Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combinations are so simple to connect that it almost feels like they're doing it themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This helps reduce the risk of errors during installation and removal.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller and helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviews have noted that it is hefty but they also appreciate its ease of use and its functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between strollers and car seats often find a mix of both appealing. It also makes sense for those who regularly use public transportation or rideshares as well as parents who change caregivers. Stanton says that because they're one item and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more easily portable. Stanton suggests to secure the car seat correctly when using an air travel system. She advises you to follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual of your vehicle for a secure fit.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combos feature simple click-in connections, which requires little effort beyond moving the carrier from one location to another. These models scored better compared to those with more complex connections because they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. We like, for example that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that requires no straps, and that it includes a meter on the base of the car seat that indicates when the seat is leveled correctly.
The Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, is also easy to install and switch from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to make use of the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or for errands. It also has an adjustable front wheel that offers an excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has an elongated chassis that is springy and a large fold-down chassis that makes it easy to store. It has a spacious basket, as well as plenty of cup holders to store drinks, snacks and baby equipment. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long trips 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 your baby's shoulders and includes a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard them in the event of 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 help navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful 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 baby as comfortable as they can whether they're doing errands or going on a family vacation. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to maneuver than separate items, and a number of models are equipped with features that differentiate them from other strollers. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers are compatible with their product A quick internet search can help narrow down your options.
Some strollers and carseats come with an immediate attachment that snaps in place without the need for straps or complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a huge selling point, and it's particularly helpful for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the push of the button. This is a huge time saver and allows you to bypass gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to get 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 size that fits into the trunk. This is a great feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller has a sleek profile with top-quality fabrics and clever touches such as a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combination for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable models tend to be frame strollers that can fit a child car seat with little space. More expensive combos will include a toddler seat, a twin stroller, or more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be assured that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a excellent option for families that want to avoid gate-checking an 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 off when traveling with their children.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push in different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat into a trunk or the back of a car.
A few of the most well-known car seats/strollers are lightweight, compact and feature foldable casters for easy storage. For instance 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 a baby carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that 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 avoid the process of getting your car seat removed from its base, and also makes it easier for you to walk up and down up taxis without having your car seat stowed.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option, which is especially appealing for first-time parents. It's less than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it provides new parents with assurance that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their infant.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system in the event that they have decided on a specific type of infant carrier or have plans to have several children. If that's the situation, make sure you review the specifications of the product to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat will work together. Also consider purchasing an adapter to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great choice for parents looking for one piece of baby gear that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily transition from being a car seat to a stroller and then back again, and they're usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says they're designed to be more compact. "They have fewer moving parts which makes them more compact to fold, use, and transport."
These strollers and car seats for infants are also lighter than two-piece models and can be easily transported in small trunks. They also tend to have more space for cargo and more useful features such as cup holders and sun shades. Some models have a swivel wheel on the front, which can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona provide a stroller and infant car seats that can be used together. These are particularly useful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or who shift between caregivers frequently. This model is essentially a rear-facing car seat on wheels. The wheels lower to make an infant stroller when you decide to use it.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and then unfold it into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
It is also important to consider whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combo will fit the car seat you prefer. If it is compatible, you are likely to enjoy more life from the product as it will work with your child as they get out of the infant car seat.
It is important to be aware that some stroller and car seat combinations don't perform very well in our user-friendliness tests. This could be because of the design that makes it difficult to navigate stairs or due to the weight and size of the car seat can make it harder to push. 2 in 1 buggy is worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best for you.