Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos nearly seem to connect themselves. “Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that can be easily clicked together,” advises Stanton. This will reduce the risk of mistakes that could occur during the installation process and detachment.
Doona is one of the options that lets you accomplish this. It seamlessly converts from a car seat to a stroller, and it frees up space in your trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona’s features and ease of use but also note its substantial feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don’t want to change between car seats and strollers often will find a combination of both appealing. It’s also an ideal choice for those who regularly use rideshares or public transportation and for those who have multiple caregivers. Stanton says that since they’re a single piece and the wheels are connected to the car seats, they are more portable. However, she notes that it’s essential to ensure that your car seat is securely secured when using it with an electronic travel system. She says to always follow the manufacturer’s directions and the owner’s manual of your vehicle to ensure an ideal fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combos feature a simple click-in connection, that requires no effort, other than moving the car seat from one location to another. These models scored higher compared to models with more complicated connections because they require less pressure and offer fewer chances for mistakes, whether intentional or accidental. We like, for instance, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which requires no straps, and that it includes a meter on the bottom of the car seat which indicates when the seat is leveled properly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and then transfer from vehicle to stroller. It’s a seamless change that frees up trunk space to shop and run errands. It also has a swivel wheel at the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even with the seat on.
Another option is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features an elongated chassis that is springy and an enormous one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It has a large basket and plenty cup holders for snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The padded seat makes it ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It’s FAA approved and comes with the safety harness which is secured at or below your baby’s shoulders and has a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard them in the event of an accident.
A great travel system should also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all have rubber tires that have only a single, swivel rear wheel to navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and feature useful features, including one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible should consider a car seat stroller combination, whether running errands for the day or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to maneuver than separate items, and a lot of models are equipped with features that set them apart from the competition. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat needs to be compatible with the stroller in order to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines for strollers that are compatible with their product. A quick search online will help narrow your choices.
Some strollers and carseats come with an immediate attachment that snaps in place without the need for straps or complicated installation. This type of easy attachment is a huge selling point, and it’s particularly helpful for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the push of a 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 child) or to hop into and out of taxis.
Other stroller and car seat combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to remove the infant carrier from the stroller base and then fold it up into a compact package that can be stored into the trunk of a vehicle. This is a great feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself has a sleek design with high-end fabrics, and smart features such as a built-in canopy that drapes over the baby from snoozing.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle and growth plans and your budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat with little extra space, whereas more expensive combos could include a toddler seat or a twin stroller and offer more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller meets all safety standards.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families who wish to avoid gate checking an infant car seat when flying. They are also ideal for people who frequently take public transport or 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 require their hands free when traveling with their kids.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 pram and car seat in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through various environments. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat into the trunk or the back of the car.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seat/stroller 2 in 1 car seat combos are compact, lightweight and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that converts from a rear-facing five-point harness to a booster for kids who are no longer in a baby carrier. It’s light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 pushchair pram in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is a standout because it’s a single piece of equipment that converts from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing the seat from its base and makes it easier to navigate stairs or hop into taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option that is particularly appealing for first-time parents. It’s less expensive than a year’s gym membership and provides parents with peace of mind knowing their child is safe traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system if they’re set on an infant carrier of a specific brand or plan to use it for multiple children. If that’s your scenario, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat will work in tandem. Consider purchasing an adapter to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who need only one piece of baby gear that can handle multiple functions. They are able to effortlessly switch from a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are made to be lighter and more portable. “They contain a lot fewer moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold, carry and use.”
These strollers and car seats for infants are lighter than the two-piece versions and are easily transported in small trunks. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and have more practical features, including cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheels on the front that is ideal for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and infant car seat that can be used in conjunction. These are especially useful for parents who take public transportation or rideshares or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is essentially an rear-facing car seat with wheels. The wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you want to use it.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and then fold it up into the form of a stroller. The model isn’t as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.
You should also consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo can be used with your preferred car seat brand. If it is compatible, you can expect to get a longer life out of the product as it will continue to work with your child as they are no longer in the infant car seat.
It’s important to understand that some car seats and stroller combinations don’t perform very well in our user-friendliness tests. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or inconvenient to navigate steps, or the weight of the stroller and car seat makes it more difficult to push on different terrains. In any scenario, you should check through our reviews to find the best solution for you.
