Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combos are so easy to attach that it's almost like they're doing it all by themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for errors that can happen during the installation process and detachment.
One option that does this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and also makes room for the trunk. Online reviews have noted that it is hefty, but they also love its simplicity of use and performance.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between strollers and car seats often find a combination of both attractive. This is also a good option for parents who use public transportation or rideshares frequently as well as those who switch caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are connected to the car seat, which means they're more mobile," says Stanton. However, she says that it's essential to make sure the car seat is securely secured when using it with a travel system. She suggests that you always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle for an ideal fit.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos feature an easy click-in connection which requires little effort other than moving the car seat from one location to another. These models scored better compared to models with more complicated connections due to their lower pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. We like, for example, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps, and has a gauge at the bottom of the car seat that indicates when the seat is leveled correctly.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants it's also simple to set up and move from car to stroller. It's a seamless transition that frees up trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also has an swivel front wheel that gives you great maneuverability, even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large basket and plenty of cup holders to hold snacks, drinks and baby equipment. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA-approved and comes with the safety harness which is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and has a SafeCell crumple zone that protects them in the event of an accident.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and a single, swivel front wheel to navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and 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 they can should consider a car seat stroller combination, regardless of whether they are doing errands during the day or planning a family trip. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to move than separate items, and a lot of models come with convenient features that differentiate them from other strollers. It is crucial to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines for strollers that are compatible with their products. A quick search online can help you narrow your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have an immediate connection that snaps into place without any straps or a complex installation process. This type of easy attachment is a major benefit for families that frequently take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a huge time saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller, and fold it easily into a compact package which can be stored in the trunk. This is another great feature for busy families and the stroller has a sleek design with high-end fabrics and smart features such as a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle and growth plans and budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers which can accommodate a car seat for a child with little extra space. More expensive combos will include the toddler seat, twin stroller, or more advanced features. In any case you can be assured that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families that want to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for the infant car seat while flying. They are also ideal for those who frequently use public transportation or ride-sharing services. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and move around on the go and are ideal for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their little ones.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. Push Chairs & Prams tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push across different environments. Additionally, the smaller frames can help you get the car seat in and out of a trunk or at the back of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight, compact and feature foldable casters for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for instance is a basic seat that can convert into an infant 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 user-friendly (we didn't score it as a top pick for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that 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 in a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing the seat from its base and makes it much easier to navigate stairs or hop in and out of taxis without having to stow the car seat.
The Doona is a cost-effective option that is particularly appealing to parents who are just starting out. It's cheaper than a year of gym membership. It also provides parents with peace of mind knowing their child is secure when traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece car seat/stroller system If they're looking for an infant carrier of a specific brand or are planning to have multiple children. If this is the scenario, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat will work in tandem. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter that will fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want a single piece of baby equipment which can perform multiple functions. They can easily convert from a car seat to stroller, and reverse the process. They are also simpler to move around than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally mobile," says Stanton. "They have less moving parts which makes them easy to fold, use, and carry."
These car seats and strollers for infants are also lighter than the two-piece options, and they can be easily transported in small trunks. They also tend to have an extra cargo basket and more useful features such as cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheel on the front that is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, like Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. These are especially useful for parents who use public transportation or rideshares, or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat with wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and then fold it up into the form of a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.
You should also consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combo can fit your preferred car seat brand. If it's compatible, then you can expect to get a longer life out of the product because it will work with your child as they grow out of the infant car seat.
It's important to know that certain stroller and car seat combinations don't perform very well in our ease of use tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult to climb stairs, or the weight and size of the stroller/car seat may make it harder to push. It's worth reading our review to determine which model is the best one for you.