Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it's like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is easy to connect with the carrier." This reduces the possibility of errors during installation and removal.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from car seat to stroller, and also helps to free up space in the trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's features 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. It's also a good option for parents who take public transportation or rideshares often, as well as those who change caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are connected to the car seat, so they're more naturally portable," says Stanton. However, she notes that it's essential to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using it with a travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the most effective stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connection that requires little effort beyond shifting the carrier from one place to the next. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, since they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for mistakes (intentional or accidental). For instance, we love the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that needs no straps--and that there's an indicator on the car seat base that shows when it is properly leveled.
The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller, is also easy to set up and move from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless transformation that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also features a swivel front wheel that provides excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems, which has springy suspension as well as an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis for easy storage. It has a large basket and plenty cup holders for snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The padded seat is comfortable for long rides and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved and comes with an safety strap that is secured beneath or around the shoulders of your baby. It also has 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 feature rubber tires and a single, swivel wheel on the front to help navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and come with useful features, like one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combos are a great choice for parents who wish to keep their child as comfortable as possible, whether they're doing errands or going on an extended family trip. Stroller and car seat combinations are generally more maneuverable than separate pieces, and most models have convenient features that make them stand out from the rest. It is crucial to remember that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what strollers can be used with their product. 2 in 1 pram on the internet will help narrow your options.
Some strollers and car seats have a direct connection that snaps into place without any straps or an intricate installation procedure. This kind of effortless attachment is a huge selling point, and is especially beneficial for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller at the touch of one button. This is a great time-saver and helps you avoid having your stroller checked at the gate on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your infant), or to jump into and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant carrier from the stroller base and easily fold it into a compact size that fits into the trunk of a car. This is a fantastic feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself also is sleek and stylish, with high-end fabrics, and also smart touches such as a built-in drape canopy that protects the baby from snoozing.
Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your preferences, lifestyle, plans for growth, and budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that can fit a car seat with minimal extra space, while higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or twin strollers, and include more advanced features. Whatever 2 in 1 prams choose you can be assured that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a excellent option for families that wish to avoid having to check gate-check an infant car seat on flights, and they're also perfect for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport, making them perfect for parents who want their hands free while traveling with their children.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options roll more smoothly and are easier to push on different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat into a trunk or the back of a car.
Some of the most popular and highly rated car seat/stroller combinations are light, compact and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. For example, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that can be converted from a rear-facing five-point harness to a booster for children who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are easy to use.
The Doona is another 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth noting. It's a unique piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of a button. This means you can skip the process of getting your car seat removed from its base. It also allows you to navigate the stairs or get into and out taxis without having to have the car seat stored.
Doonas are a great option for those on a budget, particularly first-time parents. It's cheaper than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it provides new parents with peace of mind that they have safe travel gear for their child.
Many families choose a two-piece car seat/stroller system when they're deciding on a particular model of infant carrier or plans to have several children. If this is the case, make sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller will work together. Consider buying an adapter to match your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combination is an excellent choice for parents looking for a single piece that can be used for multiple purposes. They are able to effortlessly switch from a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more natural-looking and portable," says Stanton. "They contain a lot fewer moving parts, which makes them easy to fold, transport and use."
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece ones and fit in smaller trunks, making them easy to transport. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and feature more convenient features, such as cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheels on the front that is ideal for navigating busy streets and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and infant car seat that can be used together. These are especially beneficial for parents who take public transportation or rideshares, or change caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be converted into a stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat in and then unfold it as a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without needing to click into its base.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant car seat combination you're considering fits your preferred car seat. If it is compatible, you are likely to enjoy a longer life out of the product as it will still work with your child when they get out of the infant car seat.
However, it's important to be aware 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 climb stairs, or the weight and size of the car seat can make it difficult to push. In any situation, it's worth checking through our reviews to find the best solution for you.