Say "Yes" To These 5 2 In 1 Stroller Car Seat Tips
Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so easy to attach that it's like they're doing it all by themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for mistakes that could occur during installation and detachment.
Doona is one option that can do this. It seamlessly 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 also note its substantial feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to change between car seats and strollers often find a combination of both attractive. It's also a good option for parents who use public transportation or rideshares often and who change caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, meaning they're more easily mobile," says Stanton. However, she says, it's important to ensure that the car seat is securely secured when using it with the travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle's owner's manual for a secure fit.
In our tests, we found that the most effective stroller and car seat combos feature a simple, click-in connector that requires no effort beyond moving the carrier from one location to another. These models scored better than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and have the least chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for example that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps, and includes a meter at the bottom of the car seat which indicates whether the seat is level properly.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants too, is easy to set up and move from the car to the stroller. It's a seamless transition that allows extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also comes with a swivel front wheel that provides great maneuverability even when the seat is in place.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand-fold chassis for easy storage. It has a big basket and plenty cups for snacks, drinks, and baby equipment. Its padded seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA-approved and includes a safety harness that locks at or below the shoulders of your baby and includes a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard them in the event of an accident.
A good travel system should be easy to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single swivel wheel on 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
Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as they can should consider a egg stroller 2 in 1 and car seat combination, whether they are running errands for the day or going on an excursion with the family. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to move around than separate items, and many models have convenient features that set them apart from the competition. However, it's important to remember that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible to work together. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines for strollers that can be used with their product. A quick search on the internet can help you narrow down your options.
Some strollers and carseats come with an attachment that snaps in place without the need for straps or complicated assembly. This type of quick and easy attachment is a major benefit for families who frequently utilize 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 significant time saver and allows you to bypass gate-checking a stroller on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop in and out of taxis.
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 package which can be stored inside the trunk. This is a great feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller has a sleek profile with premium fabrics and smart features such as a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.
The ideal 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combo for your family depends on your lifestyle, your plans for growth, and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers which can accommodate a car seat for a child with little space. Higher-end combos will include the toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. Whatever you choose you can be sure that the car seat and stroller will be up to the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combinations are a great choice for families who want to avoid gate-checking an infant car seat on airlines and are also ideal for those who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These strollers and cars seats are easy to transport, making them perfect for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their children.
Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 pushchair in 1 stroller/car seat. These models tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push in various environments. Furthermore, the smaller frames can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the back of a vehicle.
Some of the most popular car seat/stroller combinations are light, compact and feature foldable casters that make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2 in 1 pram car seat-in-1, for instance is a standard seat that can be converted into an infant booster when the child no longer requires an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively simple to use.
The Doona is a different 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth mentioning. It's a unique piece of equipment because it can be converted from a rear facing infant car seat into a stroller by simply clicking a button. This allows you to skip the step of removing the base of the seat and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop into and out of taxis without having to store the car seat.
The Doona is a cost-effective option that is particularly appealing to parents who are just starting out. It costs less than a year of gym membership, and gives parents peace of mind knowing that their child is safe traveling.
Many families opt for a two-piece car seat/stroller system if they're set on an infant carrier from a particular brand or have plans for several children. If this is the case, be sure to read the specifications to ensure that your stroller and car seats are compatible. Consider buying an adapter that will fit your preferred combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who need one piece of baby prams 2 in 1 equipment that can serve multiple purposes. They are able to easily switch from being a car seat to a stroller, and back to a car seat, and are usually easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more natural-looking and mobile," says Stanton. "They contain a lot fewer moving parts, which means they're more compact to fold, carry and use."
These strollers and car seats for infants are lighter than two-piece models and can be easily transported in small trunks. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and come with more useful features, including cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheels at the front, which is great for navigating busy streets and stores.
Some brands, such as Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. These are especially beneficial for parents who use public transportation or rideshares, or change caregivers often. This model is basically an rear-facing car seat with wheels. The wheels can be lowered to become an infant stroller when you decide to use it.
Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat into and then unfold it as a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without needing to click into its base.
Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combo you're considering will work with your preferred brand of car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a more durable product as it will work with your child even after they have outgrown the car seats for infants.
It's important to know that some stroller and car seats do not perform well in our user-friendliness tests. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to climb stairs, or due to the weight of the stroller and car seat could make it difficult to push across different terrains. In any case, it's worth checking out our complete reviews to find the most suitable solution for you.