The Reasons 2 In 1 Stroller Car Seat Is Everywhere This Year
Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best car seat stroller combos are so simple to connect that it almost feels like they do it themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is simple to connect with the carrier." This reduces the chance of errors that could occur during installation and detachment.
One option that does this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from car seat to stroller, and also helps to free up space in the trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's versatility and ease of use but also note its substantial feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between car seats and strollers often find a combination of both appealing. This is also a good option for parents who take rides or public transportation frequently and that switch caregivers. Stanton states that since they are a single item and the wheels are connected to the car seats, they are more mobile. However, she adds that it's essential to make sure the car seat is properly secured when using it with the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual to ensure a secure fit, she says.
In our tests, we discovered that the top stroller and car seat combos come with a simple click-in connector that requires no effort beyond moving the carrier from one location to another. These models scored better compared to models with more complicated connections due to the fact that they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. We like, for example, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps, and that it has an indicator at the bottom of the car seat which indicates whether the seat is level properly.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller, is also easy to set up and move from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless transition that frees up extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel in the front, which allows for excellent mobility even when the seat attached.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features springy chassis as well as a large fold-down chassis that makes it easy to store. It has a large basket as well as plenty of cups to hold drinks, snacks and baby gear. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless smooth-touch fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that locks beneath or around your baby's shoulders. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect them if they are in a crash.
2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair should be easy to push. Our top picks feature rubber tires and a single pivoting wheel in the front to help navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features like one-hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Car seat stroller combos are a great option for parents who wish to keep their child as comfortable as they can, whether they're running errands, or heading out for an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to maneuver than separate items, and many models come with convenient features that set them apart from other strollers. It is important to remember that the car seat and stroller must be compatible to work 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 narrow down your options.
Some strollers and car seats come with a direct connection that snaps in place without additional straps or a complicated installation process. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families that frequently take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller at the push of one button. This is a time-saving feature and allows you to avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming you've purchased an airline chair for your child) or to get in and out of a taxi.
Other car seat and stroller combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller's base and then fold it up into a compact size that can be tucked away in the trunk of a vehicle. This is a great feature for busy families and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with high-end fabrics and smart touches such as a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your preferences, lifestyle and plans for growth and budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat with minimal extra space, while more expensive models may include a toddler seat or a twin strollers, and include more advanced features. Either way you can be sure that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
These combos are perfect for families who want to avoid gate checking the infant car seat while flying. 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair are also ideal for those who regularly take public transport or ride-shares. These strollers and cars seats are easy to carry and are ideal for parents who want their hands free while traveling with their children.
When deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, look for one that is lightweight and compact. These options roll more smoothly and are easier to push on different terrains. Furthermore, the smaller frames can aid in getting the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the rear of a vehicle.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are compact, lightweight, and feature foldable wheels for easy storage. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that can be converted from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to an infant booster when children are no longer in an infant carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are relatively simple to use (we didn't score it as a top pick for ease of assembly).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is a standout because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in just a few clicks. This means you can skip the process of taking your car seat off its base, and also helps you to walk up and down up and out taxis without having the car seat stored.
Doonas are a great affordable option, especially for new parents. It's less expensive than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it provides new parents with peace of mind knowing that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their child.
Many families choose two-piece car seats/strollers if they're set on an infant carrier from a particular brand or are planning to have multiple children. If that's the situation, make sure you read the product specs to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat work in conjunction. Also consider purchasing an adapter in order to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is an excellent choice for parents looking for a single piece that can serve multiple functions. They can easily be converted from a car to stroller, and reverse the process. They are also more easy to move around than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily mobile," says Stanton. "They contain fewer moving parts which makes them easier to fold, use, and transport."
Additionally, these types of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece ones and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them easy to carry around. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and feature more practical features, such as cup holders and sun shades. Some models even have a swivel front wheel that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and stores.
Some brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant car seat and stroller solutions. They are particularly useful for parents who use public transportation or rideshares, or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and fold it up into the form of 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 click it into the base.
Take into consideration whether 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 expect a more durable product that will work with your child even after they've outgrown their infant car seats.
It's important to understand that some car seats and stroller combinations don't perform very well in our ease of use tests. This could be due to a design which makes it difficult to climb stairs or because the weight and size of the car seat can make it harder to push. In any scenario, you should check out our complete reviews to determine the best option for you.