What's The Reason? 2 In 1 Stroller Car Seat Is Everywhere This Year
Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective 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 when assembling and detaching.
Doona is one option that allows you to do this. It easily transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and it makes space in your trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's features and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between car seats and strollers often will find a combination of both attractive. It also makes sense for those who often use public transportation or rideshares as well as parents who change caregivers. Stanton states that since they're a single piece and the wheels are connected the car seats are more easily portable. Stanton suggests to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using a travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure an appropriate fit, she says.
In our tests, we discovered that the best stroller and car seat combinations come with a simple click-in connector that requires no effort beyond moving the carrier from one to another. These models scored better compared to models with more complicated connections due to their lower pressure and have fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. We like, for instance, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that requires no straps, and has an indicator on the bottom of the car seat that shows whether the seat is level correctly.
Similar to the Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and then transfer from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk for shopping or for errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel on the front that allows for excellent mobility even with the seat on.
Another option is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has a springy chassis and a large fold-down chassis that makes it easy to store. It has a spacious basket and plenty of cup holders to store snacks, drinks and baby equipment. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long trips and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to protect them in the event of a crash.
A good travel system should be simple to push. Our top picks have rubber tires and a single pivoting wheel in the front for navigating busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features like one-hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible should consider a stroller and car seat combination, regardless of whether they are doing errands during the day or planning an outing with the family. Stroller and car seat combinations are usually simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and a lot of models come with features that make them stand out from the competition. However, it's important to remember that the car seat and stroller must be compatible to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to provide guidelines for what types of strollers work with their product A quick internet search can help you to narrow your choices.
Some strollers and car seats feature an easy connection that snaps in place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This kind of simple attachment is a huge selling point, and it's especially beneficial for families who frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the touch of a button. This is a great time-saver and lets you avoid having to check your stroller's gate on planes (assuming that you've also purchased an airline chair for your infant), or to jump into and out of a taxi.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and fold it into a compact size that fits in the trunk. This is another great feature for busy families and the stroller has a sleek design with premium fabrics and smart touches, like a built-in drape canopy that can protect a sleepy baby.
The ideal 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combination for your family is based on your lifestyle, your plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable options will likely be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat with minimal extra space, while more expensive models may include a toddler seat or a twin strollers, and include more advanced features. In any case you can be assured that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest standards of safety.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice for families who want to avoid gate-checking the infant car seat on flights, and they're also perfect for those who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These cars seats and strollers are simple to transport and are perfect for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their children.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push across different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat into the trunk or back of the car.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are lightweight, compact and have wheels that fold to make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for instance is a standard seat that can convert into a booster once the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are user-friendly (we didn't score it as the best option for ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's an exceptional model because it's a single piece of equipment that transitions from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller with just a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of removing the seat from the base and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop in and out of taxis without having to stow the car seat.
The Doona is a budget-friendly option that is particularly appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It costs less than a year of gym membership, and provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their child is secure when traveling.
Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system If they're looking for an infant carrier from a certain brand or are planning to have multiple children. If this is the situation, make sure you read the product specs to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat will work in tandem. Consider buying an adapter to fit your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The car seat and stroller combination is an excellent choice for parents looking for a single item that can be used for a variety of functions.
prams 2 in 1 can easily be converted from a car to stroller, and vice versa. They are also easier to move around than two piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're designed to be more compact. "They have a lot less moving components, which makes them easy to fold, transport, and use."
Additionally, these types 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. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and come with more practical features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheels at the front, which is ideal for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Certain brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. These are especially useful for parents who use public transportation or rideshares or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat with wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat into and then unfold it into a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however, it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to click it into the base.
You should also consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combo will be used with the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can expect a longer-lasting product that will work with your child even after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.
It's important to know that certain stroller and car seats aren't very effective in our ease of use tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult to navigate stairs, or the weight and size of the stroller/car seat could make it harder to push. It's worth reading our review to determine which one is the best for you.