Car Seat and Stroller Combos

The most effective car stroller and seat combos almost feel like they attach themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for errors that can happen when assembling and detaching.

Doona is one of the options that allows you to accomplish this. It effortlessly converts from a car seat to stroller, and frees up space in your trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's features and ease of use, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.

Easy to Assemble

Parents who don't want to change between car seats and strollers often find a mix of both appealing. It is also a good option for those who regularly use public transportation or rideshares, as well as parents who change caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are connected to the car seat, which means they're more naturally mobile," says Stanton. However, she adds that it's essential to ensure that the car seat is properly secured when it's used with an electronic travel system. She advises you to follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure an ideal fit.

In our tests, we found that the most effective stroller and car seat combinations come with a simple click-in connector that requires no effort beyond shifting 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 offer fewer chances for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. For example, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has no straps--and that there's an indicator on the car seat base that shows when it is properly leveled.

Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up 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 a swivel front wheel that offers excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is mounted.

Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System that has springy suspension and a large, one-hand-fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a spacious basket as well as plenty of cup holders to hold snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The padded seat is comfortable for long trips, and the tagless smooth knit fabric is machine washed. It's FAA approved and comes with the safety harness which is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and has a SafeCell crumple zone that protects your child in the event of an accident.

A good travel system must be simple to push. Our top picks feature rubber tires and a single, pivoting wheel in the front to navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features such as one-hand braking and an ample storage basket.

Easy to store

Car seat stroller combos are an excellent choice for parents who want to keep their child as comfortable as possible, whether they're running errands, or going on an extended family trip. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move than separate items, and a lot of models come with convenient features that distinguish them from the competition. But, it is crucial to note that the car seat and stroller must be compatible for use together. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on what kinds of strollers work with their product and a quick internet search will help narrow down your options.

Some strollers and carseats have an attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or a complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point, and it's especially beneficial for families who frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted into stroller with the press of a button. This is a significant time-saver and allows you to avoid having a stroller checked on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to get into and out of taxis.

Other stroller-car seat combinations like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact size that can be stored into the trunk. This is a great feature for busy parents. The stroller itself is sleek and stylish, with high-end fabrics, as well as smart touches like a built-in canopy with a drape that can protect babies who are snoozing.

Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your lifestyle and plans for growth and budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that fit in a car seat and have little extra space, whereas more expensive combos could include twin strollers, and include more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller is compliant with all safety standards.

Easy to carry

Car seat/stroller combos are excellent option for families that wish to avoid having to check gate-check an infant car seat on flights and are also ideal for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. Car seats and strollers are simple to transport and move on the go and are ideal for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their little ones.

When you're deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that's lightweight and compact. These models tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through various conditions. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat into a trunk or back of a car.

Some of the most popular and highly rated car seat/stroller combinations are light, compact, and feature foldable wheels for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2 in 1 travel system with car seat-in-1, for instance is a basic seat that can convert into an infant booster when the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are easy to use.

Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is an exceptional model because it's a single piece of equipment that transitions from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in a few clicks. This lets you avoid the hassle of removing the seat from its base and makes it much easier to maneuver stairs or hop in taxis without having to store the car seat.

The Doona is a cost-effective option, which is especially appealing for first-time parents. It's cheaper than a year of gym membership, and gives parents peace of mind knowing that their child is safe traveling.

Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they are set on a particular brand of infant carrier or have plans to have more than one child. If this is the scenario, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat can work together. Consider purchasing an adapter if necessary to accommodate your desired combination.

Easy to Fold

Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent choice for parents looking for a single piece of baby equipment which can perform multiple functions. They are able to effortlessly switch from being a car seat to a stroller, and back to a car seat, and are generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are designed to be more portable. "They contain a lot fewer moving components, which makes them more compact to fold, carry, and use."

Additionally, these kinds of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece ones and can be tucked away in small trunks, making them simple to transport. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and 2 in 1 pram and car seat feature more practical features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheels on the front, which is ideal for navigating busy streets and stores.

Some brands, such as Doona provide a stroller and infant car seats that can be used together. These are especially beneficial for parents who use public transportation or rideshares, or who have to change caregivers frequently. This model is basically an automobile seat that is rear-facing on wheels. The wheels lower to make a stroller when you want to use it.

Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into the frame and then unfold it into a stroller. This model isn't as streamlined as Doona however it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.

It is also important to consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo can accommodate your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can anticipate a longer-lasting product since it will be able to work with your child after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.

It's also important to know that certain stroller and car seats don't perform well in our tests for ease of use. This could be due to a design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to use stairs, or because the weight of the stroller and car seat can make it harder to push across different terrains. It's worth reading our reviews to determine which model is the best one for you.