of the infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who frequently use public transportation and ride-shares. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and move on the go and are ideal for parents who require their hands free when traveling with their little ones.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options roll more smoothly and are easier to push over different terrains. 2 in 1 pram and pushchair make it easier to put the car seat in a trunk or the back of a car.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are compact, lightweight and come with wheels that fold for easy storage. For example, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that can be converted from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to an infant booster when children are no longer in an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are easy to use (we didn't score it as the best option for ease of assembly).
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 stroller/car seat worth noting. It's a unique piece of equipment because it can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller by simply clicking a button. This lets you avoid the hassle of removing the seat from the base and makes it easier to navigate stairs or hop in taxis without having to store the car seat.
Doonas are a great affordable option, especially for first-time parents. It's less expensive than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it provides new parents with assurance that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their child.
Many families opt for a two-piece car seat/stroller system if they are set on a particular type of infant carrier, or have plans to have multiple children. If this is the case, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat can work in conjunction. Also consider purchasing an adapter if necessary to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great choice for parents looking for one piece of baby equipment that can handle multiple functions. They are able to easily switch from being a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they are generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are designed to be more portable. "They have less moving parts which makes them easier to fold and use as well as carry."
These strollers and car seats for infants are also lighter than the two-piece versions, and they can be easily carried in trunks that are small. They also tend to have a larger cargo basket and more convenient features like cup holders and sun shades. Some models even have a swivel front wheel that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Certain brands, like Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. These can be particularly helpful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or who switch between caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat, and then unfold it into the shape of a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.
You should also think about whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combination can accommodate your preferred car seat brand. If it's compatible, you are likely to enjoy a longer life out of the product since it will continue to work with your child when they get out of the infant car seat.
It's also important to note that some stroller and car seats do not perform well in our tests for ease of use. This could be due to the design that makes it difficult to climb stairs or because the weight and size of the car seat may make it more difficult to push. In either situation, it's worth checking through our reviews to find the most suitable solution for you.