Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos almost seem to connect themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is simple to click together with the carrier." This helps reduce the risk of mistakes during installation and removal.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller and helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's features and ease of use but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a great option for parents who take rides or public transportation frequently as well as those who switch caregivers. Stanton states that since they are a single item and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more mobile. Stanton suggests to secure the car seat properly when using an air travel system. She suggests that you always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual of your vehicle for a secure fit.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combinations have a simple click-in connection, that requires no effort beyond moving the stroller from one location to another. These models scored higher compared to models with more complicated connections because they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for mistakes, whether intentional or accidental. For example, we like the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the car seat base that indicates when it's level.
The Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants too, is easy to install and transfer from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless transition that allows extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also has an adjustable front wheel that provides great maneuverability, even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System that has springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large basket and plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks, and baby gear. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long rides and the tagless smooth-touch fabric is machine washable. It's FAA approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to protect them in the event of a crash.
A good travel system must be simple to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single pivoting wheel in the front to help navigate streets and busy sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and 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 and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combos are an excellent choice for parents who want to keep their baby as comfortable as possible, whether they're running errands, or going on a family vacation. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move around than separate items, and a lot of models are equipped with features that distinguish them from the competition. It's important to remember that the car seat needs to be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work. The car seat manufacturer should give guidelines on which strollers are compatible with their products. A quick search online will help narrow your options.
Some strollers and carseats have an immediate attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or complicated assembly. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families that frequently take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is a good example. 2 in 1 stroller with car seat is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller with just the push of a button. This is a significant time-saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant carrier from the stroller base and fold it into a compact unit that can be stored in the trunk of a car. This is a great feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with premium fabrics and smart touches such as a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your personal preferences, plans for growth, and budget. The most affordable options will likely be frame strollers that fit in a car seat and have the smallest amount of space. On the other hand, more expensive combos could include twin strollers and have more advanced features. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to Carry
Car seat/stroller combos are ideal option for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat when flying, and they're also perfect for those who utilize public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These strollers and car 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 move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push across various environments. In addition, the smaller frame can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the rear of a vehicle.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are compact, lightweight, and feature foldable wheels to make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a basic seat that converts to a booster when the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively simple to use.
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 stroller/car seat worth mentioning. It's an exceptional piece of equipment since it can be converted from a rear facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of on a button. This lets you skip the hassle of removing your car seat from its base, and also allows you to navigate stairs or get in and out taxis without having your car seat in the.
Doonas are a fantastic budget-friendly choice, especially for first-time parents. It's less than the cost of one year's gym membership and it gives new parents 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 are set on a specific model of infant carrier or have plans to have multiple children. If this is the case, make sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller are compatible. Consider purchasing an adapter to match your desired combination.
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 seat to stroller, and reverse. They are also more easy to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're designed to be more portable. "They have fewer moving parts which makes them easy to fold, use, and carry."
These strollers and car seats for infants are also lighter than two-piece models and can be easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and have more useful features, including cup holders and sun shades. Some models have a swivel wheel on the front, which is ideal for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, like Doona offer a stroller and infant car seat that can be used together. These are especially useful for parents who take public transportation or rideshares or change caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be converted into stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and then unfold it into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you are considering can accommodate your preferred brand of car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a longer-lasting product as it will fit your child after they have outgrown the infant car seats.
However, it's important to be aware that some car seat and stroller combos do not perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be because of an design that makes it difficult to navigate stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat can make it harder to push. In either case, it's worth checking through our reviews to determine the best option for you.