Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos almost feel like they attach themselves. Stanton recommends: "Look for a base that is easy to connect with the carrier." This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
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. Online reviewers love the Doona's versatility and ease of use, but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a good option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It also makes sense for those who often use public transportation or rideshares and for parents who change caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are connected to the car seat, which means they're more portable," says Stanton. Suggested Resource site says it is important to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using a travel system. She advises you to follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure an ideal fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combos feature simple click-in connections, that requires no effort, other than moving the carrier from one location to another. They scored better than those with more complex connections, as they require less pressure and offer less chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). For example, we like the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires 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 Stroller is also easy to install and transfer from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. It also has an adjustable front wheel that offers an excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is mounted.
Another option is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has a springy chassis and a large one-hand fold chassis that makes it easy to store. It comes with a large basket and plenty of cup holders to store drinks, snacks and baby gear. Its padded seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA-approved and includes the safety harness which is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to protect your child in the event of an accident.
A great travel system should also be easy to push, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and one, swivel front wheel that can be used to 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 wish to keep their child as comfortable as they can, whether they're doing errands or going on an extended family trip. Combinations of car seats and strollers are often easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and most models have convenient features that make them stand out from the competition. However, it's important to note that the car seat and stroller must be compatible in order to work. The car seat manufacturer must give guidelines on which strollers can be used with their product. A quick search online can help you narrow your options.
Some strollers and car seats come with an immediate connection that snaps in place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families who frequently take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into stroller with the click of a single button. This is a huge 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 in and out of taxis.
Other stroller and car seat combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant carrier from the stroller's base and easily fold it into a compact unit that fits inside the trunk of a vehicle. This is an excellent feature for busy parents. The stroller itself also has a sleek design with premium fabrics, and also smart touches like a built-in canopy that drapes over the baby from asleep.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for growth, and budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that fit a car seat with little extra space, whereas more expensive models may include a toddler seat or a twin stroller and offer more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller is compliant with all safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a ideal option for families who want to avoid gate-checking the infant car seat when flying They're also great for people who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These car seats and strollers are easy to carry and maneuver around on the go and are ideal for parents who need their hands free when traveling with their children.
When choosing 2 in 1 pram stroller that is a 2 in 1 car seat, choose one that's lightweight and compact. These types of strollers tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push in different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can make it easier to get the car seat into and out of a trunk or the rear of a vehicle.
A few of the most well-known car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight and compact, and come with foldable casters that make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a basic seat that converts to a booster when the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's an exceptional model because it's a single piece equipment that transitions 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 seat from the base and makes it much easier to navigate stairs or hop into taxis without having to store the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option, which is especially appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It's less expensive than a year of gym membership. It also gives parents peace of mind knowing their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers when they're deciding on an infant carrier from a certain brand or plan to use it for more than one child. If that's the scenario, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat will work together. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to match the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want only one piece of baby equipment which can perform multiple functions. They are able to easily switch from being a car seat to a stroller and then back to a car seat, and are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more natural-looking and mobile," says Stanton. "They contain a lot fewer moving components, which makes them easier to fold, carry and use."
These strollers and car seats for infants are 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 useful features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. They are particularly useful for parents who take rideshares or public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be converted into a stroller.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat, and then unfold it into the shape of a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona, but it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
You should also think about whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combination can be used with your preferred car seat brand. If it's compatible, then you are likely to enjoy longer-lasting use from the product since it will be able to work with your child once they are no longer in the infant car seat.
It's important to know that certain stroller and car seat combinations aren't very effective in our ease of use tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult to navigate stairs or due to the weight and size of the stroller/car seat can make it harder to push. In any case, it's worth checking out our complete reviews to find the most suitable solution for you.