The best car stroller and seat combos nearly appear to be able to attach themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is simple to connect with the carrier." This reduces the chance of mistakes that could occur during the installation process and detachment.
One option that can do this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller and makes room for sibling Prams the trunk. Online reviews have noted that it is hefty but they also appreciate its user-friendliness and its functionality.
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 an ideal choice for those who often take public transportation or rideshares and for those who have multiple caregivers. Stanton states that since they are a single item and the wheels are attached the car seats are more portable. Stanton stresses the need to secure the car seat correctly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure an appropriate fit, she says.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller and car seat combos have a simple click-in connector that requires no effort beyond moving the carrier from one location to another. They scored higher in comparison to those with more complex connections due to the fact that they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for mistakes, whether intentional or accidental. For example, we like the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the car seat base that indicates when it's leveled correctly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless transition that allows extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also has a swivel wheel at the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even with a seat attached.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It has a big basket and plenty cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby gear. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long journeys, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric is washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved and comes with an safety strap that is secured beneath or around the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard them if they are in an accident.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and a single, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 stroller car seat 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 braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible should consider a stroller and car seat combination, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or going on a family trip. Stroller and car seat combinations are often simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and many models have convenient features that help them stand out from the rest. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat needs to be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work together. The car seat manufacturer must give guidelines on which strollers can be used with their product. A quick search on the internet can help you narrow down your options.
Some strollers and car seats come with an immediate 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 is especially beneficial for families who frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller with just the push of one button. This is a major time-saver and allows you to bypass gate-checking a stroller on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact unit that can be tucked away in the trunk. This is another great feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller itself has a sleek design with top-quality fabrics and smart touches such as a built-in curtain canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combo for your family is based on your lifestyle, your plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable options are likely to be frame strollers that can fit a car seat with minimal extra space, while more expensive combos could include a toddler seat or twin strollers and have more advanced features. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to Carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a ideal option for families who want to avoid gate-checking the infant car seat when flying They're also great for those who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport and maneuver on the go and are perfect for parents who require their hands free when traveling with their little ones.
When you're deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that is lightweight and compact. These types of strollers have a smoother ride and are easier to push on different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in a trunk or back of the car.
Some of the most popular car seat/stroller combinations are light compact and folding casters that can be stored easily. For instance, the Cosco Finale 2 in 1 stroller with car seat-in-1 is a no-frills seat that can be converted from an rear-facing five-point harness into a booster for children who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are simple to use (we did not rate it as the best option for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's a standout because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in just a few clicks. This means you can skip the hassle of removing your car seat from its base, and it makes it easier for you to climb the stairs or get into and out taxis without having the car seat stored.
Doonas are a fantastic affordable option, especially for first-time parents. It's less expensive than a year's gym membership, and gives parents peace of mind knowing that their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system when they're deciding on a particular brand of infant carrier or have plans to have several children. If that's the scenario, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat work together. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want only one piece of baby equipment that can serve multiple purposes. They are able to easily switch from a car seat to a stroller and back to a car seat, and are generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally mobile," says Stanton. "They have fewer moving parts, which makes them easier to fold and use as well as carry."
Additionally, these types of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece models and fit in smaller trunks, making them easy to transport. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and come with more practical features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some even come with a swivel front wheel which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and infant car seats that can be used together. These are particularly useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is basically an rear-facing car seat with wheels, and the wheels drop down to become a stroller when you wish to use it.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to slide the car seat into the frame 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 the base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant seat combination you are considering can accommodate your preferred brand of car seat. If it's compatible, then you are likely to enjoy longer-lasting use from the product as it will still work with your child as they grow out of the infant car seat.
It's also important to know that certain stroller and car seats aren't performing well in our tests for ease of use. This could be due to the design that makes it difficult to climb stairs, or the weight and size of the car seat could make it difficult to push. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which one is best for you.
