Car Seat and Stroller Combos

The most effective car seat stroller combinations are so simple to connect that it's like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is simple to click with the carrier." This reduces the possibility of errors during installation and removal.

One option that does this is the Doona that seamlessly converts from car seat to stroller, and also makes room for the trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's features and ease of use, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.

Easy to Assemble

A stroller and car seat combination is a good option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a great alternative for parents who utilize rides or public transportation frequently, as well as those that switch caregivers. Stanton states that since they are a single item and the wheels are connected the car seats are more easily portable. However, she adds that it's essential to ensure that your car seat is properly secured when using it with a travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit she advises.

In our tests, we discovered that the most effective stroller and car seat combos have a simple click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond shifting the carrier from one to another. These models scored better than those with more complex connections, since they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities for errors (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that requires no straps, and that it has a gauge at the bottom of the car seat which indicates when the seat is leveled properly.

Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and transfer from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless transition that allows extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel at the front that allows for excellent mobility even with the seat on.

Another alternative is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has springy chassis as well as a large fold-down chassis for easy storage. It has a large basket as well as plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The cushioned seat is ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth knit fabric is washed in the machine. It is FAA-approved, and comes with a safety strap that can be locked either below or on the shoulders of your baby. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect your child in the event of a crash.

A great travel system should also be easy to push. Our top picks feature rubber tires and a single, rotating wheel at the front to help navigate busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 in 1 pram and pushchair Combo all glide smoothly and come with useful features, such as one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.

Easy to Store

Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible are better off choosing a stroller and car seat combination, regardless of whether they are doing errands during the day or planning an outing with the family. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to move around than separate items, and a lot of models have convenient features that set them apart 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 will help narrow down your options.

Some strollers and carseats have an attachment that snaps in place without the need for straps or a complicated installation. This kind of simple 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 button. This is a major time-saver and allows you to bypass gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop into and out of taxis.

Other stroller-car-seat combos such as the Nuna TrVL allow parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and fold it into a compact size that can be stored into the trunk. This is a fantastic feature for parents who are busy. The stroller itself has a sleek design with top quality fabrics as well as smart touches such as a built-in drape canopy that protects a baby who's sleeping.

The ideal 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combo for your family will depend on your lifestyle, your plans for growth and your budget. The cheapest models will likely be frame strollers that fit a car seat with the smallest amount of space. On the other hand, higher-end combos may include twin strollers, and include more advanced features. In any case, you can rest assured that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest safety standards.

Easy to carry

These combinations are perfect for families who wish to avoid the hassle of checking the gate for an infant car seat when flying. They're also great for those who regularly use public transportation or ride-shares. These cars seats and strollers are easy to carry and are ideal for parents who prefer their hands free while traveling with their children.

When deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, look for one that is lightweight and compact. These types of strollers tend to move more smoothly, which could make them easier to push across various terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to put the car seat into the trunk or the back of the car.

Many of the most sought-after car seat/stroller combinations are light, compact and feature foldable casters for easy storage. The Cosco Finale 2 in 1 buggy-in-1, for instance is a basic seat that can convert into an infant booster when the child no longer requires an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps that are easy to use.

The Doona is a different 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth noting. It's an exceptional piece of equipment because it can be transformed from a rear facing infant car seat to a stroller by simply clicking the button. This means you can skip the step of removing your car seat from its base, and also helps you to navigate stairs or get in taxis without having to have the car seat stored.

Doonas are a great option for those on a budget, particularly first-time parents. It's less expensive than a year's gym membership and gives parents peace of mind knowing that their child is safe traveling.

Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they are set on a specific model of infant carrier or have plans to have more than one child. If that's your situation, make sure you review the specifications of the product to ensure that the stroller you choose and car seat will work in conjunction. Consider purchasing an adapter in order to make your desired combination.

Easy to Fold

The car seat and stroller combo is a great choice for parents who are looking for a single piece that can be used for multiple purposes. They are able to effortlessly switch from being a car seat to a stroller and then back again, and they're generally easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally mobile," says Stanton. "They have a lot less moving parts, which means they're easier to fold, carry, and use."

These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than the two-piece versions, and they can be easily transported in small trunks. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and come with more practical features, like cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheels on the front that can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and stores.

Some brands, such as Doona, offer all-in-one infant car seat and stroller solutions. These can be particularly helpful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat with wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.

Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat and fold it up into the form of a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona however, it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to click it into the base.

It is also important to consider whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combination can fit the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a more durable product as it will be able to work with your child after they've outgrown their car seats for infants.

It's important to know that some stroller and car seat combinations aren't very effective in our ease of use tests. This could be due to the design of the product that makes it difficult or uncomfortable to climb stairs, or because the weight of the stroller and car seat can make it harder to push across different terrains. It's worth reading our review to determine which one is the best 2 in 1 stroller for you.