Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos nearly seem to connect themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
One option that can do this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller and helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviewers note that it feels sturdy however they also appreciate its user-friendliness and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between car seats and strollers often will find a combination of both appealing. It is also a good option for those who frequently use public transportation or rideshares, as well as those who have multiple caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they're more portable," says Stanton. Stanton suggests to secure the car seat correctly when using a 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, the best stroller-car seat combinations have a simple click-in connection, which requires little effort other than moving the carrier from one place to another. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, because 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--and that there's an indicator on the base of the car seat that shows when it is properly leveled.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and then transfer from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless transition that frees up trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also features a swivel wheel in the front, which allows for excellent maneuverability even with a seat attached.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems with springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand-fold chassis for easy storage. It has a spacious basket and plenty of cup holders to hold snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The padded seat makes it comfortable for long trips, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric is washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that can be locked below or at your baby's shoulders. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard them if they are in a crash.
A great travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires with only a single, swivel rear wheel to navigate busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide
2 in 1 pushchair Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and feature useful features, including one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as they can should consider a stroller and car seat combination, whether they are running errands or taking an outing with the family. Combinations of car seats and strollers are usually simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and most models come with features that help them distinct from other models. 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 should give guidelines on which strollers are compatible with their product. A quick search on the internet can help you narrow your options.
Some strollers and carseats come with an immediate attachment that snaps in place without the need for straps or complicated assembly. This type of easy attachment is a huge selling point, and is particularly helpful for families who frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted to stroller with the press of a button. This is a great time-saver and allows you to avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your child) or to get into and out of a taxi.
Other
pram stroller 2 in 1 and car seat combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to remove the infant carrier from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact size that can be tucked away into the trunk of a vehicle. This is a fantastic feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself also has a sleek design with top quality fabrics and also smart touches like a built-in canopy that drapes over babies who are sleeping.
The ideal 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combo for your family will depend on your lifestyle, your plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that fit in a car seat and have little extra space, whereas more expensive combos could include twin strollers, and include more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be sure that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a ideal option for families who wish to avoid having to check gate-check an infant car seat on airlines, and they're also perfect for those who utilize ride-shares and public transportation frequently. Car seats and strollers are easy to carry and maneuver around on the go and are perfect for parents who require their hands free while traveling with their children.
When deciding on the
best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that's lightweight and compact. These models tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push across various environments. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat into the trunk or back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seats/strollers combinations are light, compact and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. For example, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that can be converted from an rear-facing five-point harness into an infant booster when children are no longer in a baby carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are relatively easy to use (we didn't score it as a top pick for its ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is an exceptional model because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller with just a few clicks. This means you can skip the hassle of removing your car seat from its base, and also makes it easier for you to walk up and down the stairs or get into and out taxis without having the car seat in the.
Doonas are a great option for those on a budget, particularly first-time parents. It's less expensive than the cost of one year's gym membership and it provides new parents with peace of mind that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their baby.
Many families opt for two-piece stroller/car seat systems in the event that they have decided on a specific model of infant carrier, or have plans to have multiple children. If that's the case, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat work together. Also, consider buying an adapter to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents seeking a single piece that can be used for multiple functions. They can easily convert from a car seat to stroller, and vice versa. They are also simpler to maneuver than two piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're made to be lighter and more portable. "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 lighter than the two-piece versions and can be easily carried in trunks that are small. These
strollers 2 in 1 and infant car seats are generally lighter and have more useful features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some models even have a swivel front wheel that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Some brands, like Doona offer a stroller and baby car seat that can be used together. These are especially useful for parents who use rideshares or public transportation, or change caregivers often. This model is essentially 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, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat and then fold it up into the shape of a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you are considering can accommodate your preferred car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a longer-lasting product since it will be able to work with your child after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.
It's important to understand that some car seats and stroller combinations don't perform very well in our ease of use tests. This could be because of an design that makes it difficult to walk stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat may make it harder to push. It's worth reading our reviews to find out which option is the
best 2 in-1 prams one for you.