Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combinations are so easy to attach that it's almost like they do it themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
One option that can do this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller and makes room for the trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's functionality and user-friendliness, 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 mix of both appealing. It's also a good alternative for parents who utilize public transportation or rideshares frequently, as well as those who switch caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are connected to the car seat, which means they're more naturally mobile," says Stanton. However, she notes that it's essential to ensure that your car seat is properly secured when you use it with the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure an appropriate fit she advises.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combinations have simple click-in connections, that requires no effort, other than moving the car seat from one location to another. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and have the least chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). For instance, we love the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires no straps--and that there's an indicator on the base of the car seat that tells you when it's properly leveled.
The Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, is also easy to set up and move from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless change that frees up trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also features a swivel wheel at the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even when the seat attached.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems with springy suspension as well as an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket and plenty cups to hold drinks, snacks and baby gear. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth knit fabric can be washed in the machine. 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 to protect the child in case of an accident.
A great travel system should also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all have rubber tires with a single, swivel front wheel for navigating busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with useful features such as one hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible will be better off with a car seat stroller combination, whether they are doing errands during the day or going on a family trip. Combinations of car seats and strollers are generally more maneuverable than separate pieces, and a lot of models are equipped with convenient features that make them distinct from other models. It's important to remember that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to give guidelines on what kinds of strollers are compatible with their product and a quick internet search can help to narrow your choices.
Some strollers and carseats have a direct attachment that snaps into place without the need for additional straps or a complicated installation. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major benefit for families who frequently use public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller at the push of a button. This is a time-saving feature and helps you avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming you've purchased an airline chair for your child) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact size that can be tucked away inside the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for busy families, and the stroller itself has a sleek design with premium fabrics and smart touches such as a built-in curtain canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combo for your family will depend on your lifestyle, your plans for growth and your budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that can fit in a car seat and have the smallest amount of space. On the other hand, higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or a twin stroller and offer more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller meets all safety requirements.
Easy to Carry
These combos are ideal for families who want to avoid gate checking the infant car seat while flying. They are also ideal for those who frequently use public transportation and ride-shares. Car seats and strollers are simple to transport and move in a hurry, which makes them ideal for parents who need their hands free while traveling with their little ones.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models roll more smoothly and can be easier to push over different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat into the trunk or the back of the car.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seat/stroller combinations are light, compact, and feature foldable wheels for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a standard seat that can convert into a booster when the child no more requires an infant carrier. helpful hints , light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are simple to use (we didn't score it as an ideal choice for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is unique because it's a single piece equipment that transitions from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in just a few clicks. This allows you to remove the seat from its base and makes it easier to move up and down stairs or get into and out of taxis without having to store the car seat.
Doonas are an excellent affordable option, especially for new parents. It's less than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it gives parents assurance that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their infant.
Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers If they're looking for an infant carrier from a certain brand or are planning to have several children. If that's your scenario, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat work together. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter that will fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents who are looking for a single piece that can serve multiple purposes. They are able to easily convert from a car seat to stroller, and reverse the process. They are also easier to move around than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily portable," says Stanton. "They have a lot fewer moving parts, which means they're more compact to fold, carry and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are also lighter than the two-piece options and are easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and feature more practical features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some models even have a swivel front wheel that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona provide a stroller and baby car seat that can be used in conjunction. They are especially useful parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is basically an rear-facing car seat with wheels, and the wheels drop down to become an infant stroller when you decide to use it.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat and then unfold it into a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona, but it does allow 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 fits your preferred brand of car seat. If it's compatible, then you are likely to enjoy a longer life out of the product as it will work with your child when they are no longer in the infant car seat.
It's important to understand that some stroller and car seat 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 navigate stairs, or due to the weight of the stroller and car seat could make it difficult to push across different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best one for you.