Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combos are so simple to connect that it's like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton recommends: "Look for a base that is easy to click with the carrier." This will reduce the risk of errors that could occur during installation and detachment.
Doona is one option that lets you do this. It easily transforms from a car seat to stroller, and makes space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's versatility and ease of use however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between car seats and strollers often find a combination of both appealing. It is also a good option for those who regularly use public transportation or rideshares as well as those who have multiple caregivers. Stanton says that because they are a single item and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more portable. However, she notes that it's essential to make sure the car seat is properly secured when it's used with an electronic travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure that the seat is secure she adds.
In our tests, we discovered that the top stroller and car seat combos come with a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond shifting the carrier from one place to the next. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and offer the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that requires no straps, and that it has a gauge on the bottom of the car seat that shows that the seat is level correctly.
The Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, is also easy to set up and move from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless transformation that frees up trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has an adjustable front wheel that offers an excellent maneuverability even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems that has springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large storage basket and plenty of cup holders to store snacks, drinks and baby gear. Its padded seat is comfortable for long rides and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that locks beneath or around the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect them if they are in a crash.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires with a single, swivel front wheel that can be used 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 smoothly and have convenient features, such as one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible should consider a car seat and stroller combination, whether running errands or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to maneuver than separate items, and a lot of models have convenient features that set them apart from the competition. It's important to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order to work together. The car seat manufacturer should give guidelines on which strollers are compatible with their product. A quick search online can help you narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats feature an easy connection that snaps in place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point for families who regularly use public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller with just the push 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 child) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other stroller and car seat combos, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to take the infant carrier from the base of the stroller and then fold it up into a compact unit that can be tucked away in the trunk of a car. 2 in 1 buggy is a great feature for busy families, and the stroller itself has a sleek design with high-end fabrics and smart features such as a built-in curtain canopy that can protect a sleepy baby.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for growth, and your budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers that can fit a car seat with minimal extra space, while more expensive models may include a toddler seat or twin strollers and have more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller will meet all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are a great choice for families who wish to avoid having to check gate-check the infant car seat when flying and are also ideal for those who use public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These strollers and cars seats are simple to transport, making them perfect for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their children.
When choosing the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, look for one that's lightweight and compact. These options tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push in various environments. Additionally, the smaller frames can aid in getting the car seat in and out of a trunk or at the rear of a vehicle.
A few of the most well-known car seats/strollers are lightweight, compact and feature foldable casters that make it easy to store. For instance, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that converts from an rear-facing five-point harness into a booster for kids who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are relatively user-friendly (we didn't score it as the best option for its ease of installation).
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth mentioning. It's an exceptional piece of equipment since it can be converted from a rear facing infant car seat into a stroller simply by pressing a button. This means you can skip the step of removing your car seat from its base. It also helps you to climb stairs or get in and out taxis without having your car seat stored.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice that is a great choice for first-time parents. It's less expensive than a year of gym membership. It also gives parents peace of mind knowing their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece car seat/stroller system when they're deciding on a particular brand of infant carrier or have plans to have multiple children. If this is the case, be sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seats and strollers are compatible. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter that will fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great choice for parents looking for a single piece of baby gear that can handle multiple functions. They can easily convert from a car to a stroller, and reverse the process. They are also more easy to maneuver than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally mobile," says Stanton. "They have fewer moving parts, making them easy to fold, use, and transport."
In addition, these types of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece options and fit in smaller trunks, making them easy to carry around. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and come with more convenient features, including cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and baby car seat that can be used together. These are particularly useful parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or who switch between caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing car seat with wheels that can be converted into stroller.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and unfold it into the shape of a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without needing to click into the base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you are considering can accommodate your preferred car seat. If it is compatible, you can expect more life from the product as it will still work with your child as they get out of the infant car seat.
It is important to be aware that certain car seats and stroller combinations aren't very effective in our ease of use tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to use stairs, or because the weight of the stroller and car seat makes it more difficult to push on different terrains. In any scenario, you should check out our complete reviews to determine the best option for you.