Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so simple to connect that it's like they're doing it all by themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for errors that can happen when assembling and detaching.
One option that can do this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and also frees up trunk space. Reviewers on the internet say it feels sturdy however they also appreciate its ease of use and performance.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combo is an attractive choice for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a great option for parents who take rides or public transportation frequently and who change caregivers. Stanton states that since they're a single piece and the wheels are connected, the car seats are more portable. However, she notes that it's crucial to make sure the car seat is properly secured when it's used with a travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure an appropriate fit she adds.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combinations have simple click-in connections, which requires little effort other than moving the car seat from one location to the next. These models scored better than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that does not require straps and also includes a meter on the base of the car seat that shows that the seat is level properly.
The Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants is also easy to install and switch from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless change that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has a swivel wheel on the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even with the seat on.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems that has springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand-fold chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large basket and plenty cup holders for snacks, drinks, and baby equipment. The padded seat makes it comfortable for long trips, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that can be locked either below or on the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard the child in case of a crash.
A good travel system will also be easy to push, and our top picks all have rubber tires with a single, swivel front wheel for navigating busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and have convenient features, like one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible will be better off with a car seat and stroller combination, whether they are doing errands during the day or going on an excursion with the family. Combinations of car seats and strollers are usually more maneuverable than separate pieces, and many models come with features that make them stand out from the competition. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller must be compatible to work together. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their products. A quick search online can help you narrow your options.
Certain strollers and car seats come with an immediate connection that snaps in place without any straps or an intricate installation procedure. This type of easy attachment is a huge selling point, and is especially beneficial for families who often use ride-share cars or public transportation. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted to stroller with the click of a single button. This is a time-saving feature and helps you avoid having your stroller checked at the gate on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your child) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller's base and fold it into a compact unit that fits in the trunk of a vehicle. This is another great feature for families with busy schedules, and the stroller itself has a sleek design with high-end fabrics and smart touches such as a built-in curtain canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
The best 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combo for your family is based on your lifestyle, plans for expansion and your budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers that can fit a child car seat with little extra space. Higher-end combos will include a toddler seat, twin stroller, or more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller meets all safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a ideal option for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking the infant car seat on flights They're also great for those who utilize rides-shares and public transportation often. These car seats and strollers are simple to transport and move in a hurry, 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 options tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push in different conditions. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat in a trunk or the back of a car.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are lightweight, compact, and feature foldable wheels to make it easy to store. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that can be converted from a rear-facing five-point harness to a booster for kids who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are simple to use (we didn't score it as the best option for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is an exceptional model because it's a single piece of equipment that transitions from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in just a few clicks. This lets you avoid the hassle of removing the seat from the base and makes it much easier to maneuver stairs or hop in taxis without having to stow the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option that is particularly appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It's less expensive than a year of gym membership. It also provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system in the event that they have decided on a specific type of infant carrier, or have plans to have more than one child. If this is the case, be sure to read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats will work together. Consider purchasing an adapter that will fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want only one piece of baby equipment that can serve multiple purposes. They are able to effortlessly switch from being a car seat to a stroller, and back to a car seat, and are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. 2 in 1 pushchair says they're designed to be more portable. "They contain fewer moving parts which makes them more compact to fold, use, and carry."
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece options and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them easy to carry around. They also tend to have more space for cargo and more practical features like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel on the front that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and shopping centers.
Some brands, like Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat solutions. They are particularly useful for parents who use public transportation or rideshares, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is essentially an rear-facing car seat with wheels, and the wheels lower to make a stroller when you want to use it.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat in and then unfold it into a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
Check if the stroller and infant seat combination you're considering fits your preferred brand of car seat. If it's compatible, then you are likely to enjoy a longer life out of the product since it will still be able to work with your child once they get out of the infant car seat.
It is important to be aware that certain stroller and car seat combinations don't perform very well in our user-friendliness tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to use stairs, or due to the weight of the car seat and stroller could make it difficult to push across different terrains. It's worth reading our review to find out which option is the best for you.