Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it almost feels like they do it themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is easy to click with the carrier." This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that allows you to accomplish this. It seamlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller, and it frees up space in your trunk. Online reviews have noted that it feels substantial but they also appreciate its ease of use and performance.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who do not want to switch between car seats and strollers often will find a combination of both attractive. It's also an ideal choice for those who often take public transportation or rideshares as well as parents who change caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are connected to the car seat, meaning they're more easily mobile," says Stanton. Stanton stresses the need to secure the car seat properly when using the travel system. She advises you to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combos have a simple click-in connection that requires little effort other than shifting the car from one location to another. These models scored better than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and offer less chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). For instance, we love that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that needs no straps--and that there's an indicator on the base of the car seat that indicates when it's leveled correctly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and move from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless transition that frees up extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also comes with an swivel front wheel that offers great maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems, which has a springy suspension and a large, one-hand-fold chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large basket and plenty cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth knit fabric is washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved and comes with an safety strap that is secured either below or on the shoulders of your baby. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard them if they are in an accident.
A good travel system must also be easy to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single, rotating wheel at the front to navigate streets and busy sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and come with useful features, such as one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can are better off choosing a stroller and car seat combination, regardless of whether they are doing errands during the day or taking a family trip. Stroller and car seat combinations are often simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and a lot of models come with features that make them stand out from the competition. However, it's important to remember that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible in order to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on which strollers are compatible with their products. A quick search on the internet can help you narrow down your choices.
Some strollers and carseats come with an immediate attachment that snaps into position without the need for straps or a complicated installation. 2 in 1 stroller and car seat of simple attachment is a major selling point, and it's especially beneficial for families who frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted to stroller with the click of a single button. This is a huge time-saver and makes it easy to bypass gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to hop into and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to take the infant carrier from the stroller's base and then fold it up into a compact package that can be tucked away inside the trunk of a car. This is a great feature for busy families and the stroller is sleek and stylish, with top-quality fabrics and smart touches, like a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
The best 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combo for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that fit in a car seat and have the smallest amount of space. On the other hand, higher-end combos may include twin strollers and have more advanced features. Either way you can be sure that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families who wish to avoid gate checking an infant car seat when flying. They are also ideal for those who regularly take public transport or ride-shares. These cars seats and strollers are simple to transport and are perfect for parents who want their hands free while traveling with their children.
When deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that is light and compact. These models tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push across various conditions. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in a trunk or the back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are lightweight, compact and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a basic seat that can be converted into a booster when the child no more requires an infant carrier. 2 in 1 buggy (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively simple to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's unique because it's a single piece equipment that converts from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in a few clicks. This lets you skip the hassle of getting your car seat removed from its base, and also makes it easier for you to navigate the stairs or get into taxis without having your car seat stored.
Doonas are a great affordable option, especially for new parents. It costs less than a year of gym membership and gives parents peace of mind knowing their child is safe traveling.
Many families choose two-piece stroller/car seat systems in the event that they have decided on a particular model of infant carrier or plans to have several children. If this is the case, make sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller will work in tandem. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter that will fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who want a single piece of baby equipment that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily be converted from a car to stroller, and vice versa. They are also easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are designed to be more portable. "They have a lot fewer moving parts, which means they're easy to fold, transport, 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. They also come with an extra cargo basket and more useful features such as sun shades and cup holders. Some models even have a swivel wheel on the front which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and shopping centers.
Some brands, such as Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat. These are especially beneficial for parents who take public transportation or rideshares or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be converted into a stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and then fold it up into the form of a stroller. This model isn't as streamlined as Doona, but it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without having to click it into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combo you're considering fits your preferred car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a more durable product since it will work with your child even after they've outgrown their car seats for infants.
However, it's important to know that certain car seat and stroller combos aren't performing well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be because of an design that makes it difficult to walk stairs or due to the weight and size of the stroller/car seat could make it difficult to push. It's worth reading our reviews to find out which option is best for you.