Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This reduces the chance of errors that could occur when assembling and detaching.
One option that can do this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from car seat to stroller and makes room for the trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's features and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy 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 is also a good option for those who frequently take public transportation or rideshares and for those who have multiple caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are connected to the car seat, meaning they're more naturally portable," says Stanton. Stanton suggests to secure the car seat correctly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure an appropriate fit she advises.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combinations have a simple click-in connector that requires no effort beyond shifting the carrier from one place to the next. They scored higher in comparison to those with more complex connections because they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. We like, for example the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps, and that it has an indicator on the bottom of the car seat which indicates that the seat is level correctly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or errands. It also features a swivel wheel in the front, which permits excellent maneuverability even with the seat on.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension and a large, one-hand-fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a big basket as well as plenty of cups for snacks, drinks, and baby equipment. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. 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 safeguard your child 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 only a single, swivel rear wheel for navigating busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and feature useful features, like one-hand brakes and a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can will be better off with a car seat stroller combination, regardless of whether they are doing errands during the day or going on an outing with the family. Car seat and stroller combinations are generally simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and many models come with features that make them distinct from other models. It is crucial to remember that the car seat needs to be compatible with the stroller 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 online search can help to narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats come with a direct connection that snaps into place with no additional straps or a complicated installation process. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families who frequently utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller at the push of a button. This is a major time saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking a stroller on airplanes (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 allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base, and fold it easily into a compact package which can be stored into the trunk. This is another great feature for families with busy schedules, and the stroller itself has a sleek design with top-quality fabrics and smart touches such as a built-in curtain canopy that can protect a sleepy baby.
The ideal 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combination for your family is based on your lifestyle, your plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable 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 twin stroller and offer more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller is compliant with all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
These combos are ideal for families that want to avoid checking the gate of the infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who regularly use public transportation and ride-sharing services. pram 2 in 1 and strollers are easy to carry and maneuver in a hurry, which makes them ideal for parents who want their hands free while traveling with their kids.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models roll more smoothly and can be easier to push across different terrains. Furthermore, the smaller frames can aid in getting the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the back of a car.
Some of the most popular car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight and compact, and come with folding casters that can be stored easily. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for example is a basic seat that converts to an infant booster when the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are relatively simple to use (we did not consider it an ideal choice for ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is a standout because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in just a few clicks. This lets you skip the process of taking your car seat off its base. It also allows you to navigate the stairs or get into and out taxis without having the car seat stowed.
The Doona is a cost-effective option, which is especially appealing to parents who are just starting out. It's cheaper than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it gives new parents peace of mind knowing that they have safe travel gear for their child.
Many families choose two-piece car seats/strollers when they're deciding on an infant carrier from a certain brand or have plans for multiple children. If this is the case, be sure to read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats are compatible. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to match your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents who are looking for a single item that can serve multiple functions. They are able to easily convert from a car to the stroller and vice versa. They are also easier to move around than two piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're designed to be more compact. "They contain a lot fewer moving parts, which makes them easier to fold, carry, and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than the two-piece options and are easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and feature more practical features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some models have a swivel wheel on the front, which is great for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Certain brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and infant car seats that can be used together. They are particularly useful for parents who use public transportation or rideshares or who change caregivers frequently. This model is basically a rear-facing car seat on wheels. The wheels drop down to become a stroller when you wish to use it.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and then fold it up into the form of a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona, but it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
It is also important to 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 expect a longer-lasting product that will fit your child after they have outgrown the car seats for infants.
It's also important to know that certain stroller and car seats don't perform well 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 car seat can make it harder to push. In either case, it's worth checking out our full reviews to find the most suitable option for you.