Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combinations are so easy to attach that it's like they do it themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is simple to connect with the carrier." This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
One option that can do this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller, and also makes room for the trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's functionality and ease of use, but also note its substantial 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 great alternative for parents who utilize public transportation or rideshares often and who switch caregivers. Stanton says that since they are a single item and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more mobile. Stanton stresses the need to secure the car seat properly when using an air travel system. She says to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual of your vehicle to ensure an ideal fit.
In our tests, we discovered that the top stroller and car seat combos come with a simple click-in connection that requires little effort beyond moving the carrier from one place to the next. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, since they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors (intentional or accidental). For instance, we love the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the base of the car seat that tells you when it's leveled correctly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and then transfer from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. It also has an swivel front wheel that gives you an excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand-fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket and plenty cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long journeys, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric is washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that locks either below or on your baby's shoulders. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects them if they are in a crash.
A good travel system will also be easy to push, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have a single, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and feature convenient features such as one hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible will be better off with a car seat stroller combination, whether they are doing errands during the day or going on an outing with the family. Combinations of car seats and strollers are generally easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and most models come with features that make them stand out from the competition. However, it's important to remember that the car seat and stroller must be compatible in order to work. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to provide guidelines for what types of strollers work with their product, and a quick online search will help to narrow your choices.
Some strollers and car seats come with a direct connection that snaps into place without any straps or an intricate installation procedure. This type of easy attachment is a big selling point, and it's particularly helpful for families who often use ride-share cars or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted to stroller with the click of a button. This is a great time-saver and lets you avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your infant) or to hop into and out of a taxi.
Other stroller-car seat combinations like the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact unit that can be tucked away inside the trunk. This is an excellent feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself is sleek and stylish, with premium fabrics, as well as smart touches like a built-in drape canopy that protects the baby from sleeping.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle and growth plans and your budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that can fit a car seat with little extra space, whereas higher-end combos may include twin strollers and have more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller is compliant with all safety standards.
Easy to Carry
These combos are ideal for families who wish to avoid checking the gate of the infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who frequently use public transportation and ride-shares. Car seats and strollers are easy to carry and maneuver around on the go and are ideal for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their little ones.
When deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that is lightweight and compact. These models tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push across various environments. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat into a trunk or back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight, compact and feature folding casters that can be stored easily. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that converts from an rear-facing five-point harness into an infant booster when children are no longer in an infant carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are relatively user-friendly (we didn't score it as a top pick for ease of assembly).
The Doona is another 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth noting. It's an exceptional piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of on a button. This lets you avoid the hassle of removing the base of the seat and makes it much easier to move up and down stairs or get into and out of taxis without having to store the car seat.
Doonas are a great budget-friendly choice, especially for new parents. It's cheaper than a year's gym membership and provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families choose two-piece car seats/strollers when they're deciding on an infant carrier of a specific brand or plan to use it for multiple 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. Also, consider buying an adapter if necessary to accommodate your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents seeking a single piece that can be used for a variety of purposes. They can easily transition from a car seat to a stroller and then back to a car seat, and are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. " pushchair 2 in 1 designed to be more natural-looking and portable," says Stanton. "They have less moving parts, which makes them easier to fold and use as well as carry."
These strollers and car seats for infants are also lighter than the two-piece versions, and they can be easily transported in small trunks. They also come with more space for cargo and more convenient features like sun shades and cup holders. Some models even have a swivel wheel on the front that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Certain brands, like Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. These are especially beneficial for parents who use 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 transformed into stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat, and then unfold it into a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without having to click into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combo you're considering fits your preferred car seat. If pram 2 in 1 is compatible, you can expect more life from the product since it will still work with your child as they get out of the infant car seat.
It is important to be aware that certain stroller and car seats do not perform well in our user-friendliness tests. This could be due to the design of the product that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to climb stairs, or due to the weight of the stroller and car seat can make it harder to push across different terrains. It's worth reading our review to determine which one is best for you.