Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it almost feels like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is easy to click together with the carrier." This will reduce the chance of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that allows you to do this. It easily transforms from a car seat into stroller, and lets you free up space in your trunk. Online reviewers note that it feels sturdy however they also appreciate its simplicity of use and performance.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who do not want to switch between car seats and strollers often will find a combination of both appealing. It also makes sense for those who often use public transportation or rideshares and for parents who change caregivers. Stanton says that because they're a single piece and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more easily portable. 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller says it is important to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure an appropriate fit she advises.
In our tests, we discovered that the top stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connector that requires no effort beyond shifting the carrier from one place to the next. They scored better than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps and that it has an indicator on the bottom of the car seat that shows when the seat is leveled properly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is easy to set up and transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's an easy conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or for errands. It also comes with an adjustable front wheel that offers great maneuverability, even when the seat is in place.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System that 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 to hold snacks, drinks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long trips and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that can be locked below or at the shoulders of your baby. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects them if they are in a crash.
A good travel system should be easy to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single pivoting wheel in the front to navigate streets and busy sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and come with useful 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 possible will be better off with a car seat and stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands or taking an excursion with the family. Car seat and stroller combinations are generally simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and a lot of models come with features that help them stand out from the competition. It is important to remember that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible in order to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their products. A quick search online will help narrow your options.
Some strollers and carseats have a direct attachment that snaps into position without the need for additional straps or complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point, and is particularly beneficial for families that frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller with just the click of one 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 infant) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to remove the infant carrier from the base of the stroller and easily fold it into a compact size that can be stored in the trunk of a vehicle. This is an excellent feature for busy parents. The stroller itself also features a sleek design and top quality fabrics as well as smart touches such as a built-in drape canopy that protects the baby from sleeping.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your preferences, lifestyle, plans for growth, and your budget. The most affordable options will likely be frame strollers that fit in a car seat and have little extra space, whereas more expensive models may include a toddler seat or twin stroller and offer more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller meets all safety requirements.
Easy to Carry
These combos are perfect for families who want to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat when flying. They're also great for those who regularly use public transportation and ride-sharing services. Car seats and strollers are easy to transport and maneuver on the go and are perfect for parents who require their hands free while traveling with their kids.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push across different environments. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in a trunk or back of a car.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seat/stroller combinations are light, compact and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. For instance, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that converts from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for kids who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are relatively simple to use (we did not rate it as a top pick for ease of installation).
The Doona is a different 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth noting. It's a unique piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be transformed from a rear facing infant car seat into stroller with the click of a button. This allows you to avoid the hassle of getting your car seat removed from its base, and also allows you to climb up taxis without having the car seat stowed.
Doonas are a great affordable option, especially for new parents. It's less expensive than the cost of one year's gym membership and it provides new parents with peace of mind knowing that they have safe travel gear for their baby.
Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system when they're deciding on an infant carrier from a particular brand or plan to use it for more than one child. If that's your situation, make sure you read the product specs to ensure that your stroller and car seat work in conjunction. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter that will fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is an excellent choice for parents looking for a single item that can serve multiple functions. They can easily be converted from a car seat to the stroller and reverse. They are also simpler to maneuver than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally mobile," says Stanton. "They have less moving parts, which makes them easier to fold and use as well as carry."
These strollers and car seats for infants are lighter than the two-piece options and are easily carried in trunks that are small. They also have a larger cargo basket and more practical features like sun shades and cup holders. Some even have a swivel front wheel which is great for navigating busy streets and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat solutions. These are particularly useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is essentially an rear-facing car seat with wheels. The wheels lower to make an infant stroller when you decide to use it.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and fold it up into the form of a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona however it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without having to click it into the base.
You should also think about whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combo can be used with the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a longer-lasting product that will fit your child after they've outgrown their infant car seats.
It's important to understand that some car seats and stroller combinations aren't very effective in our user-friendliness tests. This could be because of an design that makes it difficult to walk stairs, or the weight and size of the stroller/car seat can make it more difficult to push. In any situation, it's worth checking out our full reviews to determine the best option for you.