Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat and stroller combos almost seem to connect themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for errors that could occur during the installation process and detachment.
Doona is one option that allows you to accomplish this. It easily converts from a car seat to a stroller, and it lets you free up space in your trunk. Online reviewers note that it is hefty but they also appreciate its ease of use and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a good option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. This is also a good alternative for parents who utilize public transportation or rideshares often and who switch caregivers. Stanton states that since they're a single piece and the wheels are connected the car seats are more mobile. However, she adds that it's crucial to make sure the car seat is secured properly when you use it with an electronic travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit she advises.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller and car seat combos have a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort other than shifting the car from one to another. They scored better than those with more complex connections, as they require less pressure and offer the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for example, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps and includes a meter on the bottom of the car seat that shows when the seat is leveled correctly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller is easy to set up and transfer from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to make use of the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or running errands. It also has a swivel front wheel that provides great maneuverability, even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand-fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket, as well as plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks 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 locks below or at your baby's shoulders. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect your child in the event of an accident.
A great travel system should also be easy 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 as well as the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and come with useful features, including one-hand brakes and a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combinations are an excellent choice for parents who wish to keep their child as comfortable as possible, whether they're running errands or heading out for an excursion with the family. Car seat and stroller combinations are usually easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and most models are equipped with convenient features that make them distinct from other models. It is crucial to remember that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to provide guidelines for what types of strollers work with their product, and a quick online search can help to narrow your choices.
Some strollers and carseats have a direct attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or a complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a big selling point, and it's particularly beneficial for families that frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted into stroller with the press of a button. This is a huge time-saver and makes it easy to avoid 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-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller, and fold it easily into a compact package which can be tucked away in the trunk. This is another great feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller is sleek and stylish, with high-end fabrics and smart features such as a built-in drape canopy that can protect a sleepy baby.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle, plans for growth, and budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers that fit a car seat with minimal extra space, while higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or twin strollers and have more advanced features. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
These combos 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 frequently use public transportation and ride-sharing services. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and move around on the go, which makes them ideal for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their little ones.
When you're deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that's lightweight and compact. These types of strollers have a smoother ride and are easier to push across different terrains. Furthermore, the smaller frames can aid in getting the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the rear of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular car seats/strollers are lightweight and compact, and come with folding casters that can be stored easily. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for example is a basic seat that converts to an infant booster when the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are relatively simple to use (we didn't score it as the best option for ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is an exceptional model because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in a few clicks. This lets you skip the process of getting your car seat removed from its base, and also makes it easier for you to climb stairs or get in taxis without having to have the car seat stored.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice that is a great choice for first-time parents. It's less expensive than the cost of one year's gym membership and it gives new parents peace of mind knowing that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their child.
Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they're set on an infant carrier of a specific brand or have plans for multiple children. If this is the case, be sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller will work together. Also, consider buying an adapter in order to accommodate your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who need only one piece of baby equipment that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily convert from a car to stroller, and vice versa. They are also simpler to move around than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily portable," says Stanton. "They contain a lot fewer moving components, which makes them more compact to fold, carry, and use."
Additionally, 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece options and fit in smaller trunks, making them simple to transport. They also come with more space for cargo and more practical features like cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheel on the front that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. These are particularly useful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and then fold it up into a stroller. This model isn't as streamlined as Doona however it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you're considering will work with your preferred car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a more durable product as it will fit your child after they've outgrown the infant car seats.
However, it's important to be aware that some stroller and car seat combos aren't performing well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to climb stairs, or because the weight of the stroller and car seat can make it harder to push across different terrains. It's worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best one for you.