Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it’s almost like they’re doing it themselves. “Look for a base and carrier that can be easily clicked together,” advises Stanton. This will reduce the risk of errors that can happen during the installation process and detachment.
Doona is one option that lets you do this. It easily converts from a car seat into stroller, and frees up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it feels sturdy but they also appreciate its user-friendliness and its functionality.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It is also a good option for those who regularly use rideshares or public transportation and for those who have multiple caregivers. Stanton says that since they’re a single piece and the wheels are connected to the car seats, they are more easily portable. However, she notes that it’s crucial to ensure that your car seat is securely secured when it’s used with a travel system. She says to always follow the manufacturer’s directions and your vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combos come with a simple click-in connector that requires no effort other than shifting the car from one to another. They scored higher in comparison to those with more complex connections because they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. We like, for example, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps and also has a gauge at the bottom of the car seat which indicates that the seat is level correctly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and then transfer from vehicle to stroller. It’s a seamless conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or running errands. It also comes with a swivel front wheel that offers an excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is mounted.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has a springy chassis and an enormous one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large storage basket as well as plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks, and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long rides and the tagless smooth-touch fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that can be locked beneath or around your baby’s shoulders. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard your child in the event of an accident.
A great travel system should be simple to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single pivoting wheel in the front for navigating busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo as well as the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide effortlessly and have convenient features, such as 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 stroller and car seat combination, whether running errands or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to maneuver than separate items, and a lot of models are equipped with features that set them apart from the rest. However, it’s important to remember that the car seat and stroller must be compatible to work together. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines on what strollers can be used with their product. A quick search online can help you narrow down your options.
Certain strollers and car seats have a direct attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or complicated assembly. This kind of effortless attachment is a major selling point, and is particularly beneficial for families that frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted to a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a great time-saver and lets you avoid gate-checking your stroller on planes (assuming that you’ve also purchased an airline chair for your baby) or to get into and out of a taxi.
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 into a compact unit that can be tucked away into the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for busy families, and the stroller itself is sleek and stylish, with high-end fabrics and smart features such as a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle, plans for growth, and budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that can fit in a car seat and have little extra space, whereas higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or a twin stroller and offer more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller meets all safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are excellent option for families that are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking the infant car seat on flights, and they’re also perfect for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. Car seats and strollers are easy to transport and maneuver in a hurry and are ideal for parents who need their hands free when traveling with their little ones.
When deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, look for one that is light and compact. These types of strollers tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push across different conditions. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat into the trunk or back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are lightweight, compact and come with wheels that fold for easy storage. For example the Cosco Finale 2 in 1 stroller and car seat-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that converts from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for kids who are no longer in an infant carrier. It’s affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are relatively simple to use (we didn’t score it as an ideal choice for ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 buggy in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It’s unique because it’s a single piece of equipment that can be converted from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in just a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing the seat from its base and makes it easier to move up and down stairs or get in and out of taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option, which is especially appealing for first-time parents. It’s cheaper than a year of gym membership and gives parents peace of mind knowing that their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families choose two-piece stroller/car seat systems if they are set on a particular brand of infant carrier or plans to have multiple children. If that’s your situation, make sure you read the product specs to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat will work together. Also consider purchasing an adapter if necessary to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat 2 in 1 stroller seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents who are looking for a single piece that can be used for multiple purposes. They can easily be converted from a car to the stroller and reverse the process. They are also more easy to move around than two in one pram piece travel systems. “They’re designed to be more easily portable,” says Stanton. “They have fewer moving parts, making them more compact to fold and use as well as carry.”
These strollers and car seats for infants are lighter than two-piece models and can be easily carried in trunks that are small. They also come with more space for cargo and more practical features like sun shades and cup holders. Some even have a swivel front wheel that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and baby car seat that can be used together. These are especially beneficial for parents who use public transportation or rideshares or change caregivers often. This model is essentially 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 insert the car seat and then unfold it into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without having to click into the base.
You should also consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combination can be used with the car seat you prefer. 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 are no longer in the infant car seat.
However, it’s important to note that some stroller and car seat combos aren’t performing well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to the design that makes it difficult to climb stairs or due to the weight and size of the stroller/car seat can make it more difficult to push. It’s worth reading our review to determine which model is the best one for you.