How To Tell The Good And Bad About 2 In 1 Stroller Car Seat
Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so simple to connect that it almost feels like they're doing it themselves. "Look for an appropriate base and a carrier that click together easily," advises Stanton. This will reduce the chance of mistakes during installation and removal.
One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that effortlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller and frees up trunk space. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's functionality and user-friendliness, but they also praise its robust feel.
Easy to Assemble
A stroller and car seat combo is an attractive choice for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. This is also a good option for parents who take public transportation or rideshares often, as well as those that switch caregivers. Stanton states that since they're one item and the wheels are attached to the car seats, they are more easily portable. Stanton says it is important to secure the car seat properly when using an air travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure a secure fit, she says.
In our tests, we discovered that the top stroller and car seat combinations feature a simple, click-in connection that requires little effort other than shifting the car from one to another. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and have the least chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps, and that it has a gauge on the bottom of the car seat that shows whether the seat is level properly.
The Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants it's also simple to install and transfer from car to stroller. It's a seamless transition that allows extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also features an swivel front wheel that gives you excellent maneuverability even when the seat is mounted.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel Systems with springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large basket as well as plenty of cup holders for drinks, snacks and baby gear. The padded seat is comfortable for long journeys, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and includes the safety harness which is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and includes a SafeCell crumple zone that protects them in the event of a crash.
A good travel system will also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all have rubber tires with a single, swivel front wheel that can be used to navigate busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with useful features like one-hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to store
Car seat stroller combos are an excellent choice for parents who wish to keep their child as comfortable as they can, whether they're running errands, or heading out for a family vacation. Combinations of car seats and strollers are generally easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and many models have convenient features that help them stand out from the rest. But, it is crucial to remember that the car seat and stroller must be compatible in order to work. 2 in 1 pram should provide guidelines for strollers that are compatible with their product. A quick search online will help narrow your choices.
Some strollers and carseats have an attachment that snaps into position without the need for additional straps or complicated assembly. This kind of effortless attachment is a huge selling point, and it's especially beneficial for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat which can be converted into stroller with the click of a button. This is a huge time saver and allows you to bypass gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to hop into and out of taxis.
Other stroller and car seat combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant car seat from the base of the stroller and then fold it up into a compact size that fits in the trunk of a vehicle. This is a fantastic feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with top-quality fabrics and smart features such as a built-in curtain canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combo for your family depends on your lifestyle, plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable models tend to be frame strollers that can fit a child car seat with little space. Higher-end combos will include a toddler seat, a twin strollers, or more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller is compliant with all safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are a great choice for families who are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking the infant car seat on flights and are also ideal for those who use rides-shares and public transportation often. Car seats and strollers are simple to transport and move on the go and are perfect for parents who require their hands off when traveling with their kids.
When choosing a stroller that is a 2 in 1 car seat, choose one that is lightweight and compact. These options tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through different environments. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat into 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 feature foldable wheels for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2-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 inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are relatively easy to use (we did not rate it as an ideal choice for ease of installation).
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is unique because it's a single piece equipment that converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in just a few clicks. This allows you to remove the seat from the base and makes it much easier to move up and down stairs or get into taxis without having to store the car seat.
Doonas are an excellent affordable option, especially for first-time parents. It's less expensive than the cost of one year's gym membership and it gives parents assurance that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their child.
Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers If they're looking for an infant carrier from a particular brand or have plans for several children. If this is the case, make sure to read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats are compatible. Consider purchasing an adapter to match your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents looking for a single piece that can be used for a variety of purposes. They can easily transition from being a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they are generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are designed to be more compact. "They contain a lot fewer moving parts, which makes them easy to fold, transport, and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are also lighter than two-piece models, and they can be easily transported in small trunks. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and come with more practical features, such as cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which is ideal for navigating busy streets and shopping centers.
Some brands, like Doona offer a stroller and baby car seat that can be used in conjunction. They are especially useful for parents who intend to use rideshares or public transportation, or who shift between caregivers frequently. This model is essentially a rear-facing car seat on wheels. The wheels can be lowered to become an infant stroller when you decide to use it.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to slide the car seat into the frame and then unfold it as a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
You should also consider whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combination can fit the car seat you prefer. If it's compatible, you are likely to enjoy a longer life out of the product since it will still be able to work with your child once they grow out of the infant car seat.
It's also important to know that certain car seat and stroller combos do not perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to a design which makes it difficult to climb stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat can make it difficult to push. In any situation, it's worth checking out our full reviews to determine the best option for you.