Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combinations are so simple to connect that it's like they're doing it themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This reduces the possibility of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that lets you accomplish this. It easily converts from a car seat to a stroller, and it frees up space in your trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's features and ease of use but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both attractive. This is also a good option for parents who use public transportation or rideshares frequently and who change caregivers. Stanton states that since they're one item and the wheels are connected the car seats are more easily portable. However, she notes that it's essential to make sure the car seat is secured properly when it's used with an electronic travel system. She says to always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual of your vehicle for an ideal fit.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos feature an easy click-in connection that requires no effort, other than moving the stroller from one location to the next. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and provide less chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that does not require straps, and also has an indicator on the bottom of the car seat which indicates when the seat is leveled properly.
The Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants too, is easy to set up and move from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless transformation that frees up extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also features a swivel wheel at the front that permits excellent maneuverability even with the seat on.
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 for easy storage. It comes with a large basket, as well as plenty of cups for snacks, drinks and baby gear. The padded seat makes it comfortable for long journeys, and the tagless smooth knit fabric is machine washed. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that locks either below or on your baby's shoulders. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect them if they are in an accident.
A great travel system should also be easy to push, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and only a single, swivel rear wheel for navigating busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and feature convenient features such as one-hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combos are a great option for parents who want to keep their child as comfortable as possible, whether they're doing errands or heading out for an excursion with the family. Car seat and stroller combinations are usually easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and most models have convenient features that make them stand out from the competition. It is crucial to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work together. The car seat manufacturer must provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their product. A quick search online can help you narrow down your choices.
Some strollers and car seats come with an easy connection that snaps into place without any straps or an intricate installation procedure. This type of easy attachment is a major selling point for families who frequently utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller with just the push of one button. This is a significant time saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact package which fits into the trunk. This is an excellent feature for parents with a busy schedule. 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 a baby who's sleeping.
The
best 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combination for your family is based on your lifestyle, plans for growth, and your budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers that can fit in a car seat and have little extra space, whereas more expensive combos could include a toddler seat or a twin strollers and have more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller is compliant with all safety standards.
Easy to Carry
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal option for families who want to avoid gate-checking the infant car seat when flying, and they're also perfect for people who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands free while traveling with their children.
When choosing the best
2 in 1 stroller car seat, look for one that's lightweight and compact. These types of strollers are more comfortable to use and are easier to push over different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in the trunk or back of a car.
A few of the most well-known car seats/strollers are lightweight, compact and feature foldable casters that make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale
buggy 2 in 1-in-1 for example, is a simple seat that can be converted into an infant booster when the child no longer requires an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are relatively user-friendly (we did not rate it as a top pick for ease of assembly).
Other
2 in 1 pram pushchair 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 just a few clicks. This allows you to skip the step of removing the base of the seat and makes it much easier to navigate stairs or hop into taxis without having to stow the car seat.
Doonas are a great affordable option, especially for new parents. It's less expensive than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it gives new parents assurance that they have safe travel gear for their infant.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system if they are set on a specific model of infant carrier, or have plans to have more than one child. If that's the case, be sure to read the product specs to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat work in tandem. Also, consider buying an adapter in order to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents looking for a single item that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily transition from being a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they're generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily portable," says Stanton. "They contain fewer moving parts, making them easier to fold, use, and carry."
These car seats and strollers for infants are also lighter than the two-piece versions and are easily transported in small trunks. They also tend to have an extra cargo basket and more practical features like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheels on the front that is great for navigating busy streets and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and infant car seat that can be used in conjunction. They are especially useful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing car seat with wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into the frame and then unfold it as a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without needing to click into the base.
You should also think about whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo will be used with your preferred car seat brand. If it is compatible, you can expect a longer life out of the product because it will still work with your child when they grow out of the infant car seat.
It's important to understand that some stroller and car seats do not perform well in our user-friendliness tests. This could be because of the design that makes it difficult to walk stairs, or the weight and size of the stroller/car seat may make it difficult to push. In either situation, it's worth checking through our reviews to find the most suitable option for you.