Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The best prams For toddlers car seat and stroller combos almost feel like they attach themselves. Stanton advises: “Look for a base that is easy to connect with the carrier.” This minimizes the potential for mistakes that could occur when assembling and detaching.
Doona is one of the options that allows you to do this. It seamlessly transforms from a car seat into stroller, and lets you free up space in your trunk. Online reviewers note that it feels sturdy but they also appreciate its user-friendliness and performance.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don’t want to switch between car seats and strollers often find a combination of both attractive. This is also a good option for parents who take public transportation or rideshares often as well as those who switch caregivers. Stanton says that because they’re a single piece 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. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and your vehicle owner’s manual to ensure a secure fit she advises.
In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connector that requires no effort beyond shifting the carrier from one place to the next. These models scored better than those with more complicated connections, as they require less pressure and offer fewer opportunities for errors (intentional or accidental). For example, we like that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that needs straps and no straps. It also has an indicator on the car seat base that tells you when it’s leveled correctly.
The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller, it’s also simple to install and transfer from vehicle into stroller. It’s a seamless transformation that frees up extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also features an swivel front wheel that offers excellent maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems with springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand-fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby gear. The padded seat is ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth knit fabric can be machine washed. It’s FAA-approved and comes with a safety harness that locks at or below the shoulders of your baby and includes a SafeCell crumple zone to protect your child in the event of a crash.
A great travel system should also be easy to push, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and only a single, swivel rear wheel that can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 in 1 travel system pram Combo all glide effortlessly and feature useful features, such as one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible should consider a car seat stroller combination, whether they are running errands or planning a family trip. Car seat and stroller combinations are often easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and a lot of models have convenient features that make them distinct from other models. But, it is crucial to note that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible for use together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines on what kinds of strollers work with their product, and a quick online search can help you narrow down your options.
Some strollers and carseats come with a direct attachment that snaps into place without the need for straps or complicated assembly. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major benefit for families who regularly use public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into stroller with the click of a single button. This is a huge time saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking a stroller 2 in 1 car seat on planes (assuming you’ve also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other car seat and stroller combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to take the infant carrier from the stroller’s base and then fold it up into a compact size that can be tucked away into the trunk of a car. This is an excellent feature for busy parents. The stroller itself also features a sleek design and premium fabrics, and smart features like a built in canopy with a drape that can protect the baby from snoozing.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your lifestyle and plans for growth and budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers which can accommodate a car seat for a child with little extra space. Higher-end combos will include a toddler seat, a twin stroller, or more advanced features. You can be certain that the stroller meets all safety requirements.
Easy to carry
These combos are ideal for families that want to avoid gate checking an infant car seat when flying. They are also ideal for those who regularly use public transportation and ride-sharing services. These strollers and cars seats are easy to transport and are perfect for parents who want their hands free while traveling with their children.
Find a light and compact 2 in 1 pram in 1 stroller/car seat. These models roll more smoothly and are easier to push across different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat in a trunk or the back of the car.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are compact, lightweight and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2 in 1 car seat stroller-in-1 for example, is a simple seat that converts to a booster once the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It’s light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively simple to use.
The Doona is a second 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth to be mentioned. It’s a unique piece of equipment since it can be transformed from a rear-facing infant car seat into a stroller by simply clicking on a button. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing the seat from the base and makes it much easier to move up and down stairs or get in taxis without having to put away the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option that is a great choice for parents who are first-time parents. It’s cheaper than a year of gym membership, and gives parents peace of mind knowing that their baby is safe when traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system when they’re deciding on a specific type of infant carrier or plans to have several children. If that’s the situation, make sure you go over the specifications of the product to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat will work in conjunction. Also, consider buying an adapter in order to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great choice for parents looking for only one piece of baby equipment which can perform multiple functions. They are able to effortlessly switch from a car seat to a stroller, and back again, and they are generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. “They’re designed to be more naturally mobile,” says Stanton. “They have fewer moving parts, which makes them more compact to fold, use, and transport.”
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece models and fit in smaller trunks, making them easy to transport. They also come with a larger cargo basket and more useful features such as cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheels on the front, which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.
Certain brands, such as Doona provide a stroller and baby car seat that can be used together. These can be particularly helpful for parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat with wheels that can be converted into a stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to slide the car seat in and then fold it out as a stroller. The model isn’t as sleek as Doona, but it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to click it into the base.
It is also important to consider whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combo will fit the car seat you prefer. If it’s compatible, you can expect to get a longer life out of the product since it will continue to work with your child when they are no longer in the infant car seat.
It’s also important to be aware that some stroller and car seat combos aren’t performing well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult to walk stairs or due to the weight and size of the stroller/car seat could make it difficult to push. It’s worth reading our review to determine which model is the best for you.