Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so easy to attach that it's 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 of the options that allows you to accomplish this. It effortlessly transforms from a car seat to stroller, and makes space in your trunk. Online reviews have noted that it feels sturdy, but they also love its ease of use and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a good option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It is also a good option for those who frequently use public transportation or rideshares as well as those who have multiple caregivers. " 2 in 1 buggy are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, which means they're more easily mobile," says Stanton. Stanton says it is important to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using a travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and your vehicle owner's manual to ensure a secure fit, she says.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos feature simple click-in connections, that requires no effort, other than moving the stroller from one location to another. These models scored higher compared to models with more complicated connections because they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities to make mistakes, whether they are intentional or accidental. For instance, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that needs straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the car seat base that tells you when it's level.
The Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants it's also simple to install and switch from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or running errands. It also has a swivel wheel in the front, which permits excellent maneuverability even with a seat attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has an elongated chassis that is springy and an enormous one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket, as well as plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. Its padded seat is comfortable for long trips and the tagless smooth-touch fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that locks beneath or around the shoulders of your baby. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect the child in case of an accident.
A good travel system must also be simple to push. Our top picks feature rubber tires and a single swivel wheel on the front for navigating 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 effortlessly and feature useful features, such as one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combinations are a great choice for parents who wish to keep their baby as comfortable as they can, whether they're doing errands or heading out for an excursion with the family. Combinations of car seats and strollers are often easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and most models come with features that make them stand out from the rest. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller must be compatible for use together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to give guidelines on what kinds of strollers can be used with their product and a quick internet search will help find the right stroller.
Certain strollers and car seats have a direct attachment that snaps into place without the need for straps or complicated installation. This kind of effortless attachment is a huge selling point, and it's especially beneficial for families who frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transport. 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 fantastic time-saver and helps you avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your child), or to jump into and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact package that can be tucked away inside the trunk of a car. This is an excellent feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself also has a sleek design with high-end fabrics, and also smart touches like a built-in canopy that drapes over a baby who's asleep.
The best 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 combos could include a toddler seat or twin stroller and offer more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller meets all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice for families who wish to avoid having to check gate-check the infant car seat when flying and are also ideal for those who utilize ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands free while traveling with their children.
When you're deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that is lightweight and compact. These types of strollers roll more smoothly and are easier to push over different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in a trunk or the back of the car.
A few of the most well-known car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight compact and foldable casters for easy storage. For instance, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that can be converted from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for kids who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively simple to use.
The Doona is a different 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth to be mentioned. It's an exceptional piece of equipment because it can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat into stroller with the click of the button. This means you can skip the process of taking your car seat off its base, and also makes it easier for you to walk up and down stairs or get in taxis without having to have the car seat stowed.
The Doona is a cost-effective option that is particularly appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It's less than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it provides new parents with peace of mind knowing that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their baby.
Many families choose two-piece stroller/car seat systems if they are set on a particular brand of infant carrier or plans to have multiple children. If that's your case, be sure to read the product specs to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat will work in tandem. Also consider purchasing an adapter in order to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent choice for parents looking for one piece of baby gear which can perform multiple functions. They can easily be converted from a car to stroller, and reverse. They are also simpler to maneuver than two piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are designed to be more compact. "They have a lot fewer moving parts, which means they're easy to fold, transport and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than the two-piece options, and they can be easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and have more convenient features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel on the front that is great for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, such as Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat solutions. They are particularly useful for parents who use rideshares or public transportation, or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat with wheels that can be converted into stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat, and then fold it up into the shape of a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however, it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to click it into the base.
It is also important to consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo will be used with your preferred car seat brand. If it's compatible, then you can expect to get more life from the product as it will continue to work with your child when they get out of the infant car seat.
However, it's important to be aware that some stroller and car seat combos don't perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to a design that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to navigate stairs, or due to the weight of the stroller and car seat can make it harder to push across different terrains. In either situation, it's worth checking out our complete reviews to find the best solution for you.