Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combinations are so simple to connect that it's almost like they're doing it themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is simple to click with the carrier." This reduces the possibility of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that allows you to accomplish this. It effortlessly converts from a car seat to stroller, and lets you free up space in your trunk. Online reviews have noted that it is hefty however they also appreciate its ease of use and performance.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who do not want to switch between strollers and car seats often find a mix of both appealing. It's also a great option for parents who use rides or public transportation frequently and that switch caregivers. "These are a single product and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they're more naturally portable," says Stanton. Stanton says it is important to secure the car seat properly when using a travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual to ensure a secure fit she adds.
In our tests, we found that the most effective stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connector that requires no effort beyond moving the carrier from one location to another. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and offer less chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). For example, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has no straps--and that there's an indicator on the base of the car seat that tells you when it's properly leveled.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and then transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or running errands. It also comes with an adjustable front wheel that gives you excellent maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features a springy chassis and an enormous one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It has a large basket as well as plenty of cups to hold drinks, snacks and baby equipment. The padded seat makes it comfortable for long journeys, and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and includes a safety harness that locks at or below the shoulders of your baby and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to protect them in the event of an accident.
A great travel system should be simple to push. Our top picks feature rubber tires and a single, pivoting wheel in the front to help navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and feature convenient features like one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to store
2in1 pram who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible will be better off with a car seat and stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to move than separate items, and a number of models are equipped with features that differentiate them from the rest. It is important to note that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible in order to work. The manufacturer of the car seat must provide guidelines for what types of strollers work with their product and a quick internet search will help to narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats have an attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or a complicated installation. This kind of effortless attachment is a big selling point, and is especially beneficial for families who frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller with just the touch of the button. This is a major time-saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact package which fits into the trunk. This is a great feature for busy families and the stroller itself is sleek and stylish, with high-end fabrics and smart features such as a built-in curtain canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your preferences, lifestyle and plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable options are likely to be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat with little extra space, whereas more expensive combos could include a toddler seat or a twin strollers and have more advanced features. You can be sure 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 an infant car seat when flying They're also great for those who use public transportation and ride-shares frequently. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and are ideal for parents who prefer their hands free when traveling with their children.
When choosing a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that's lightweight and compact. These types of strollers tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through various environments. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat in the trunk or the back of a 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. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a standard seat that can be converted into a booster when the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are relatively simple to use (we did not consider it a top pick for ease of assembly).
The Doona is another 2 in 1 stroller/car seat that's worth noting. It's a unique piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be transformed from a rear-facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of the button. This means you can skip the process of getting your car seat removed from its base, and also allows you to navigate the stairs or get into taxis without having your car seat stowed.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option that is a great choice for parents who are first-time parents. It's less expensive than a year of gym membership. It also gives parents peace of mind knowing their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families choose two-piece car seats/strollers if they're set on an infant carrier of a specific brand or are planning to have more than one child. If this is the case, be sure you've read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats are compatible. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to match your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is an excellent choice for parents who are seeking a single piece that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily convert from a car to a stroller, and reverse. They are also easier to move around than two piece travel systems. Stanton says they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They have less moving parts which makes them easy to fold and use as well as carry."
Additionally, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece options and fit in smaller trunks, making them simple to carry around. They also have an extra cargo basket and more useful features such as cup holders and sun shades. Some even come with a swivel front wheel that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona provide a stroller and infant car seats that can be used together. These are especially useful for parents who use public transportation or rideshares or change caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to slide the car seat into the frame and then unfold it into a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona however it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to click it into the base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you're considering fits the car seat you prefer. seat. If it's compatible, then you can expect to get a longer life out of the product because it will still work with your child as they grow out of the infant car seat.
It's also important to note that some stroller and car seats aren't performing well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or inconvenient to navigate steps, or the weight of the car seat and stroller makes it more difficult to push across different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to find out which option is best for you.