Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos almost feel like they attach themselves. two in one pram recommends: "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 does this is the Doona that effortlessly transforms from car seat to stroller, and also helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's versatility and user-friendliness, but also note its substantial feel.
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 good option for parents who take rides or public transportation frequently, as well as those who change caregivers. Stanton says that since they are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seats, they are more easily portable. However, she says, it's important to ensure that the car seat is securely secured when using it with the travel system. She says to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combinations have a simple click-in connection, that requires no effort, other than moving the carrier from one place to another. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and offer fewer opportunities for mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps and includes a meter on the bottom of the car seat that indicates whether the seat is level properly.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, it's also simple to install and transfer from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless transformation that allows extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also has an swivel front wheel that offers great maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another option is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features a springy chassis and a large fold-down chassis for easy storage. It has a spacious basket, as well as plenty of cup holders to store snacks, drinks and baby gear. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long trips, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and comes with the safety harness which is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and includes a SafeCell crumple zone to protect them in the event of a crash.
A good travel system will also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all have rubber tires that have only a single, swivel rear wheel for navigating busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features such as one-hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combinations are a great option for parents who wish to keep their baby as comfortable as they can, whether they're running errands, or heading out for an excursion with the family. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to move than separate items, and a number of models come with convenient features that set them apart from the rest. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat must provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers are compatible with their product A quick internet search can help you find the right stroller.
Some strollers and car seats feature an immediate connection that snaps into place without additional straps or a complicated installation process. This type of easy attachment is a huge selling point, and it's particularly beneficial for families that frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a major time saver and makes it easy to bypass gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant carrier from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact package that can be stored into the trunk of a car. This is a great feature for busy families and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with high-end fabrics and clever touches such as a built-in curtain canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combo for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for growth and your budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that can fit a car seat with the smallest amount of space. On the other hand, more expensive models may include twin strollers and have more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be sure that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to Carry
These combinations are perfect for families that want to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat while flying. They are also ideal for those who regularly use public transportation or ride-shares. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport and are perfect for parents who prefer their hands off when traveling with their children.
When choosing a stroller that is a 2 in 1 car seat, look for one that is lightweight and compact. These options roll more smoothly and can be easier to push across different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat in a trunk or the back of the car.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are lightweight, compact, and feature foldable wheels to make it easy to store. For instance, 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 lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 stroller/car seat worth to be mentioned. It's an exceptional piece of equipment because it can be converted from a rear facing infant car seat into stroller with the click of a button. This lets you remove the seat from its base and makes it much easier to move up and down stairs or get into taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option, which is especially appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It's less expensive than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it gives new parents assurance that they have safe travel gear for their child.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they are set on a specific brand of infant carrier, or have plans to have more than one child. If this is the scenario, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat 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 choice for parents looking for a single piece of baby gear which can perform multiple functions. They are able to effortlessly switch from a car seat to a stroller and then back to a car seat, and are generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are designed to be more compact. "They have less moving parts which makes them more compact to fold, use, and carry."
These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than the two-piece options and are easily carried in trunks that are small. They also come with an extra cargo basket and more practical features like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which can be used to navigate busy streets and stores.
Some brands, like Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. They are especially useful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or who shift between caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat with wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into the frame and then unfold it into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combination you're considering will work with your preferred car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can anticipate a longer-lasting product as it will work with your child even after they've outgrown the infant car seats.
It's important to know that some stroller and car seats do not perform well in our ease of use tests. This could be due to a design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to navigate stairs, or due to the weight of the stroller and car seat makes it more difficult to push across different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best one for you.