A car seat for infants for travel can help you save time and hassle. You can use the car seat in taxis and rental cars. Many countries require you to bring the child’s car seat.
Doona is a well-known brand that combines a car seat and stroller in one. It is small enough to fit inside the seats of airlines, and is FAA approved.
1. Doona
Doona the newest car seat/travel system that has arrive on the market, is a combination of both. It’s the first car that can be converted into a stroller at the press of a button. It comes in various colors and includes a wide range of accessories. It’s an excellent choice for families who travel often because it’s a TUV and FAA certified aircraft (though it is possible to check the base of the aircraft).
As a car seat, Doona provides top safety features. The double wall structure of the Doona encloses the wheels and adds layers of EPS foam for extra protection in an accident. The handle can also function as a head-protecting bar in the event of an accident. The Doona also includes a 5-point harness that holds your child at the shoulders and hips which are the most rigid parts of their bodies, shielding them from the force of a collision.
When it comes to using Doona as stroller, you’ll find it light and easy to move around. Its narrow frame allows it to fit in most airplane aisles and it can be used in either forward facing infant car seat or rear-facing positions. Plus, it’s easy to connect to the Doona LATCH base in your vehicle to ensure secure installation.
It’s important to note, though, that your baby will eventually outgrow Doona. You’ll know when they’re ready to upgrade when there’s less than an inch between the top of their head and the top of the canopy. Until then you’ll be able to use Doona as a stroller and car seat for any trips or trips you make.
If you’re considering purchasing a Doona, we recommend searching around for the most affordable price. You can find Doona in stores such as Nordstrom, Target and Pottery Barn. You can use gift cards and loyalty points/perks from these retailers to save money.
2. Chicco KeyFit 35
Chicco (KEY-ko) is a well-known company that makes products that include baby car seats, strollers and some parents’ favourite diaper bags. The company is among the largest manufacturers of infant car seats in the world, and they offer some amazing products that have impressed us throughout the testing process. They have high crash test ratings, are easy to install and use in a variety of car configurations and pair well with the best strollers that are available if you use the right adapters (available separately).
This model is our 2nd selection and is a fantastic choice for families that want an easy seat to set up in a variety of ways and works well with the top strollers out there. The KeyFit 35 is a good choice for families who want seats that can be put in a variety of ways and works well with many of the best car seat for newborn strollers.
The OG Chicco Keyfit the KeyFit 30, and the KeyFit 35 all offer a “ClearTex” version that is treated with no added chemical fire retardants (a newer trend in products for children as parents are becoming more aware of the toxic chemicals some car seats require to meet federal requirements for flammability). It’s an excellent option for families looking to reduce exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals in their child’s environment.
All KeyFit models come with a variety of other excellent features that make them stand out in our tests. Their base/carrier lock system uses a combination of audible and visual cues to ensure that the carrier is securely connected to the base. A “click” is heard when the system is a good match and a simple pull of the handle confirms that it is in the correct upright position for driving.
The KeyFit 35 also has a removable head and body support that is suitable for babies between 4 and 11 pounds. It adjusts to the seat to give more legroom and a higher headrest as your child grows. This will improve the safety and comfort of babies who are rear-facing. The base has two stages to ensure secure installation in your car and to allow for a smooth transition from toddlerhood to your child when they are ready.
3. Graco SnugRide Stroller
This Graco travel system is the best choice for families looking for an all in one stroller and car seat set-up. It is user-friendly and super compact when folded. This is an excellent option for road trips or vacations. It’s also a great option for busy moms who don’t have lots of time to invest in installing and figuring out how to use a new piece of equipment.
The car seat is connected easily to the stroller frame. You can choose to have the baby facing you or the rest of the world. It is a top-rated car seat with excellent crash test results. If your budget is tight this is a great option, but we recommend you look into a different model if you have the flexibility.
We love that this car seat features a front swivel wheel and that the base locks in place to stop any unexpected stroller movements. It’s as well to observe the LATCH clips being tucked away on the front of the base, rather than in a space that’s difficult to access under the base, where they might be accidentally knocked off when you put down the car seat.
This infant car seat travel seat is suitable for infants weighing between 4 and 35 pounds. This infant seat was designed for babies who weigh up to 35 lbs. The Lite LATCH system is easy to install with the included instructions. The seat is narrow and light, which means it is suitable for most vehicles when facing the opposite direction to the vehicle’s seat belt route. This seat features a headrest which can be adjusted to fit your child’s height, and a harness adjuster that is built into. The shoulder straps come with four possible height positions, and the crotch strap comes with two height positions. It is essential to take off the body and head inserts by the time your child weighs 12 pounds.
This model’s rethreading method of adjustment of the crotch and shoulder straps isn’t one of our favorites. It’s not too difficult, but it is more convoluted than other seats that don’t need rethreading. The crotch and head belts aren’t quite as deep as those on other models. This could put your child in the danger of a gap in their crotch during an accident.
4. Baby Trend Trooper
This car seat for babies is popular among families with infants who are looking for lightweight, easy-to-transport infant car seat. It is also compatible with a variety of strollers. This makes it much easier for parents who travel with their children. It’s a great option for parents who regularly take taxis or rideshares.
This infant car seats newborn seat is easily installed using either the seat belt or LATCH system of your vehicle. It features push-on LATCH connectors that feature clear indicators and an indicator for the harness that is not twisting. The seat also comes with deep side wing protection, which offers additional crash protection for your child. The seat comes with a Delta carry handle that can be used as an anti-rebound bar.
When you install the seat with the seat belt, it’s important to make sure that the shoulder strap is at least as high as your child’s shoulders and that the lap belt is low enough to fit around your child’s thighs. If the strap for your shoulder is too low, it could be a danger for infants and when the lap belt is too high, it can cause your baby to move in a car ride that is uncomfortable.
Another important thing to remember with this seat is that it comes with special rules for the route of the crotch buckle for infants. Specifically, the manual says that you shouldn’t route the crotch buckle webbing through any slot other than the one closest to the outside for the children with the smallest size. This can be a hassle for some parents and could result in a buckle that does not fit correctly.
Overall, the Trooper is a fantastic option for parents looking for a premium car seat for babies that’s easy to transport and fits 3 in the majority of vehicles. It’s heavier than other models but it has great safety features and stroller compatibility.
Evenflo Pivot LiteMax Stroller & Car Seat Combo is a great choice for parents who are looking for a more affordable infant car seat. This combo is more affordable than other similar options and offers superior convenience and safety for parents on a tight budget.