Car Seat and Stroller Combos

The best car stroller and seat combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This reduces the chance of errors that can happen during installation and detachment.

One option that does this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from a car seat into a stroller and makes room for the trunk. Online reviewers note that it feels substantial, but they also love its ease of use and performance.

Easy to Assemble

Parents who do not want to switch between car seats and strollers often find a combination of both attractive. It's also an ideal choice for those who regularly use public transportation or rideshares as well as parents who change caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are connected to the car seat, so they're more naturally portable," says Stanton. Stanton stresses the need to secure the car seat properly when using the travel system. She advises you to follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual of your vehicle for a secure fit.

In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combos feature a simple, click-in connection that requires minimal effort other than shifting the car from one place to the next. These models scored higher than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and offer the least chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps and that it has a gauge on the bottom of the car seat which indicates that the seat is level correctly.

The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is also easy to install and transfer from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or errands. It also has an swivel front wheel that offers great maneuverability even when the seat is in place.

Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with springy suspension and a large, one-hand-fold chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cups to hold drinks, snacks and baby gear. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long rides and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that locks below or at your baby's shoulders. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard them if they are in a crash.

A great travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires that have only a single, swivel rear wheel for navigating busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair Combo all glide effortlessly and feature useful features, including one-hand brakes and a large storage basket.

Easy to store

Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible should consider a stroller and car seat combination, whether running errands for the day or planning an outing with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move around than separate items, and a lot of models are equipped with features that distinguish them from other strollers. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible for use together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines for what types of strollers are compatible with their product A quick internet search can help you narrow down your options.

Certain strollers and car seats have a direct connection that snaps in place without additional straps or a complicated installation process. This type of easy attachment is a major selling point for families who frequently use public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted into stroller with the click of a button. This is a huge time-saver and makes it easy to bypass gate-checking a stroller on planes (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 allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base, and fold it easily into a compact unit that fits inside the trunk. This is a great feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself also is sleek and stylish, with high-end fabrics, and smart features such as a built-in canopy with a drape that can protect a baby who's snoozing.

Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your personal preferences and growth plans and your budget. The cheapest models tend to be frame strollers which can fit a child car seat with a small amount of space. Higher-end combos will include a toddler seat, twin stroller, or more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller will meet all safety requirements.

Easy to carry

Car seat/stroller combos are a ideal option for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking the infant car seat on airlines and are also ideal for those who utilize rides-shares and public transportation often. These car seats and strollers are easy to carry and maneuver around on the go and are perfect for parents who require their hands free when traveling with their little ones.

When deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that is lightweight and compact. These types of strollers tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push across various conditions. In addition, the smaller frame can make it easier to get the car seat in and out of a trunk or at the back of a car.

A few of the most well-known car seats/strollers are lightweight and compact, and come with foldable casters for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a basic seat that can convert into a booster once the child no longer requires an infant carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are relatively easy to use (we didn't score it as an ideal choice for ease of assembly).

Other 2 in 1 pushchair with car seat in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is a standout because it's a single piece equipment that can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in just a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing the seat from its base and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop in taxis without having to store the car seat.

Doonas are an excellent budget-friendly choice, especially for new 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 opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system when they're deciding on a particular type of infant carrier or plans to have several children. If that's the situation, make sure you review the specifications of the product to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat work in conjunction. Also consider purchasing an adapter to accommodate your desired combination.

Easy to Fold

Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who want a single piece of baby gear which can perform multiple functions. They are able to easily switch from a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're made to be lighter and more portable. "They contain fewer moving parts, making them more compact to fold, use, and carry."

Additionally, these kinds of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece options and can fit into small trunks, making them simple to carry around. They also come with an extra cargo basket and more practical features like sun shades and cup holders. Some even have a swivel wheel on the front which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and shopping centers.

Some brands, such as Doona offer a stroller and infant car seats that can be used in conjunction. These can be particularly helpful for parents who intend to use rideshares or public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is basically a rear-facing car seat on wheels, and the wheels can be lowered to become an infant stroller when you decide to use it.

Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat, and then fold it up into the form of a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona however it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without having to click it into the base.

You should also consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combination can fit the car seat you prefer. If it is compatible, you can expect to get more life from the product as it will continue to work with your child when they get out of the infant car seat.

It is important to be aware that certain stroller and car seat combinations do not perform well in our ease of use tests. This could be due to the design that makes it difficult to climb stairs or due to the weight and size of the car seat may make it difficult to push. It's worth reading our reviews to determine which one is best for you.