Car Seat and Stroller Combos

The most effective car seat and stroller combos almost seem to connect themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This will reduce the risk of errors that can happen when assembling and detaching.

One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that effortlessly transforms from car seat to stroller and frees up trunk space. Online reviews praise the Doona's features and ease of use, but they also praise its robust feel.

Easy to Assemble

Parents who do not want to switch between strollers and car seats often find a combination of both appealing. It's also an ideal choice for those who frequently take public transportation or rideshares, 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 mobile," says Stanton. Stanton stresses the need to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using an air travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual of your vehicle to ensure a secure fit.

In our tests, we discovered that the best stroller and car seat combos come with a simple click-in connector that requires no effort other than shifting the car from one to another. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and provide the least chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps and that it has a gauge on the base of the car seat that indicates when the seat is leveled properly.

The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and then transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless transition that allows extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also comes with an adjustable front wheel that gives you great maneuverability even when the seat is in place.

Another option is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large storage basket, as well as plenty of cup holders to hold drinks, snacks, and baby gear. The cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys, and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved, and comes with an safety strap that is secured either below or on the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard your child in the event of an accident.

A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have a single, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide effortlessly and have convenient features, including one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.

Easy to Store

Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible should consider a car seat and stroller combination, whether they are running errands or going on an outing with the family. Stroller and car seat combinations are often easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and many models have convenient features that help them stand out from the competition. It's important to remember that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller for them to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their product. A quick online search can help you narrow your options.

Some strollers and car seats come with an immediate connection that snaps into place with no any straps or a complex installation procedure. 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 is able to transform into a stroller at the push of one button. This is a time-saving feature and lets 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 get into and out of taxis.

Other car seat and stroller combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and easily fold it into a compact size that can be tucked away into the trunk of a car. This is a great feature for parents with a busy schedule. The stroller itself also features a sleek design and premium fabrics, and smart features such as a built-in canopy that drapes over a baby who's snoozing.

In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle and plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that fit a child car seat with little extra space. Higher-end combos will include a toddler seat, twin strollers, or more advanced features. In any case, you can rest assured that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest standards of safety.

Easy to Carry

These combos are perfect for families who want to avoid gate checking an infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who frequently use public transportation or ride-shares. These cars seats and strollers are easy to carry and are ideal for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their children.

Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller car seat in 1 stroller/car seat. These types of strollers have a smoother ride and are more easy to push over different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat into a trunk or the back of the car.

Some of the most popular and highly rated car seats/strollers combinations are light, compact and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2 in 1 pram system-in-1 for example is a basic seat that can be converted into a booster when the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are simple to use.

Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's an exceptional model because it's a single piece equipment that transitions from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller with just a few clicks. This allows you to remove the seat from the base and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop in taxis without having to stow the car seat.

The Doona is a budget-friendly choice, which is especially appealing for first-time parents. It's cheaper than the cost of one year's gym membership and it gives parents assurance that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their infant.

Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they are set on a particular model of infant carrier, or have plans to have several children. If that's the scenario, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat work in tandem. Also, consider buying 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 item that can serve multiple functions. They can easily transition from a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they're usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They contain fewer moving parts, which makes them easy to fold and use as well as carry."

Additionally, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece ones and fit in smaller trunks, making them easy to carry around. These strollers and infant car seat 2 in 1 stroller seats tend to be lighter and feature more convenient features, such as sun shades and cup holders. Some models have a swivel wheel on the front that can be used to navigate busy streets and shopping centers.

Some brands, such as Doona provide a stroller and infant car seats that can be used in conjunction. These are especially useful for parents who use rideshares or public transportation, or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is essentially an automobile seat that is rear-facing on wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become a stroller when you want to use it.

Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and unfold it into a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without having to click into the base.

You should also think about whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combination can fit your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can anticipate a longer-lasting product that will fit your child after they've outgrown their car seats for infants.

However, it's important to note that some stroller and car seat combos aren't performing well in our tests for ease of use. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to use stairs, or because the weight of the car seat and stroller can make it harder to push across different terrains. In any case, it's worth checking out our full reviews to find the best 2 in 1 stroller option for you.