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Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it almost feels like they're doing it themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is simple to connect with the carrier." This reduces the possibility of mistakes during installation and removal.
One option that does this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from car seat to stroller, and also makes room for the trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's features and user-friendliness, but also note its substantial feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both attractive. It's also a good alternative for parents who utilize rides or public transportation frequently and who change caregivers. Stanton states that since they are a single item and the wheels are connected, the car seats are more mobile. However, she adds that it's essential to make sure the car seat is properly secured when it's used with an electronic travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure a secure fit she adds.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond shifting the carrier from one location to another. These models scored higher than those with more complicated connections, as they require less pressure and offer the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). For instance, we like the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that needs straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the base of the car seat that tells you when it's leveled correctly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and then transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless transformation that allows extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also features a swivel wheel at the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even when the seat attached.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems with springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It has a large basket and plenty cups for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The padded seat is ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and includes an safety harness that is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and includes a SafeCell crumple zone that protects your child in the event of an accident.
A good travel system must also be simple to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single, swivel wheel on the front for navigating busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features like one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combinations are a great option for parents who want to keep their child as comfortable as they can whether they're running errands or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move around than separate items, and a lot of models come with convenient features that distinguish them from the competition. It is crucial to remember that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller for them to work. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines for strollers that are compatible with their product. A quick online search can help you narrow your options.
Some strollers and carseats have an immediate attachment that snaps into position without the need for straps or complicated assembly. This kind of simple attachment is a huge selling point, and it's particularly beneficial for families that frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller at the push of a button. This is a significant time saver and allows you to avoid having a stroller checked on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to hop into and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combinations like the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact unit that can be stored in the trunk. This is an excellent feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself has a sleek design with top quality fabrics and also smart touches like a built in drape canopy that protects the baby from asleep.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for growth, and budget. The most affordable options are likely to be frame strollers that fit a car seat with little extra space, whereas more expensive combos could include a toddler seat or twin strollers and have more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller meets all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a ideal option for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat when flying and are also ideal for people who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These car seats and strollers are easy to carry and maneuver in a hurry and are ideal for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their kids.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller /car seat. These types of strollers tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in the trunk or the back of the car.
Many of the most sought-after car seats/strollers are lightweight compact and foldable casters for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for instance, is a simple seat that can convert into a booster when the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are relatively easy to use (we didn't score it as an ideal choice for ease of assembly).
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 stroller/car seat that's worth to be mentioned. It's a unique piece of equipment because it can be transformed from a rear facing infant car seat to a stroller simply by pressing the button. This lets you skip the step of removing the base of the seat and makes it much easier to move up and down stairs or get into taxis without having to store the car seat.
Doonas are an excellent option for those on a budget, particularly first-time parents. It's cheaper than a year of gym membership, and provides parents with peace of mind knowing their child is secure when traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system when they're deciding on an infant carrier from a certain brand or are planning to have several children. If that's the case, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat work together. Consider purchasing an adapter to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great choice for parents looking for a single piece of baby gear which can perform multiple functions. They can easily transition from a car seat to a stroller and then back to a car seat, and are generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally mobile," says Stanton. "They have fewer moving parts, making them easier to fold and use as well as carry."
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece options and fit in smaller trunks, making them easy to transport. They also tend to have a larger cargo basket and more useful features such as sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel on the front that is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona provide an all-in-one baby car seat and stroller solutions. They are especially useful parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and unfold it into the shape of a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.
It is also important to consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combination can accommodate your preferred car seat brand. If it is compatible, you can expect to get longer-lasting use from the product because it will work with your child when they get out of the infant car seat.
It's also important to note that some stroller and car seats don't perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to navigate stairs, or because the weight of the car seat and stroller could make it difficult to push across different terrains. In either situation, it's worth checking out our full reviews to determine the best solution for you.
