Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat and stroller combos almost seem to connect themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This reduces the chance of errors that can happen during the installation process and detachment.
One option that does this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from car seat to stroller, and also helps to free up space in the trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's versatility and ease of use, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a great alternative for parents who utilize rides or public transportation frequently, as well as those who change caregivers. "These are a single product and the wheels are attached to the car seat, meaning they're more portable," says Stanton. However, she says that it's crucial to make sure the car seat is properly secured when using it with an electronic travel system. She says to always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and your vehicle's owner's manual for a secure fit.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos feature simple click-in connections, which requires little effort other than moving the car seat from one place to another. These models scored better than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and have the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that does not require straps and has an indicator on the bottom of the car seat which indicates when the seat is leveled correctly.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, 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 for shopping and other errands. It also has an adjustable front wheel that offers great maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has a springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis for easy storage. It has a big basket, as well as plenty of cups for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long journeys, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric is machine washed. It's FAA approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to protect them in the event of a crash.
A good travel system must be simple to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single, rotating wheel at 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 feature convenient features such as one hand braking and an ample 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 running errands, or going on an extended family trip. Car seat and stroller combinations are often simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and most models come with features that make them stand out from the rest. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible for use together. The manufacturer of the car seat must provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers are compatible with their product A quick internet search will help to narrow your choices.
Some strollers and carseats have an immediate attachment that snaps into position without the need for additional straps or complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a huge selling point, and it's particularly beneficial for families that frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted into stroller with the click of a button. This is a time-saving feature and helps you avoid gate-checking your stroller on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair 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 base of the stroller, and fold it easily into a compact size that can be stored inside the trunk. This is an excellent feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself also features a sleek design and top quality fabrics and smart features such as a built-in drape canopy that protects babies who are snoozing.
The ideal 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combination for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for growth and your budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat for a child with little extra space. The more expensive models will have a toddler seat, a twin strollers, or more advanced features. In any case you can be assured that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest safety standards.
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're also great for people who frequently use public transportation and ride-shares. These strollers and car seats are easy to carry and maneuver around on the go, which makes them ideal for parents who require their hands free when traveling with their little ones.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push across various environments. pushchairs 2 in 1 make it easier to fit the car seat in the trunk or the back of a car.
Some of the most popular car seats/strollers are lightweight, compact and feature folding casters that can be stored easily. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for instance, is a simple seat that can convert into a booster when the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
The Doona is another 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth to be mentioned. It's an exceptional piece of equipment because it can be transformed from a rear-facing infant car seat into a stroller by simply clicking the button. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing your car seat from its base, and also allows you to walk up and down the stairs or get into and out taxis without having your car seat stowed.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option, which is especially appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It's less than the cost of one year's gym membership and it gives parents peace of mind knowing that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their infant.
Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they're set on an infant carrier from a certain brand or are planning to have more than one child. If this is the case, be sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your car seats and strollers will work in tandem. Consider purchasing an adapter to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents who are seeking a single piece that can serve multiple functions. They can easily transition from a car seat to a stroller, and back to a car seat, and are generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're designed to be more portable. "They have a lot fewer moving parts, which means they're more compact to fold, carry and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are also lighter than the two-piece versions, and they can be easily transported in small trunks. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and come with more practical features, like cup holders and sun shades. Some models have a swivel wheel on the front that is ideal for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and baby car seat that can be used in conjunction. These can be particularly helpful for parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is essentially a rear-facing car seat on wheels. The wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you want to use it.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat in and then fold it out as a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona, but it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without having to click it into the base.
You should also consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo will be used with your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can anticipate a longer-lasting product since it will work with your child even after they have outgrown the car seats for infants.
It is important to be aware that certain car seats and stroller combinations aren't very effective in our ease of use tests. This could be due to a design that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to use stairs, or because the weight of the car seat and stroller could make it difficult to push across different terrains. In any scenario, you should check through our reviews to determine the best solution for you.