2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it's almost like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is simple to click with the carrier." This will reduce the risk of errors that could occur during installation and detachment.
Doona is one of the options that lets you do this. It seamlessly transforms from a car seat into stroller, and lets you free up space in your trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's versatility and ease of use, but they also praise its robust 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 is also a good option for those who often take public transportation or rideshares as well as parents who change caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are connected to the car seat, so they're more easily portable," says Stanton. Stanton stresses the need to secure the car seat properly when using an air travel system. She says to always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual of your vehicle to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos have simple click-in connections, which requires little effort beyond moving the carrier from one location to another. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, as they require less pressure and offer fewer opportunities for mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for example, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps and also includes a meter on the base of the car seat that indicates when the seat is leveled correctly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and move from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or running errands. It also features a swivel wheel on the front that permits excellent maneuverability even with the seat on.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has an elongated chassis that is springy and a large fold-down chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large storage basket as well as plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks and baby gear. Its padded seat is comfortable for long rides and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and has a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard them in the event of an accident.
A good travel system must also be easy to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single swivel wheel on the front for navigating 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 effortlessly and have convenient features, such as one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as they can will be better off with a car seat and stroller combination, whether they are running errands or planning an excursion with the family. Stroller and car seat combinations are generally simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and most models are equipped with convenient features that make them stand out from the competition. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat needs to be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The car seat manufacturer must give guidelines on which strollers are compatible with their product. A quick search on the internet can help you narrow down your choices.
Some strollers and carseats have a direct attachment that snaps into place without the need for additional straps or complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families that frequently take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller at the push of the button. This is a major time-saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking a stroller on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller, and fold it easily into a compact size that can be stored in the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller is sleek and stylish, with top-quality fabrics and smart features such as a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your preferences, lifestyle and plans for growth and budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers that can fit a car seat with little extra space, whereas more expensive combos could include a toddler seat or twin strollers, and include more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller will meet all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
These combos are ideal for families who want to avoid gate checking an infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who frequently use public transportation and ride-shares. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and move in a hurry and are ideal for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their little ones.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller /car seat. These options tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push across different conditions. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat into a trunk or back of the car.
Many of the most sought-after car seat/stroller combinations are light, compact and feature foldable casters for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for instance, is a simple seat that converts to a booster once the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are user-friendly (we did not consider it the best option for its ease of installation).
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth mentioning. It's a unique piece of equipment because it can be transformed from a rear facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of the button. This lets you avoid the hassle of removing the base of the seat and makes it easier to move up and down stairs or get in 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 a year of gym membership and provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their child is secure when traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece car seat/stroller system when they're deciding on a particular model of infant carrier or have plans to have multiple children. If this is the case, be sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your car seats and strollers are compatible. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to match the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who want only one piece of baby equipment that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily transition from a car seat to a stroller and then back again, and they're generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more natural-looking and mobile," says Stanton. "They have a lot less moving parts, which means they're easier to fold, carry, and use."
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece models and can fit into small trunks, making them easy to transport. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and have more convenient features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some models even come with a swivel front wheel which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and baby car seat that can be used together. They are particularly useful for parents who use public transportation or rideshares, or change caregivers often. This model is essentially an automobile seat that is rear-facing on wheels, and the wheels drop down to become a stroller when you wish to use it.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat and fold it up into a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you're considering will work with your preferred brand of car seat. If it's compatible, you are likely to enjoy longer-lasting use from the product because it will be able to work with your child once they get out of the infant car seat.
However, it's important to note that some stroller and car seats don't perform well in our tests for ease of use. This could be because of a design which makes it difficult to climb stairs, or the weight and size of the car seat may make it difficult to push. In either situation, it's worth checking out our complete reviews to find the best option for you.