Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is easy to click with the carrier." This reduces the chance of errors that can happen during the installation process and detachment.
Doona is one option that can accomplish this. It easily converts from a car seat into a stroller, and it makes space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's versatility and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combo is an attractive choice for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. This is also a good option for parents who take public transportation or rideshares frequently and that switch caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, meaning they're more mobile," says Stanton. Stanton suggests to secure the car seat correctly when using an air travel system. She says to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure an ideal fit.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connection that requires little effort beyond moving the carrier from one to another. These models scored better than those with more complex connections, as they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities for mistakes (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 car seat base that tells you when it's leveled correctly.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is easy to set up and then transfer from car to stroller. It's a seamless transformation that allows extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel on the front that allows for excellent mobility even with a seat attached.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension as well as an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large storage basket and plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks, and baby gear. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA-approved and comes with a safety harness that locks at or below the shoulders of your baby and includes a SafeCell crumple zone to protect your child in the event of a crash.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have a single, swivel front wheel for navigating busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with useful features such as one hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible will be better off with a car seat and stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or taking an outing with the family. Stroller and car seat combinations are often easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and most models have convenient features that help them distinct from other models. It is important to note that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on which strollers are compatible with their product. A quick search on the internet can help you narrow down your options.
Some strollers and car seats come with a direct connection that snaps in place without any straps or an intricate installation process. This kind of simple attachment is a huge selling point, and it's especially beneficial for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted to a stroller at the touch of a single button. This is a great time-saver and lets you avoid having your stroller checked at the gate on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your child) or to hop into and out of a taxi.
Other stroller-car seat combinations like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the stroller base, and fold it easily into a compact package which fits inside the trunk. This is a great feature for busy parents. The stroller itself features a sleek design and premium fabrics, and also smart touches like a built-in canopy with a drape that can protect the baby from snoozing.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle and growth plans and your budget. The most affordable options will likely be frame strollers that can fit a car seat with minimal extra space, while higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or a twin strollers, and include more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be sure that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest standards of safety.
Easy to Carry
2 in 1 stroller with car seat 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-sharing services. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and move on the go and are ideal for parents who need their hands free while traveling with their children.
When deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that is lightweight and compact. These options tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push through various environments. In addition, the smaller frame can make it easier to get the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the rear of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seats/strollers combinations are light, compact and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for instance is a basic seat that can convert into a booster once the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are simple to use (we did not consider it an ideal choice for ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is unique because it's a single piece of equipment that converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in a few clicks. This lets you avoid the hassle of removing the base of the seat and makes it easier to navigate stairs or hop into and out of taxis without having to put away the car seat.
Doonas are a fantastic affordable option, especially for new parents. It costs less than a year's gym membership, and gives parents peace of mind knowing their child is safe traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system when they're deciding on an infant carrier from a certain brand or plan to use it for more than one child. If that's your case, be sure to read the product specs to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat work in conjunction. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter that will fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combo is a great choice for parents who are seeking a single piece that can be used for a variety of purposes. They can easily convert from a car to the stroller and reverse the process. They are also more easy to maneuver than two piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They have a lot fewer moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold, carry, and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than the two-piece versions and can be easily carried in trunks that are small. They also come with an extra cargo basket and more useful features such as sun shades and cup holders. Some models even have a swivel front wheel that is ideal for navigating sidewalks and shopping centers.
Some brands, like Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat solutions. These are particularly useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or who shift between caregivers frequently. This model is basically an rear-facing car seat with wheels, and the wheels drop down to become a stroller when you wish to use it.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into and then unfold it into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.
It is also important to consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combo will accommodate the car seat you prefer. If it's compatible, then you can expect longer-lasting use from the product since it will continue to work with your child when they are no longer in the infant car seat.
However, it's important to be aware that some car seat and stroller combos do not perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be because of an design that makes it difficult to walk stairs or due to the weight and size of the car seat can make it difficult to push. In any scenario, you should check out our complete reviews to find the best option for you.