Blog entry by Charis Urquhart
Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combinations are so simple to attach that it almost feels like they're doing it themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is easy to click with the carrier." This helps reduce the risk of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that lets you accomplish this. It effortlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and it lets you free up space in your trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's functionality and ease of use but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who do not want to switch between car seats and strollers often find a mix of both appealing. It is also a good option for those who often take public transportation or rideshares as well as parents who change caregivers. Stanton says that since they're one item and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more mobile. Stanton says it is important to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using the 2in1 travel system system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure a secure fit, she says.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combinations come with a simple click-in connection that requires little effort beyond shifting the carrier from one place to the next. They scored better than those with more complex connections, as they require less pressure and provide the least chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that requires no straps, and has an indicator on the bottom of the car seat that shows whether the seat is level correctly.
The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller, it's also simple to set up and move from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless transition that allows extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also has a swivel wheel in the front, which permits excellent maneuverability even with the seat on.
Another option is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has an elongated chassis that is springy and an enormous one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a big basket as well as plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric is washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved, and comes with an safety strap that is secured below or at the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect your child in the event of an accident.
A great travel system should also be easy to push, and our top picks all have rubber tires with only a single, swivel rear wheel that can be used to navigate busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 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
Car seat stroller combinations are a great option for parents who want to keep their child as comfortable as they can whether they're running errands, or going on a family vacation. Stroller and car seat combinations are generally easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and a lot of models are equipped with convenient features that make them stand out from the competition. It is important to note that the car seat and stroller must be compatible in order to work. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines for strollers that can be used with their product. A quick search online will help narrow your options.
Some strollers and carseats have an immediate attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families that frequently utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted into stroller with the press of a button. This is a great time-saver and helps you avoid gate-checking your stroller on planes (assuming that you have also purchased an airline chair for your baby) or to get into and out of a taxi.
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 into a compact package which fits inside the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller has a sleek design with high-end fabrics and smart touches such as a built-in curtain canopy that can protect a sleepy baby.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your personal preferences, plans for growth, and budget. The most affordable options will likely be frame strollers that can fit a car seat with minimal extra space, while more expensive combos could include a toddler seat or a twin strollers and have more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller will meet all safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a excellent option for families that wish to avoid having to check gate-check the infant car seat when flying and are also ideal for those who utilize rides-shares and public transportation often. These strollers and cars seats are easy to transport and are ideal for parents who want their hands free while traveling with their children.
When choosing the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that is light and compact. These options have a smoother ride and can be easier to push over different terrains. Additionally, the smaller frames can make it easier to get the car seat in and out of a trunk or the rear of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are lightweight, compact, and feature foldable wheels for easy storage. For example, the Cosco Finale 2 in 1 pushchair pram-in-1 is a no-frills seat that converts from an rear-facing five-point harness into a booster for kids who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 pushchair pram in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is an exceptional model 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 lets you skip the step of removing the seat from its base and makes it much easier to maneuver stairs or hop into and out of taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option that is particularly appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It costs less than a year's gym membership, and provides parents with peace of mind knowing their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system in the event that they have decided on a particular model of infant carrier or have plans to have multiple children. If this is the case, make sure you've read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats will work together. You may want to consider purchasing an adapter to fit the combination you want.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who need one piece of baby equipment that can handle multiple functions. They can easily be converted from a car to the stroller and vice versa. They are also simpler to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily portable," says Stanton. "They have less moving parts, which makes them easy to fold, use, and transport."
These strollers and car seats for infants are lighter than two-piece models and can be easily transported in small trunks. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and come with more useful features, like cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona offer a stroller as well as an baby car seat that can be used together. They are especially useful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or who switch between caregivers often. This model is essentially a rear-facing car seat on wheels. The wheels drop down to become an infant stroller when you decide to use it.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and then fold it up into the form of a stroller. This model isn't as streamlined as Doona however, it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
Check if the stroller and infant seat combination you're considering will work with your preferred car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can anticipate a longer-lasting product that will work with your child even after they've outgrown the infant car seats.
It's important to know that some car seats and stroller combinations aren't very effective in our ease of use tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to climb stairs, or because the weight of the stroller and car seat could make it difficult to push across different terrains. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best one for you.