Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combinations are so simple to attach that it almost feels like they're doing it themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This reduces the chance of errors that could occur during installation and detachment.
One option that does this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from car seat to stroller and helps to free up space in the trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's functionality and ease of use but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between car seats and strollers often will find a combination of both attractive. It also makes sense for those who regularly use rideshares or public transportation, as well as those who switch between caregivers. Stanton says that since they're a single piece and the wheels are attached the car seats are more mobile. However, she notes that it's essential to ensure that your car seat is securely secured when it's used with an electronic travel system. She advises you to follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual of your vehicle for an ideal fit.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond moving the carrier from one place to the next. These models scored higher compared to those with more complex connections due to the fact that they require less pressure and offer fewer chances for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. For instance, we like the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the base of the car seat that indicates when it's level.
The Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants it's also simple to install and switch from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless change that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also comes with a swivel front wheel that offers great maneuverability even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has springy chassis as well as a large one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket and plenty of cup holders to store snacks, drinks, and baby gear. The padded seat makes it ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that locks below or at the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects them if they are in an accident.
A great travel system should also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all come with rubber tires and a single, swivel front wheel to navigate 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 braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combinations are a great option for parents who want to keep their baby as comfortable as possible, whether they're doing errands or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller and car seat combinations are often easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and most models come with features that help them stand out from the rest. It's important to remember that the car seat needs to be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat must provide guidelines for what types of strollers can be used with their product A quick internet search can help you narrow down your options.
Certain strollers and car seats feature a direct connection that snaps into place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This kind of simple 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 which can be converted into a stroller at the touch of a single button. This is a time-saving feature and lets you avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming that you have also purchased an airline chair for your baby) or to get in and out of a taxi.
Other stroller and car seat combos, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to take the infant car seat from the stroller's base and then fold it up into a compact size that can be tucked away in the trunk of a car. This is a fantastic feature for busy families and the stroller itself is sleek and stylish, with premium fabrics and smart touches such as a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combination for your family is based on your lifestyle, your plans for growth and your budget. 2 in 1 pram pushchair will likely be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat for a child with little extra space. The more expensive models will have a toddler seat, a twin stroller, or more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller is compliant with all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are a ideal option for families who want to avoid gate-checking the infant car seat when flying and are also ideal for those who utilize rides-shares and public transportation often. Car seats and strollers are simple to transport and move in a hurry and are ideal for parents who need their hands free while traveling with their children.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. 2 in 1 pram pushchair tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through different terrains. Furthermore, the smaller frames can make it easier to get the car seat in and out of a trunk or at the back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after car seat/stroller combinations are light and compact, and come with folding casters that can be stored easily. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for instance is a standard seat that converts to a booster once the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are easy to use.
The Doona is a different 2 in 1 stroller/car seat that's worth to be mentioned. It's a unique piece of equipment because it can be converted from a rear facing infant car seat into stroller with the click of the button. This lets you skip the step of getting your car seat removed from its base, and it helps you to navigate up taxis without having to have the car seat stored.
The Doona is a cost-effective option that is a great choice to parents who are just starting out. It's less expensive than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it gives new parents assurance that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their infant.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system in the event that they have decided on a particular model of infant carrier or have plans to have several children. If this is the case, be sure to read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats will work together. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter that will fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents who are looking for a single piece that can be used for 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 states that they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They contain fewer moving parts, which makes them easy to fold, use, and carry."
These car seats and strollers for infants are also lighter than two-piece models, and they can be easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and feature more practical features, such as sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which is ideal for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Certain brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. They are particularly useful for parents who take public transportation or rideshares, or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is basically a rear-facing car seat on wheels, and the wheels drop down to become an infant stroller when you decide to use it.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat in and then unfold it into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.
Check if the stroller and infant seat combo you're considering will work with your preferred car seat. If it's compatible, you can expect to get more life from the product because it will be able to work with your child once they grow out of the infant car seat.
However, it's important to be aware that some stroller and car seat combos do not perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to the 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 is worth reading our reviews to determine which model is the best for you.