Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car stroller and seat combos nearly appear to be able to attach themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is easy to connect with the carrier." This reduces the possibility of mistakes during installation and removal.
One option that can do this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from car seat to stroller, and also frees up trunk space. Reviewers on the internet say it is hefty but they also appreciate its user-friendliness and its functionality.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller 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 those who switch between caregivers. Stanton states that since they're a single piece and the wheels are attached to the car seats, they are more easily portable. However, she notes that it's essential to make sure the car seat is secured properly when it's used with an electronic travel system. She advises you to follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the most effective stroller and car seat combos feature a simple, click-in connection that requires little effort beyond shifting the carrier from one place to the next. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and offer the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for example that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that requires no straps, and also has an indicator at the bottom of the car seat which indicates when the seat is leveled correctly.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants too, is easy to set up and move from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless change that allows extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also comes with an adjustable front wheel that gives you excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System that has springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand-fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket as well as plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. Its padded seat is comfortable for long trips and the tagless smooth-touch fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved and comes with an safety strap that is secured either below or on the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard them if they are in an accident.
A good travel system will also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all have rubber tires with one, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with useful features like one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can will be better off with a car seat and stroller combination, whether they are running errands for the day or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to move than separate items, and a lot of models have convenient features that distinguish them from the competition. However, it's important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible for use together. The manufacturer of the car seat must provide guidelines for what types of strollers work with their product, and a quick online search will help find the right stroller.
Some strollers and carseats come with an attachment that snaps into position without the need for straps or a complicated installation. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major selling point for families who frequently take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into stroller with the click of a button. This is a major time saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to get 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 easily into a compact unit that fits into the trunk. This is a great feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself features a sleek design and premium fabrics, and also smart touches like a built in canopy with a drape that can protect the baby from sleeping.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle and growth plans and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers which can fit a child car seat with little extra space. The more expensive models will have a toddler seat, twin stroller, or more advanced features. Either way, you can rest assured that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are a great choice for families who wish to avoid having to check gate-check an infant car seat on airlines, and they're also perfect for those who utilize public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These strollers and cars seats are easy to transport and are ideal for parents who prefer their hands free when traveling with their children.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat into a trunk or the back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight and compact, and come with foldable casters for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a standard seat that converts to a booster when the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are user-friendly (we didn't score it as a top pick for its ease of installation).
The Doona is another 2 in 1 stroller/car seat that's worth to be mentioned. It's a unique piece of equipment since it can be transformed from a rear facing infant car seat to a stroller simply by pressing the button. 2 in 1 pushchair allows you to avoid the hassle of removing your car seat from its base. It also allows you to navigate stairs or get in taxis without having your car seat stored.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option, which is especially appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It's less than the cost of one year's gym membership and it provides new parents with peace of mind knowing that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their infant.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they are set on a specific brand of infant carrier or have plans to have several children. If this is the case, be sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller are compatible. Also consider purchasing an adapter in order to accommodate your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want one piece of baby equipment that can handle multiple functions. They are able to easily switch from a car seat to a stroller and then back to a car seat, and are generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says they're designed to be more portable. "They have less moving parts, making them easy to fold, use, and carry."
Additionally, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece ones and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them simple to carry around. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and feature more useful features, including cup holders and sun shades. Some come with a swivel front wheel that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and infant car seats that can be used together. These are especially useful for parents who use public transportation or rideshares, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and fold it up into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.
It is also important to consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo can fit your preferred car seat brand. If it's compatible, you can expect longer-lasting use from the product as it will still work with your child as they get out of the infant car seat.
It's also important to note that some car seat and stroller combos don't perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult to climb stairs or because the weight and size of the car seat could make it more difficult to push. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which model is the best one for you.