Car Seat and Stroller CombosThe best car stroller and seat combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is easy to connect with the carrier." This will reduce the risk of mistakes that could occur when assembling and detaching.
Doona is one of the options that lets you accomplish this. It seamlessly converts from a car seat to a stroller, and it makes space in your trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's functionality and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both attractive. It's also an ideal choice for those who regularly use public transportation or rideshares, as well as those who switch between caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they're more easily portable," says Stanton. However, she says that it's crucial to ensure that your car seat is properly secured when using it with the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual to ensure that the seat is secure she advises.
In our tests, we discovered that the most effective stroller and car seat combinations have a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond moving the carrier from one to another. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and provide less chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). For instance, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the car seat base that shows when it is level.
The Doona All in-One Infant car seat buggy 2 in 1 Seat Stroller is also easy to install and transfer from car to stroller. It's a seamless transition that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also comes with an swivel front wheel that gives you an excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket and plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long journeys, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and comes with the safety harness which is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and includes a SafeCell crumple zone to protect them in the event of an accident.
A good travel system will also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all come with rubber tires and a single, swivel front wheel to navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features like one-hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Car seat stroller combinations are a great option for parents who wish to keep their baby as comfortable as they can whether they're running errands, or going on a family vacation. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move than separate items, and a lot of models come with convenient features that set them apart from the rest. However, it's important to remember that the car seat and stroller must be compatible to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines for what types of strollers are compatible with their product and a quick internet search will help find the right stroller.
Some strollers and carseats come with an attachment that snaps in place without the need for straps or complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point, and it's especially beneficial for families who frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the touch of a single button. This is a huge time-saver and allows you to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the stroller base, and fold it easily into a compact package which can be tucked away into the trunk. This is another great feature for busy families and the stroller has a sleek profile with high-end fabrics and smart features, like a built-in drape canopy that can protect a sleepy baby pushchair 2 in 1.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your personal preferences and plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable options will likely be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat with little extra space, whereas more expensive models may include twin stroller and offer more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller will meet all safety standards.
Easy to Carry
Car seat/stroller combos are great choice for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking an infant car seat when flying and are also ideal for those who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These strollers and cars seats are easy to transport and are perfect for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their children.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options roll more smoothly and are more easy to push over different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in the trunk or the back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after car seats/strollers are lightweight compact and folding casters that can be stored easily. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that converts from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for children who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are user-friendly (we did not rate it as the best option for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is unique because it's a single piece of equipment that transitions from a rear-facing infant car seat buggy 2 in 1 seat to a stroller in just a few clicks. This lets you skip the hassle of getting your car seat removed from its base, and also allows you to climb the stairs or get into taxis without having to have the car seat in the.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice, which is especially appealing for first-time parents. It's less than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it gives new parents peace of mind that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their child.
Many families choose a two in one pram-piece stroller/car seat system in the event that they have decided on a particular type of infant carrier or plans to have more than one child. If that's your case, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat will work together. Consider purchasing an adapter that will fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combination is an excellent choice for parents who are looking for a single item that can be used for a variety of purposes. They are able to easily switch from a car seat to a stroller, and back to a car seat, and are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are made to be lighter and more portable. "They have less moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold and use as well as carry."
These car seats and strollers for infants are also lighter than the two-piece versions and are easily transported in small trunks. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and feature more practical features, such as cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheel on the front that can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat. They are especially useful for parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or who shift between caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into and then unfold it into a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without needing to click into the base.
It is also important to consider whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combo can accommodate the car seat you prefer. If it's compatible, you can expect longer-lasting use from the product as it will continue to work with your child when they are no longer in the infant car seat.
It's important to understand that some car seats and stroller combinations do not perform well in our ease of use tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult to walk stairs, or the weight and size of the car seat may make it difficult to push. It's worth reading our reviews to determine which model is the best for you.
