Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so easy to attach that it's almost like they're doing it all by themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from car seat to stroller, and also helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's features and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between car seats and strollers often find a combination of both appealing. This is also a good option for parents who take rides or public transportation frequently and who switch caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they're more easily portable," says Stanton. However, she says that it's crucial to ensure that your car seat is secured properly when you use it with an electronic travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, we discovered that the most effective stroller and car seat combos have a simple click-in connector that requires no effort other than shifting the car from one to another. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, as they require less pressure and provide less chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). For instance, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the car seat base that indicates when it's properly leveled.
The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller it's also simple to install and transfer from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless transformation that frees up trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has a swivel wheel in the front, which permits excellent maneuverability even when the seat attached.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems, which has a springy suspension and a large, one-hand-fold chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large basket, as well as plenty of cup holders to hold snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The padded seat is ideal for long journeys and the smooth, tagless knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and comes with a safety harness that locks at or below your baby's shoulders and includes a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard your child in the event of a crash.
A great travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have a single, swivel front wheel for navigating busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with useful features such as one hand braking and an ample 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, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or taking an outing with the family. Combinations of car seats and strollers are generally easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and most models are equipped with convenient features that help them distinct from other models. However, it's important to remember that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible to work together. The car seat manufacturer must provide guidelines for strollers that are compatible with their product. A quick search online can help you narrow down your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have a direct attachment that snaps in place without the need for straps or complicated assembly. prams 2 in 1 of simple attachment is a major selling point for families who frequently utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller with just the touch of one button. This is a major time saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other stroller and car seat combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant carrier from the base of the stroller and then fold it up into a compact size that can be stored into the trunk of a car. This is a great feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself also is sleek and stylish, with premium fabrics, as well as smart touches like a built-in canopy that drapes over babies who are snoozing.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle and growth plans and your budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat with little extra space, whereas more expensive models may include twin strollers, and include more advanced features. In any case you can be assured that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest standards of safety.
Easy to Carry
Car seat/stroller combos are great choice for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat on airlines They're also great for those who use public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These strollers and cars seats are simple to transport, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands off when traveling with their children.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers roll more smoothly and are more easy to push across different terrains. Additionally, the smaller frames can aid in getting the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the back of a vehicle.
A few of the most well-known car seats/strollers are lightweight and compact, and come with foldable casters for easy storage. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that converts from an rear-facing five-point harness into an infant booster when children are no longer in an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are simple to use (we did not rate it as a top pick for its ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's unique because it's a single piece equipment that converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller with just a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing the seat from its base and makes it much easier to maneuver stairs or hop into and out of taxis without having to put away the car seat.
Doonas are a great option for those on a budget, particularly new parents. It costs less than a year's gym membership and provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their child is safe traveling.
Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers when they're deciding on an infant carrier from a certain brand or have plans for multiple children. If this is the case, be sure you've read the specifications to ensure that your car seats and strollers are compatible. Consider buying an adapter to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents looking for a single item that can be used for a variety of purposes. They are able to effortlessly switch from being a car seat to a stroller and then back again, and they're generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily portable," says Stanton. "They contain a lot fewer moving parts, which means they're more compact to fold, carry, and use."
These strollers and car seats for infants are also lighter than the two-piece versions and are easily transported in small trunks. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and feature more useful features, including cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheels at the front, which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona provide a stroller and infant car seats that can be used together. These are especially beneficial for parents who use public transportation or rideshares or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be converted into stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat, and then unfold it into the form of a stroller. This model isn't as streamlined as Doona however, it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without having to click it into the base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you're considering will work with your preferred brand of car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can anticipate a longer-lasting product since it will be able to work with your child after they've outgrown the infant car seats.
However, it's important to be aware that some stroller and car seats aren't performing well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or inconvenient to climb stairs, or because the weight of the car seat and stroller can make it harder to push across different terrains. In any scenario, you should check out our complete reviews to find the most suitable option for you.