10 Healthy 2 In 1 Stroller Car Seat Habits
Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combinations are so simple to connect that it's like they do 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 transforms from a car seat to a stroller, and it lets you free up space in your trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's versatility and ease of use, but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between car seats and strollers often find a combination of both attractive. It's also a great option for parents who use public transportation or rideshares often as well as those who switch caregivers. "These are a single product and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they're more portable," says Stanton. Stanton suggests to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure a secure fit she advises.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combos have an easy click-in connection which requires little effort beyond moving the stroller from one place to another. They scored higher in comparison to models with more complicated connections due to their lower pressure and offer fewer chances to make mistakes, whether they are intentional or accidental. We like, for instance the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps and that it has an indicator at the bottom of the car seat which indicates when the seat is leveled correctly.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless change that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also comes with an adjustable front wheel that gives you great maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems with a springy suspension and a large, one-hand-fold chassis for easy storage. It has a large basket, as well as plenty of cups to hold drinks, snacks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long trips and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. 2 in 1 prams is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that can be locked below or at the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard them if they are in an accident.
A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and only a single, swivel rear wheel for navigating busy streets and sidewalks. 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 have convenient features, like one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible should consider a car seat stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or going on an outing with the family. Stroller and car seat combinations are usually more maneuverable than separate pieces, and most models have convenient features that make them stand out from the competition. It is crucial to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller to work together. The car seat manufacturer must provide guidelines for strollers that are compatible with their product. A quick search online will help narrow your options.
Certain strollers and car seats come with a direct connection that snaps in place without any straps or a complex installation process. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major selling point for families that 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 press of a single button. This is a significant time-saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking a stroller on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to get in and out of taxis.
Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the base of the stroller, and fold it easily into a compact unit that fits in the trunk. This is a great feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself also has a sleek design with high-end fabrics, and also smart touches such as a built-in canopy with a drape that can protect a baby who's snoozing.
In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle and plans for growth and budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that can fit a car seat with minimal extra space, while more expensive combos could include twin strollers, and include more advanced features. In any case you can be sure that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
These combinations are perfect for families that want to avoid gate checking the infant car seat while flying. They are also ideal for those who frequently take public transport or ride-shares. These car seats and strollers are easy to transport and maneuver on the go and are perfect for parents who want their hands free while 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 models roll more smoothly and can be easier to push over different terrains. Additionally, the smaller frames can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk or the back of a car.
Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seats/strollers combinations are light, compact and have wheels that fold for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 for example is a standard seat that can convert into a booster once the child no longer needs an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are simple to use (we didn't score it as a top pick for ease of installation).
The Doona is a different 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth to be mentioned. It's a unique piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be transformed from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller simply by pressing on a button. This means you can skip the process of removing your car seat from its base. It also helps you to walk up and down stairs or get in taxis without having to have the car seat stored.
The Doona is a budget-friendly choice, which is especially appealing to parents who are just starting out. It's less than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it gives new parents assurance that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their infant.
Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers if they're set on an infant carrier from a certain brand or have plans for several children. If this is the situation, make sure you read the product specs to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat can work in tandem. Also consider purchasing an adapter to make your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent option for parents who want only one piece of baby equipment that can serve multiple purposes. They are able to easily convert from a car to the stroller and vice versa. They are also more easy to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're designed to be more portable. "They have a lot less moving parts, which means they're easy to fold, transport and use."
Additionally, these kinds of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece models and fit in smaller trunks, making them easy to carry around. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and come with more convenient features, like cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheels on the front that can be used to navigate busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, like Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. These can be particularly helpful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat and unfold it into the form of a stroller. The model isn't 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.
Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant seat combo you're considering will work with your preferred brand of car seat. If it is compatible, you are likely to enjoy a longer life out of the product since it will be able to work with your child once they grow out of the infant car seat.
However, it's important to be aware that some car seat and stroller combos do not perform well in our tests for ease of use. This could be because of the design that makes it difficult to navigate stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat could make it more difficult to push. It is worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best for you.