Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combinations are so simple to connect that it's almost like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is simple to click together with the carrier." stroller 2 in 1 car seat will reduce the chance of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that can accomplish this. It seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and it makes space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's functionality and ease of use, but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combo is an attractive choice for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a good option for parents who take public transportation or rideshares often, as well as those who switch caregivers. Stanton says that because they're a single piece and the wheels are connected, the car seats are more mobile. Stanton says it is important to secure the car seat 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 most effective stroller and car seat combos have a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond moving the carrier from one place to the next. They scored higher in comparison to those with more complex connections due to the fact that they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities to make mistakes, whether they are intentional or accidental. We like, for instance, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that requires no straps, and includes a meter on the bottom of the car seat which indicates whether the seat is level correctly.
The Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller too, is easy to set up and move from car to stroller. It's an easy conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or running errands. It also features a swivel wheel on the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even with a seat attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has springy chassis as well as a large one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It has a big basket as well as plenty of cups for snacks, drinks, and baby equipment. The padded seat makes it comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that locks below or at the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect your child in the event of a crash.
A good travel system will also be easy to push, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have only a single, swivel rear wheel to 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 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 heading out for a family vacation. Combinations of car seats and strollers are generally more maneuverable than separate pieces, and a lot of models come with features that help them stand out from the rest. It's important to remember that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on which strollers are compatible with their products. A quick online search can help you narrow your options.
Some strollers and carseats have an immediate attachment that snaps into position without the need for additional straps or a complicated installation. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major benefit for families that frequently utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into stroller with the press of a single button. This is a great time-saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking your stroller on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your baby) or to hop into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact unit that fits into the trunk. This is a great feature for busy parents. The stroller itself is sleek and stylish, with high-end fabrics, and smart features like a built in canopy that drapes over babies who are asleep.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your lifestyle and plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable models tend to be frame strollers that can fit a child car seat with little extra space. More expensive 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 combos are ideal option for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking an infant car seat on flights, and they're also perfect for people who use rides-shares and public transportation often. Car seats and strollers are easy to carry and maneuver on the go and are perfect for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their children.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers roll more smoothly and can be easier to push over different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can aid in getting the car seat in and out of a trunk, or the back of a car.
A few of the most well-known car seats/strollers are lightweight compact and folding casters that can be stored easily. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for instance is a basic seat that converts to a booster once the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's a standout because it's a single piece equipment that converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in just a few clicks. This means you can skip the hassle of taking your car seat off its base, and also helps you to walk up and down up taxis without having to have the car seat stored.
Doonas are an excellent option for those on a budget, particularly new parents. It's less expensive than a year of gym membership. It also gives parents peace of mind knowing that their child is safe traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system if they're set on an infant carrier of a specific brand or plan to use it for more than one child. If that's your case, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat will work in tandem. Consider buying an adapter to fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents looking for a single item that can be used for a variety of functions. They can easily convert from a car to stroller, and reverse the process. They are also simpler to maneuver than two piece travel systems. Stanton says they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They have a lot less moving parts, which means they're easier to fold, carry and use."
Additionally, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece ones and fit in smaller trunks, making them easy to carry around. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and feature more useful features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel front wheel which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant car seat and stroller solutions. These are particularly useful for parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat in and then fold it out as a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combo you are considering can accommodate your preferred car seat. If it's compatible, you can expect to get longer-lasting use from the product as it will continue to be able to work with your child once they get out of the infant car seat.
It's important to know that some car seats and stroller combinations aren't very effective in our ease of use tests. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or inconvenient to use stairs, or due to the weight of the stroller and car seat could make it difficult to push on different terrains. In any scenario, you should check out our complete reviews to determine the best option for you.