Car Seat and Stroller Combos

The best car seat stroller combos are so simple to connect that it almost feels like they're doing it themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This helps reduce the risk of mistakes during installation and removal.

Doona is one of the options that allows you to do this. It easily converts from a car seat to a stroller, and it frees up space in your trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's versatility and user-friendliness, but they also praise its robust feel.

Easy to Assemble

A stroller and car seat combination is a good option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also an ideal choice for those who regularly use rideshares or public transportation, as well as those who switch between caregivers. Stanton says that since they're one item and the wheels are connected, the car seats are more portable. Stanton stresses the need to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using a travel system. She advises you to follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle for a secure fit.

In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combos feature simple click-in connections, which requires little effort, other than moving the carrier from one place to another. These models scored higher than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and have the least chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that does not require straps, and also has an indicator on the bottom of the car seat which indicates when the seat is leveled properly.

The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and move from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless change that allows extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel at the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even with the seat on.

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

A great travel system should also be easy to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single swivel wheel on the front to help navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo as well as the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide effortlessly and feature useful features, like one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.

Easy to Store

Car seat stroller combinations are a great choice for parents who want to keep their baby as comfortable as they can whether they're running errands or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to move than separate items, and many models are equipped with features that set them apart from the rest. But, it is crucial to remember that the car seat and egg stroller 2 in 1 need to be compatible in order to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers can be used with their product, and a quick online search can help find the right stroller.

Certain strollers and car seats have a direct attachment that snaps into place without the need for straps or complicated installation. This kind of effortless attachment is a big selling point, and is particularly beneficial for families that often use ride-share cars or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into stroller with the press of a single button. This is a great time-saver and lets you avoid having your stroller checked at the gate on planes (assuming that you have also purchased an airline chair for your infant) 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 easily into a compact size that can be tucked away inside the trunk. This is a great feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself is sleek and stylish, with premium fabrics, and also smart touches such as a built-in canopy that drapes over the baby from sleeping.

In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your preferences, lifestyle and plans for growth and your budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that can fit a child car seat with little space. More expensive combos will include the toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. Either way you can be sure that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest safety standards.

Easy to Carry

Car seat/stroller combos are great choice for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking the infant car seat on airlines, and they're also perfect for those who utilize rides-shares and public transportation often. These strollers and car seats are simple to transport and move on the go and are ideal for parents who require their hands off when traveling with their kids.

When you're deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that is lightweight and compact. These types of strollers roll more smoothly and are more easy to push on different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can make it easier to get the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the back of a vehicle.

Many of the most sought-after car seat/stroller combinations are light compact and folding casters that can be stored easily. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a basic seat that can be converted into a booster once the child no longer requires an infant carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are easy to use (we did not consider it a top pick for ease of installation).

The Doona is a different cheap 2 in 1 prams in 1 stroller/car seat worth mentioning. It's a unique piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be transformed from a rear-facing infant car seat into a stroller by simply clicking the button. This allows you to skip the step of removing the base of the seat and makes it easier to move up and down stairs or get into and out of taxis without having to put away the car seat.

The Doona is a budget-friendly option that is a great choice to parents who are just starting out. It costs less than a year's gym membership and gives parents peace of mind knowing their child is secure when traveling.

Many families opt for a two-piece car seat/stroller system when they're deciding on a specific model of infant carrier, or have plans to have several children. If this is the case, be sure to read the product specs to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat will work in tandem. Also, consider buying an adapter to accommodate your desired combination.

Easy to Fold

Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who need only one piece of baby equipment that can handle multiple functions. They are able to easily convert from a car to stroller, and vice versa. They are also simpler to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally mobile," says Stanton. "They contain fewer moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold, use, and carry."

Additionally, these kinds of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece models 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 have more useful features, like cup holders and sun shades. Some models even have a swivel front wheel which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and shopping centers.

Some brands, like Doona offer a stroller as well as an infant car seats that can be used together. These are particularly useful for parents who intend to use rideshares or public transportation, or change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be converted into stroller.

Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat, and then fold it up into the shape of a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.

It is also important to consider whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combo can be used with the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a more durable product since it will work with your child even after they've outgrown their car seats for infants.

It's also important to note that some car seat and stroller combos do not perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to navigate steps, or the weight of the car seat and stroller can make it harder to push across different terrains. In either scenario, you should check through our reviews to find the best solution for you.