Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos nearly seem to connect themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is easy to click with the carrier." This reduces the possibility of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that allows you to do this. It easily transforms from a car seat into stroller, and frees up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it is hefty, but they also love its ease of use and functionality.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combination is a good option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It is also a good option for those who often use public transportation or rideshares and for parents who change caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are connected to the car seat, meaning they're more mobile," says Stanton. However, she notes, it's important to make sure the car seat is securely secured when using it with the travel system. She advises you to follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle for a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combinations have a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond shifting the carrier from one location to another. They scored better than those with more complex connections, as they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors (intentional or accidental). For example, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the car seat base that tells you when it's leveled correctly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and move from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless transformation that frees up extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also has an swivel front wheel that gives you an excellent maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has an elongated chassis that is springy and a large one-hand fold chassis that makes it easy to store. It has a spacious basket, as well as plenty of cup holders to hold snacks, drinks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long journeys, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric can be machine washed. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that can be locked below or at your baby's shoulders. pram 2in1 comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone that protects the child in case of a crash.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and one, swivel front wheel 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 feature useful features, including one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combinations are a great choice for parents who wish to keep their baby as comfortable as they can, whether they're doing errands or going on an extended family trip. Stroller and car seat combinations are usually simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and most models have convenient features that make them stand out from the competition. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines for strollers that are compatible with their products. A quick search online can help you narrow down your choices.
Some strollers and car seats have a direct connection that snaps in place without additional straps or a complicated installation process. This type of easy attachment is a major benefit for families who regularly take public transport 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 with just the touch of a button. This is a major time saver and allows you to bypass gate-checking a stroller on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other stroller and car seat combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to take the infant car seat from the stroller base and easily fold it into a compact package that can be tucked away into the trunk of a vehicle. This is a fantastic feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself also has a sleek design with premium fabrics, and smart features like a built in drape canopy that protects the baby from sleeping.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle and growth plans and your budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat for a child with little extra space. Higher-end combos will include the toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. Either way you can be sure that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking an infant car seat on flights They're also great for people who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These cars seats and strollers are easy to transport, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands free when traveling with their children.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models roll more smoothly and can be easier to push on different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can aid in getting the car seat in and out of a trunk or the rear of a vehicle.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are compact, lightweight and come with wheels that fold for easy storage. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that converts from an rear-facing five-point harness into a booster for children who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are relatively simple to use (we did not rate it as a top pick for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is a standout because it's a single piece of equipment that transitions from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller with just a few clicks. This allows you to remove the seat from its base and makes it much easier to move up and down stairs or get into taxis without having to put away the car seat.
Doonas are a great budget-friendly choice, especially for first-time parents. It's cheaper than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it gives new parents peace of mind that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their infant.
Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they're set on an infant carrier from a particular brand or have plans for multiple children. If this is the case, make sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seats and strollers will work together. Consider purchasing an adapter if necessary to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents who are looking for a single piece that can be used for a variety of functions. They are able to easily convert from a car seat to the stroller and vice versa. They are also easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally portable," says Stanton. "They have a lot less moving parts, which makes them easy to fold, transport and use."
In addition, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece models and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them simple to transport. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and come with more practical features, such as sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheels on the front, which is ideal for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. These are particularly useful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is basically an rear-facing car seat with wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you want to use it.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat, and then fold it up into the shape of a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona, but it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without having to click it into the base.
You should also consider whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combo will fit the car seat you prefer. If it is compatible, you are likely to enjoy longer-lasting use from the product as it will work with your child when they are no longer in the infant car seat.
It's also important to know that certain stroller and car seat combos aren't performing well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to a design that makes it difficult or inconvenient to climb stairs, or due to the weight of the car seat and stroller makes it more difficult to push on different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which model is the best for you.