Car Seat and Stroller Combos

The most effective car seat and stroller combos almost seem to connect themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for mistakes that could occur when assembling and detaching.

One option that accomplishes this is the Doona that effortlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and also makes room for the trunk. Online reviewers note that it feels substantial however they also appreciate its user-friendliness and its functionality.

Easy to Assemble

Parents who don't want to switch between car seats and strollers often find a combination of both attractive. It also makes sense for those who regularly use rideshares or public transportation as well as those who switch between caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are connected to the car seat, meaning they're more easily mobile," says Stanton. However, she says that it's essential to make sure the car seat is securely secured when it's used with the travel system. She advises you to follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit.

In our tests, we discovered that the top stroller and car seat combinations have a simple click-in connector that requires no effort other than shifting the car from one location to another. These models scored better compared to those with more complex connections due to their lower pressure and have fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. For example, we like the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that has no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the car seat base that tells you when it's properly leveled.

The Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is also easy to install and transfer from vehicle into stroller. It's a seamless transformation that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also features a swivel wheel in the front, which allows for excellent maneuverability even when the seat attached.

Another option is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis for easy storage. It has a big basket, as well as plenty of cups for drinks, snacks and baby gear. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long rides and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA-approved and includes an safety harness that is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone that protects your child in the event of a crash.

A good travel system should be easy to push. Our top picks feature rubber tires and a single swivel wheel on the front for navigating busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and have convenient features, like one-hand brakes and a large storage basket.

Easy to Store

Car seat stroller combos are a great choice for parents who want to keep their child as comfortable as possible, whether they're doing errands or going on an excursion with the family. Car seat and stroller combinations are generally easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and most models are equipped with convenient features that help them stand out from the rest. It's important to remember that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller for them to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to provide guidelines for what types of strollers are compatible with their product and a quick internet search can help you narrow down your options.

Certain strollers and car seats have an immediate attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point, and it's especially beneficial for families who often use ride-share cars or public transport. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted to stroller with the click of a button. This is a time-saving feature and helps you avoid having your stroller checked at the gate on planes (assuming you've purchased an airline chair for your baby) or to hop into and out of a taxi.

Other stroller-car seat combos like the Nuna TrVL let parents remove the infant car seat from the stroller base, and fold it easily into a compact package which can be stored inside the trunk. This is another great feature for busy families, and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with high-end fabrics and smart features such as a built-in curtain canopy to protect a snoozing baby.

In the end, the ideal 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will depend on your personal preferences and plans for growth and budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that can fit in a car seat and have little extra space, whereas higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or twin stroller and offer more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller meets all safety requirements.

Easy to carry

These combinations are perfect for families who wish to avoid checking the gate of an infant car seat when flying. They're also great for those who regularly use public transportation or ride-sharing services. Car seats and strollers are simple to transport and move on the go and are ideal for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their children.

When you're deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, look for one that is light and compact. These options tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push across different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can aid in getting the car seat in and out of a trunk or the back of a vehicle.

Many of the most sought-after car seats/strollers are lightweight compact and foldable casters for easy storage. The Cosco Finale Versatile 2-in-1 Prams for Ultimate Convenience, for instance is a standard seat that can be converted into a booster when the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are relatively user-friendly (we did not consider it the best option for its ease of installation).

Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona, which is a standout because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in a few clicks. This allows you to skip the step of removing the seat from its base and makes it easier to maneuver stairs or hop into taxis without having to put away the car seat.

The Doona is a budget-friendly option, which is especially appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It's less than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it provides new parents with assurance that they have safe travel gear for their baby.

Many families opt for a two-piece car seat/stroller system in the event that they have decided on a specific model of infant carrier or have plans to have multiple children. If this is the case, be sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller are compatible. Also consider purchasing an adapter to accommodate your desired combination.

Easy to Fold

Car seat and stroller combos are an excellent choice for parents looking for only one piece of baby gear which can perform multiple functions. They are able to easily convert from a car to stroller, and vice versa. They are also easier to move around than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more easily portable," says Stanton. "They have fewer moving parts which makes them easier to fold, use, and transport."

In addition, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece options and fit in smaller trunks, making them easy to carry around. They also tend to have a larger cargo basket and more convenient features like cup holders and sun shades. Some models even come with a swivel front wheel which is great for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.

Some brands, like Doona, offer all-in-one infant stroller and car seat solutions. They are especially useful for parents who intend to use rideshares or public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is essentially an automobile seat that is rear-facing on wheels, and the wheels drop down to become a stroller when you wish to use it.

Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click in the car seat and unfold it into the form of a stroller. This model isn't as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.

Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combination you're considering will work with your preferred brand of car seat. If it's compatible, then you can expect longer-lasting use from the product as it will continue to work with your child as they are no longer in the infant car seat.