Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat and stroller combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This reduces the possibility of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that lets you do this. It easily transforms from a car seat into stroller, and frees up space in your trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's versatility and user-friendliness, but also note its substantial feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between car seats and strollers often find a mix of both attractive. It is also a good option for those who regularly use rideshares or public transportation as well as those who have multiple caregivers. pushchairs 2 in 1 says that because they're one item and the wheels are attached the car seats are more easily portable. However, she says, it's important to make sure the car seat is secured properly when it's used with a travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure an appropriate fit she advises.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combos have a simple click-in connection, that requires no effort other than moving the carrier from one location to the next. These models scored higher compared to models with more complicated connections due to their lower pressure and offer fewer chances for mistakes, whether intentional or accidental. We like, for instance the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps and includes a meter on the base of the car seat which indicates when the seat is leveled correctly.
The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller, is also easy to install and transfer from car to stroller. It's a seamless transition that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has a swivel wheel in the front, which allows for excellent mobility even with the seat on.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System that has a springy suspension and a large, one-hand-fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a big basket and plenty cups for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The cushioned seat is ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth knit fabric is machine washed. It's FAA approved and comes with a safety harness that locks at or below the shoulders of your baby and has a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard them in the event of a crash.
A good travel system will also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and only a single, swivel rear wheel to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and feature useful features, such as one-hand brakes and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Car seat stroller combos are a great option for parents who wish to keep their baby as comfortable as they can, whether they're running errands, or going on a family vacation. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to move around than separate items, and a number of models come with convenient features that set them apart from the competition. It's important to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what strollers can be used with their product. A quick search on the internet can help you narrow down your choices.
Some strollers and car seats come with a direct connection that snaps into place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This type of easy attachment is a big selling point, and it's especially beneficial for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a time-saving feature and allows you to avoid gate-checking your stroller on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your baby), or to jump in and out of a taxi.
Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant carrier from the stroller base and easily fold it into a compact package that can be tucked away inside the trunk of a vehicle. check out your url is another great feature for families with busy schedules, and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with high-end fabrics and smart touches such as a built-in drape canopy that can protect a sleepy baby.
The best 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 options will likely be frame strollers that can fit in a car seat and have minimal extra space, while more expensive combos could include a toddler seat or a twin strollers, and include more advanced features. Either way, you can rest assured that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are a ideal option for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat when flying, and they're also perfect for those who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These car seats and strollers are easy to transport and maneuver on the go, which makes them ideal for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their children.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models have a smoother ride and can be easier to push over different 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 and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are lightweight, compact and have wheels that fold for easy storage. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that converts from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to an infant booster when children are no longer in an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps which are relatively simple to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is a standout 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 allows you to avoid the process of taking your car seat off its base, and also helps you to walk up and down stairs or get in and out taxis without having your car seat stored.
Doonas are a great affordable option, especially for first-time parents. It's less expensive than a year of gym membership. It also gives parents peace of mind knowing that their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families opt for two-piece stroller/car seat systems if they are set on a particular type of infant carrier, or have plans to have several children. If that's your case, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat can work in tandem. Also consider purchasing an adapter to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want only one piece of baby gear which can perform multiple functions. They can easily transition from a car seat to a stroller, and back to a car seat, and are generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're designed to be more compact. "They contain fewer moving parts, making them easy to fold, use, and transport."
Additionally, these types of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece models and can fit into small trunks, making them simple to transport. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and feature more useful features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheels on the front, which is ideal for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and infant car seat that can be used in conjunction. These are particularly useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is basically an automobile seat that is rear-facing on wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you want to use it.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and then fold it up into the form of 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.
You should also consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo will fit your preferred car seat brand. If it's compatible, you are likely to enjoy more life from the product since it will be able to work with your child once they grow out of the infant car seat.
It's important to know that certain stroller and car seats aren't very effective in our user-friendliness tests. This could be due to the design that makes it difficult to walk stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat can make it harder to push. It's worth reading our reviews to find out which option is the best for you.