Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it's almost like they're doing it all by themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that effortlessly transforms from car seat to stroller and helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's functionality and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
2 in 1 stroller with car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. This is also a good option for parents who take rides or public transportation frequently, as well as those who switch caregivers. "These are a single product and the wheels are attached to the car seat, which means they're more easily portable," says Stanton. However, she says that it's crucial to make sure the car seat is secured properly when it's used with a travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle for an ideal fit.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combos feature a simple, click-in connection that requires little effort other than shifting the car from one place to the next. These models scored better than those with more complicated connections, since they require less pressure and offer fewer opportunities for errors (intentional or accidental). For example, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the car seat base that tells you when it's leveled correctly.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and move from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. It also has an adjustable front wheel that gives you an excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is in place.
Another option is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features springy chassis as well as a large fold-down chassis that makes it easy to store. It has a spacious basket and plenty of cup holders to store drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The padded seat makes it comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric can be machine washed. 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 protect the child in case of a crash.
A good travel system must be easy to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single, rotating wheel at the front for navigating busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo as well as the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide effortlessly and come with useful features, like one-hand brakes and 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, whether they are running errands or planning an outing with the family. Stroller and car seat combinations are often simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and most models come with features that help them distinct from other models. But, it is crucial 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 kinds of strollers are compatible with their product, and a quick online search can help to narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats have a direct attachment that snaps into place without the need for straps or complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families who frequently use public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into stroller with the click of a single button. This is a major time-saver and makes it easy to avoid gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base, and fold it easily into a compact package which fits inside the trunk. This is an excellent feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself also has a sleek design with high-end fabrics, and smart features like a built in canopy that drapes over a baby who's sleeping.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your personal preferences and plans for growth and your budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat for a child with a small amount of space. More expensive combos will include the toddler seat, twin strollers, or more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be assured that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest standards of safety.
Easy to Carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a excellent option for families that want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat on airlines and are also ideal for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands off when traveling with their children.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through various environments. Additionally, the smaller frames can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the rear of a vehicle.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are lightweight, compact and have wheels that fold for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for instance, is a simple seat that converts to a booster when the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are relatively simple to use (we did not rate it as the best option for ease of assembly).
The Doona is a different 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth mentioning. It's a unique piece of equipment because it can be transformed from a rear-facing infant car seat into stroller with the click of on a button. This allows you to skip the step of removing the seat from the base and makes it easier to move up and down stairs or get in and out of taxis without having to store the car seat.
Doonas are a great option for those on a budget, particularly new parents. It's less than the cost of one year's gym membership and it gives parents peace of mind that they have safe travel gear for their child.
Many families opt for two-piece stroller/car seat systems if they are set on a particular type of infant carrier or plans to have multiple children. If this is the case, make sure to read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats will work in tandem. Consider buying an adapter that will fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents looking for a single item that can be used for multiple functions. They are able to easily switch from a car seat to a stroller and then back again, and they're generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are made to be lighter and more portable. "They have a lot less moving components, which makes them easy to fold, transport, and use."
Additionally, these types of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece models and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them easy to transport. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and feature more practical features, including cup holders and sun shades. Some models even have a swivel wheel on the front which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. These are especially beneficial for parents who take public transportation or rideshares or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be converted into stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to slide the car seat into and then fold it out as a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without needing to click into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combo you're considering fits your preferred car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can anticipate a longer-lasting product as it will work with your child even after they have outgrown the infant car seats.
However, it's important to be aware that some car seat and stroller combos aren't performing well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to a design that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to use steps, or the weight of the car seat and stroller could make it difficult to push across different terrains. In any case, it's worth checking out our full reviews to find the most suitable option for you.