Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best 2 in-1 prams car stroller and seat combos almost seem to connect themselves. “Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that can be easily clicked together,” advises Stanton. This reduces the possibility of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that allows you to do this. It effortlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and it frees up space in your trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona’s versatility and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
A car seat and stroller combo is an attractive choice for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It is also a good option for those who regularly use rideshares or public transportation, as well as those who switch between caregivers. “These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they’re more easily mobile,” says Stanton. However, she adds that it’s essential to make sure the car seat is securely 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 an appropriate fit, she says.
In our tests, we found that the most effective stroller and car seat combos come with a simple click-in connector that requires no effort other than shifting the car from one place to the next. These models scored better compared to those with more complex connections due to their lower pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate 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 that the seat is level correctly.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and then transfer from car to stroller. It’s an easy conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or errands. It also has an adjustable front wheel that provides excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System that has springy suspension and a large, one-hand-fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cups for snacks, drinks, and baby equipment. The cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys, and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric is washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that can be locked either below or on the shoulders of your baby. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard them if they are in an accident.
A good travel system should also be simple to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single, swivel wheel on the front to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide pushchair pram 2 in 1 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and feature convenient features such as one hand braking and an ample storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible should consider a car seat and stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or taking an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to maneuver than separate items, and a number of models come with convenient features that set them apart from the rest. However, it’s important to remember that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible for use together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to provide guidelines for what types of strollers work with their product and a quick internet search can help you to narrow your choices.
Some strollers and carseats come with a direct attachment that snaps into place without the need for additional straps or complicated assembly. This type of easy attachment is a major selling point for families who regularly utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the click of a button. This is a significant time-saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you’ve also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to hop in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller, and fold it easily into a compact unit that fits inside the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for busy families and the stroller itself is sleek and stylish, with high-end fabrics and clever touches such as a built-in curtain canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your preferences, lifestyle and growth plans and your budget. The most affordable options are likely to be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat with little extra space, whereas higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or a twin strollers, and include more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller will meet all safety standards.
Easy to Carry
These combos are ideal for families who wish to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat while flying. They’re also great for those who frequently use public transportation and ride-shares. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and are ideal for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their children.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 travel system with car seat in 1 stroller/car seat. These options tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push in various conditions. Furthermore, the smaller frames can make it easier to get the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the rear of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are compact, lightweight and have wheels that fold for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2 in 1 prams-in-1 for example is a basic seat that converts to a booster once the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It’s lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively simple to use.
Other 2 in 1 pushchair and car seat in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is unique because it’s a single piece equipment that converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing your car seat from its base, and it helps you to walk up and down the stairs or get into taxis without having the car seat stored.
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’s gym membership. It also provides parents with peace of mind knowing their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they’re set on an infant carrier from a certain brand or are planning to have multiple children. If this is the case, make sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller are compatible. Consider purchasing an adapter to match your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents who are seeking a single piece that can be used for multiple functions. They can easily be converted from a car seat to a stroller, and vice versa. They are also easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says they’re designed to be more portable. “They have fewer moving parts which makes them more compact to fold, use, and transport.”
Additionally, these types of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece ones and can fit into small trunks, making them simple to carry around. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and come with more convenient features, including cup holders and sun shades. Some models have a swivel wheel at the front, which is ideal for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, like Doona provide an all-in-one baby car seat and stroller solutions. These are especially beneficial for parents who take rideshares or public transportation, or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is basically a rear-facing car seat on wheels. The wheels drop down to become an infant stroller when you decide to use it.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to slide the car seat in and then unfold it into a stroller. It’s not as sleek as Doona however it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to click it into the base.
You should also consider whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combination can fit the car seat you prefer. If it’s compatible, then you are likely to enjoy longer-lasting use from the product because it will continue to work with your child as they are no longer in the infant car seat.
However, it’s important to note that some car seat and stroller combos aren’t performing well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to the design that makes it difficult to walk stairs or due to the weight and size of the car seat may make it more difficult to push. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best for you.
