Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos nearly feel like they attach themselves. “Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that snap together easily,” advises Stanton. This helps reduce the risk of mistakes during installation and removal.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that effortlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller and makes room for the trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona’s features and ease of use, but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who do not want to switch between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both appealing. This is also a good option for parents who take rides or public transportation frequently and who change caregivers. “These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are connected to the car seat, which means they’re more easily mobile,” says Stanton. However, she notes, it’s important to ensure that your car seat is securely secured when it’s used with the travel system. She says to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the owner’s manual of your vehicle to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combos have a simple click-in connection, that requires no effort, other than moving the stroller from one location to another. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and have the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for example that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps and also has a gauge on the base of the car seat that shows whether the seat is level correctly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller is easy 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 to go for shopping or running errands. It also has a swivel front wheel that provides excellent maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with springy suspension and a large, one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large storage basket and plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long journeys, and the tagless smooth knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It’s FAA approved and comes with the safety harness which is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard your child in the event of an accident.
A great travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have a single, swivel front wheel to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 pushchair pram Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide effortlessly and feature useful features, like one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can are better off choosing a stroller and car seat combination, whether running errands or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move than separate items, and many models have convenient features that set them apart from other strollers. However, it’s important to note that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible for use together. The car seat manufacturer must provide guidelines on what strollers can be used with their product. A quick online search will help narrow your choices.
Some strollers and car seats come with an easy connection that snaps in place without 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 an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a fantastic time-saver and helps you avoid having your stroller checked at the gate on planes (assuming that you’ve also purchased an airline chair for your baby) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base, and fold it easily into a compact size that fits inside the trunk. This is a great feature for busy families and the stroller is sleek and stylish, with premium fabrics and clever touches such as a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
The best 2 in 1 pram pushchair in 1 stroller car seat (read the article) for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle and plans for growth and budget. The most affordable options are likely to be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat with little extra space, whereas higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or twin stroller and offer more advanced features. In any case, you can rest assured that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families that want to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat when flying. They are also ideal for people who frequently use public transportation and ride-shares. Car seats and strollers are simple to transport and move in a hurry, which makes them ideal for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their little ones.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 travel system in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push in various terrains. Additionally, the smaller frames can aid in getting the car seat in and out of a trunk or at the back of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seats/strollers combinations are light, compact, and feature foldable wheels for easy storage. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that can be converted from a rear-facing five-point harness to a booster for children who are no longer in an infant carrier. It’s affordable, lightweight (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are relatively easy to use (we did not rate it as the best option for ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 prams in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is 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 a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing the seat from the base and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop in taxis without having to stow the car seat.
Doonas are a fantastic option for those on a budget, particularly new parents. It costs less than a year of gym membership, and gives parents peace of mind knowing their child is safe traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system when they’re deciding on a specific type of infant carrier, or have plans to have multiple children. If this is the case, make sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller will work together. Also consider purchasing an adapter in order to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who need one piece of baby equipment that can serve multiple purposes. They are able to easily switch from a car seat to a stroller and then back to a car seat, and are generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they’re made to be lighter and more portable. “They have a lot fewer moving parts, which means they’re more compact to fold, carry and use.”
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece options and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them easy to carry around. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and have more convenient features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which can be used to navigate busy streets and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. These are especially beneficial for parents who take public transportation or rideshares or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into and then fold it out as a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.
It is also important to consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combination can fit the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a more durable product since it will work with your child even after they’ve outgrown the car seats for infants.
It’s also important to be aware that some stroller and car seat combos do not perform well in our tests for ease of use. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or inconvenient to use stairs, or due to the weight of the car seat and stroller could make it difficult to push on different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best one for you.