Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat and stroller combos almost seem to connect themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This will reduce the risk of errors that could occur during installation and detachment.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller, and also helps to free up space in the trunk. Pushchairs & Prams on the internet say it is hefty however they also appreciate its simplicity of use and performance.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who do not want to switch between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both attractive. It's also a great option for parents who take public transportation or rideshares frequently, as well as those that switch caregivers. Stanton says that since they're a single piece and the wheels are connected the car seats are more portable. Stanton stresses the need to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using the travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle's owner's manual for a secure fit.
In our tests, we discovered that the best stroller and car seat combinations have a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort other than shifting the car from one place to the next. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, since they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities for errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for example, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps, and has a gauge at 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 stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or running errands. It also has a swivel wheel in the front, which allows for excellent maneuverability even with a seat attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features an elongated chassis that is springy and a large one-hand fold chassis that makes it easy to store. It has a big basket, as well as plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that can be locked beneath or around the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects 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 that have a single, swivel front wheel to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide effortlessly and come with useful features, such as one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as they can are better off choosing a stroller and car seat combination, whether they are doing errands during the day or taking a family trip. Combinations of car seats and strollers are generally simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and a lot of models are equipped with convenient features that help them stand out from the competition. It's important to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to provide guidelines for what types of strollers can be used with their product and a quick internet search can help to narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats have an immediate connection that snaps in place without any straps or an intricate installation procedure. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point, and is particularly beneficial for families that frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted into a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a fantastic time-saver and allows you to avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your child) or to get into 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 unit that can be stored into the trunk. This is an excellent feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself also features a sleek design and premium fabrics, and also smart touches such as a built-in drape canopy that protects a baby who's asleep.
The best 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combination for your family depends on your lifestyle, your plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers which can fit a child car seat with a small amount of space. The more expensive models will have the toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest standards of safety.
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 when flying and are also ideal for those who utilize ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and cars seats are simple to transport, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands off when traveling with their children.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push across various conditions. Additionally, the smaller frames can make it easier to get the car seat in and out of a trunk, or the back of a car.
A few of the most well-known car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight and compact, and come with foldable casters for easy storage. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that can be converted from an rear-facing five-point harness into an infant booster when children are no longer in a baby carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are simple to use (we did not rate it as an ideal choice for ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is unique because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in just a few clicks. This lets you skip the process of removing your car seat from its base, and it helps you to walk up and down the stairs or get into taxis without having your car seat in the.
The Doona is a cost-effective option that is particularly appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It's less expensive than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it provides new parents with assurance that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their child.
Many families opt for a two-piece car seat/stroller system if they're set on an infant carrier from a particular brand or are planning to have multiple children. If this is the case, make sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your car seats and strollers will work together. Also, consider buying an adapter in order to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want one piece of baby gear which can perform multiple functions. They are able to easily switch from being a car seat to a stroller, and back to a car seat, and are generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more natural-looking and portable," says Stanton. "They have fewer moving parts, which makes them easier to fold and use as well as carry."
In addition, these types of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece ones and can fit into small trunks, making them easy to transport. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and have more practical features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some models have a swivel wheel on the front that is great for navigating busy streets and stores.
Some brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant car seat and stroller solutions. They are particularly useful for parents who take rideshares or public transportation, or change caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be converted into stroller.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat in and then unfold it as a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona, but it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without having to click it into the base.
You should also think about whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combo will accommodate your preferred car seat brand. If it is compatible, you are likely to enjoy more life from the product because it will still work with your child when they grow out of the infant car seat.
It's also important to be aware that some stroller and car seat combos don't perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be because of a design which makes it difficult to navigate stairs or due to the weight and size of the car seat could make it harder to push. It's worth reading our review to find out which option is the best one for you.