Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos almost seem to connect themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is simple to click with the carrier." 2 in 1 pram stroller minimizes the potential for errors that could occur during the installation process and detachment.
Doona is one of the options that allows you to do this. It easily converts from a car seat to stroller, and lets you free up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet say it feels substantial, but they also love its ease of use and performance.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a great option for parents who use public transportation or rideshares often as well as those who switch caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they're more portable," says Stanton. However, she says that it's crucial to make sure the car seat is properly secured when you use it with the travel system. She says to always follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual of your vehicle to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combinations have simple click-in connections, that requires no effort, other than moving the stroller from one place to another. These models scored better than those with more complex connections, since they require less pressure and offer less chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). For example, we like 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 shows when it is properly leveled.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and move from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or errands. It also has a swivel front wheel that offers an excellent maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System that has springy suspension as well as an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large basket, as well as plenty of cups for drinks, snacks and baby equipment. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long trips and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that can be locked below or at your baby's shoulders. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect them if they are in a crash.
A good travel system will also be easy to push, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and a single, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo as well as the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and have convenient features, like one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as they can are better off choosing a car seat stroller combination, whether they are doing errands during the day or taking an outing with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move around than separate items, and many models are equipped with features that differentiate them from the competition. It is important to remember that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible for use together. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines for strollers that are compatible with their products. A quick online search can help you narrow down your choices.
Some strollers and car seats come with an easy connection that snaps in place without any straps or a complex installation process. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point, and it's particularly beneficial for families that frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted to stroller with the press of a button. This is a time-saving feature and helps you avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your baby), or to jump in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the stroller base, and fold it easily into a compact package which can be tucked away into the trunk. This is an excellent feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself also has a sleek design with top quality fabrics as well as smart touches such as a built-in canopy with a drape that can protect the baby from sleeping.
The best 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combo for your family depends on your lifestyle, your plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that fit in a car seat and have the smallest amount of space. On the other hand, higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or twin strollers, and include more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller is compliant with all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat on flights and are also ideal for those who utilize rides-shares and public transportation often. Car seats and strollers are easy to transport and maneuver in a hurry, which makes them ideal for parents who need their hands off when traveling with their little ones.
When deciding on a stroller that is a 2 in 1 car seat, choose one that is light and compact. These models roll more smoothly and are more easy to push on different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat in the trunk or back of the car.
A few of the most well-known car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight, compact and feature foldable casters that make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a basic seat that converts to an infant booster when the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are simple to use (we did not consider it the best option for ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is unique because it's a single piece equipment that converts from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller with just a few clicks. This allows you to skip the step of removing the seat from its base and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop into taxis without having to store the car seat.
Doonas are a fantastic budget-friendly choice, especially for first-time parents. It's less than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it provides new parents with peace of mind that they have safe travel gear for their child.
Many families opt for two-piece stroller/car seat systems in the event that they have decided on a specific type of infant carrier, or have plans to have several children. If that's your scenario, be sure to review the specifications of the product to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat work together. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is a great option for parents seeking a single piece that can be used for multiple purposes. They can easily transition from a car seat to a stroller, and back to a car seat, and are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily mobile," says Stanton. "They contain fewer moving parts, which makes them easy to fold, use, and carry."
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece options and can fit into small trunks, making them easy to carry around. They also have more space for cargo and more practical features like cup holders and sun shades. Some even come with a swivel front wheel that is ideal for navigating streets and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller as well as an infant car seat that can be used together. These are especially beneficial for parents who use public transportation or rideshares or who change caregivers frequently. This model is basically a rear-facing car seat on wheels. The wheels lower to make an infant stroller when you decide to use it.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat into and then unfold it as a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant seat combo you're considering fits your preferred brand of car seat. If it's compatible, then you can expect to get more life from the product as it will work with your child as they are no longer in the infant car seat.
However, 2in1 pram to be aware that some stroller and car seats aren't performing well in our tests for ease of use. This could be because of the design that makes it difficult to navigate stairs or due to the weight and size of the stroller/car seat could make it harder to push. It's worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best for you.