It's Time To Expand Your 2 In 1 Stroller Car Seat Options
Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos almost seem to connect themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This will reduce the chance of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that lets you accomplish this. It seamlessly converts from a car seat to stroller, and lets you free up space in your trunk. Online reviews have noted that it is hefty, but they also love its simplicity of use and its functionality.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. This is also a good option for parents who use rides or public transportation frequently and who switch caregivers. Stanton says that because they're one item and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more portable. However, she notes, it's important to make sure the car seat is secured properly when it's used with the travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle for an ideal fit.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos feature simple click-in connections, that requires no effort beyond moving the carrier from one location to another. They scored higher in comparison to models with more complicated connections due to their lower pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. For instance, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that needs no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the car seat base that indicates when it's properly leveled.
The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller, it's also simple to install and switch from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless change that allows extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel on the front that allows for excellent mobility even with a seat attached.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System that has springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis for easy storage. It has a spacious basket, as well as plenty of cup holders to store snacks, drinks and baby equipment. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long trips and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA-approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and has a SafeCell crumple zone to protect them in the event of an accident.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires with a single, swivel front wheel for navigating busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and have convenient features, including one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as they can will be better off with a stroller and car seat combination, whether running errands or planning a family trip. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to move than separate items, and many models are equipped with features that set them apart from the competition. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible in order to work. The manufacturer of the car seat must provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers work with their product, and a quick online search will help find the right stroller.
Some strollers and carseats come with an immediate attachment that snaps into place without the need for straps or a complicated installation. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major selling point for families that frequently use public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the push of the button. This is a fantastic time-saver and lets you avoid having your stroller checked at the gate on planes (assuming that you have also purchased an airline chair for your baby), or to jump into and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to remove the infant carrier from the base of the stroller and easily fold it into a compact unit that fits inside the trunk of a vehicle. This is a fantastic feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself also features a sleek design and high-end fabrics, and smart features like a built in canopy that drapes over a baby who's sleeping.
The best 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combination for your family will depend on your lifestyle, your plans for growth and your budget. The cheapest models are likely to be frame strollers which can fit a child car seat with little space. Higher-end combos will include a toddler seat, twin strollers, or more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller meets all safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are a ideal option for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking the infant car seat on flights They're also great for those who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are easy to carry and maneuver in a hurry and are perfect for parents who want their hands free while traveling with their little ones.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through different conditions. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat in a trunk or back of the car.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are compact, lightweight, and feature foldable wheels for easy storage. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that can be converted from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for children who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth to be mentioned. It's a unique piece of equipment because it can be transformed from a rear facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of the button. This lets you remove the base of the seat and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop in and out of taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice that is a great choice for parents who are first-time parents. It's less than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it gives new parents peace of mind knowing that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their infant.
Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers If they're looking for an infant carrier from a particular brand or are planning to have several children. If this is the scenario, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat can work together. Also, consider buying an adapter if necessary to fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great choice for parents looking for a single piece of baby gear that can handle multiple functions. They are able to easily switch from being a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they're generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more natural-looking and portable," says Stanton. "They contain fewer moving parts which makes them easier to fold, use, and carry."
Additionally, pram 2 in 1 of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece options and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them simple to carry around. They also come with an extra cargo basket and more convenient features like sun shades and cup holders. Some models even have a swivel wheel on the front that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona provide a stroller and infant car seats that can be used together. These are especially beneficial for parents who take public transportation or rideshares or change caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing car seat with wheels that can be transformed into a 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 however, you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combination you are considering can accommodate your preferred brand of car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a longer-lasting product since it will fit your child after they've outgrown their infant car seats.
It's important to know that certain stroller and car seat combinations aren't very effective in our ease of use tests. 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 across different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to find out which option is the best one for you.