Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat and stroller combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.
One option that does this is the Doona that effortlessly transforms from car seat to stroller, and also helps to free up space in the trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's features and ease of use, but also note its substantial feel.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a good alternative for parents who utilize rides or public transportation frequently as well as those who change 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. Stanton suggests to secure the car seat properly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and your vehicle owner's manual to ensure an appropriate fit she advises.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller and car seat combinations have a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort other than shifting the car from one place to the next. They scored better than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and offer fewer opportunities for mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that does not require straps, and includes a meter on the base of the car seat that shows whether the seat is level properly.
The Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants is also easy to install and transfer from the car to the stroller. It's an easy conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. It also features an adjustable front wheel that provides an excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features a springy chassis and a large one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket and plenty cups to hold drinks, snacks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long trips, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric can be machine washed. It's FAA approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and has a SafeCell crumple zone to protect your child in the event of an accident.
A good travel system should be simple to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single, pivoting wheel in the front to help navigate 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 smoothly and come with useful features, like 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 are better off choosing a car seat and stroller combination, whether they are running errands or taking a family trip. Car seat and stroller combinations are generally simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and most models come with features that help them stand out from the competition. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller in order to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat must provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers are compatible with their product, and a quick online search can help narrow down your options.
Some strollers and car seats feature an easy connection that snaps into place with no any straps or a complex installation process. This type of easy attachment is a major selling point, and it's particularly helpful for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller at the touch of one button. This is a fantastic time-saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking your stroller on planes (assuming that you have also purchased an airline chair for your baby), or to jump in and out of a taxi.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as 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 into the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller has a sleek design with premium fabrics and smart features, like a built-in drape canopy that can protect a sleepy baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle and growth plans and your budget. The most affordable models tend to be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat for a child with little extra space. Higher-end combos will include a toddler seat, a twin stroller, or more advanced features. Either way, you can rest assured that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are a ideal option for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat on airlines, and they're also perfect for those who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport and maneuver around on the go and are ideal for parents who require their hands free while traveling with their children.
When deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that is lightweight and compact. These models tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push in various terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk or the back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after car seats/strollers are lightweight compact and folding casters that can be stored easily. For instance, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that can be converted from a rear-facing five-point harness to a booster for kids who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are easy to use (we did not consider it an ideal choice for its ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is an exceptional model because it's a single piece of equipment that transitions from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller with just a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of removing your car seat from its base, and also allows you to climb stairs or get in and out taxis without having your car seat stored.
Doonas are a great option for those on a budget, particularly first-time parents. It's less expensive than a year of gym membership. It also provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their child is secure when traveling.
Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers if they're set on an infant carrier from a certain brand or have plans for several children. If this is the case, be sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seats and strollers will work in tandem. Also consider purchasing an adapter to accommodate your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great choice for parents looking for one piece of baby gear that can serve multiple purposes. They are able to easily switch from a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they're generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily mobile," says Stanton. "They have fewer moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold, use, and carry."
In addition, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece options and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them simple to transport. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and feature more convenient features, like cup holders and sun shades. Some even have a swivel wheel on the front that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona provide an all-in-one baby car seat and stroller solutions. 2 in 1 stroller and car seat are especially beneficial for parents who take rideshares or public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat with wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat in and then unfold it as a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
You should also consider whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combo can fit your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can anticipate a longer-lasting product that will work with your child even after they've outgrown their infant car seats.
It's important to know that some stroller and car seats do not perform well in our ease of use tests. This could be because of the design that makes it difficult to climb stairs or due to the weight and size of the stroller/car seat could make it difficult to push. It's worth reading our review to find out which option is the best one for you.