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 recommends: "Look for a base that is easy to connect with the carrier." This will reduce the risk of mistakes that could occur 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 frees up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it feels sturdy, but they also love its ease of use and performance.
Easy to Assemble
2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller who don't want to change between car seats and strollers often find a mix of both attractive. It's also a great alternative for parents who utilize public transportation or rideshares frequently and who change caregivers. "These are a single product and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they're more easily mobile," says Stanton. However, she adds that it's crucial to make sure the car seat is securely secured when using it with an electronic travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit she advises.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller and car seat combos feature a simple, click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond moving the carrier from one place to the next. These models scored better than those with more complicated connections, as they require less pressure and offer fewer opportunities for errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that does not require straps, and also has a gauge at the bottom of the car seat that indicates whether the seat is level correctly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and transfer from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless change that allows extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also features an adjustable front wheel that offers an excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is mounted.
Another option is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features springy chassis as well as a large fold-down chassis that makes it easy to store. It comes with a large basket, as well as plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The padded seat makes it ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth knit fabric is machine washed. 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 also be simple to push. Our top picks feature rubber tires and a single, pivoting wheel in the front to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with 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 possible, whether they're running errands or going on an extended family trip. Combinations of car seats and strollers are generally easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and a lot of models are equipped with convenient features that make them stand out from the competition. But, it is crucial to note that the car seat and stroller must be compatible for use together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines for what types of strollers can be used with their product A quick internet search will help find the right stroller.
Certain strollers and car seats come with an easy connection that snaps in place without additional straps or a complicated installation process. This type of easy attachment is a huge selling point, and it's particularly beneficial for families that frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller with just the touch of the button. This is a huge time saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other stroller and car seat combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller's base and fold it into a compact package that can be tucked away into the trunk of a vehicle. This is another great feature for busy families and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with high-end fabrics and smart features such as a built-in curtain canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
The ideal 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combo for your family is based on your lifestyle, plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable options are likely to be frame strollers that fit in a car seat and have the smallest amount of space. On the other hand, higher-end combos may include twin strollers and have more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be assured that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
These combos are ideal for families that want to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat while flying. They are also ideal for people who frequently use public transportation and ride-sharing services. These car seats and strollers are easy to carry and maneuver in a hurry, which makes them ideal for parents who need their hands free when traveling with their little ones.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers have a smoother ride and can be easier to push on different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat in a trunk or the back of a car.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are compact, lightweight and have wheels that fold for easy storage. For instance, 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 inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are user-friendly (we did not rate it as an ideal choice for ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is unique because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted 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 maneuver stairs or hop into taxis without having to put away the car seat.
Doonas are an excellent budget-friendly choice, especially for new parents. It's less than the cost of one year's gym membership and it gives parents peace of mind that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their infant.
Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers If they're looking for an infant carrier of a specific brand or have plans for several children. If this is the case, be sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller are compatible. Consider purchasing an adapter in order to accommodate your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combo is a great choice for parents seeking a single piece that can be used for multiple purposes. They are able to effortlessly switch from a car seat to a stroller, and back again, and they are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They have fewer moving parts, making 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 can be easily transported in small trunks. They also have a larger cargo basket and more convenient features like cup holders and sun shades. Some models have a swivel wheel at the front, which can be used to navigate busy streets and stores.
Some brands, like Doona offer an all-in-one infant car seat and stroller solutions. These are particularly useful for parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be converted into stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat, and then fold it up into the form of a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona however, it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to click it into the base.
It is also important to consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combo will be used with the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can anticipate a longer-lasting product since it will work with your child even after they've outgrown their infant car seats.
However, it's important to know that certain stroller and car seat combos don't perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult to climb stairs or due to the weight and size of the car seat may make it more difficult to push. In any scenario, you should check through our reviews to determine the best option for you.