8 Tips For Boosting Your 2 In 1 Stroller Car Seat Game
Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car seat stroller combinations are so easy to attach that it's almost like they're doing it themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for errors that can happen during the installation process and detachment.
Doona is one of the options that can accomplish this. It effortlessly converts from a car seat to stroller, and frees up space in your trunk. Online reviews have noted that it feels substantial however they also appreciate its user-friendliness and performance.
Easy to Assemble
prams 2 in 1 who do not want to switch between strollers and car seats often find a combination of both appealing. This is also a good option for parents who take public transportation or rideshares often as well as those who change caregivers. Stanton says that because they're a single piece and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more mobile. However, she says that it's essential to ensure that the car seat is securely secured when using it with a travel system. She says to always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and your vehicle's owner's manual to ensure an ideal fit.
In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combos feature an easy click-in connection that requires no effort beyond moving the car seat from one location to the next. These models scored better than those with more complicated connections, as they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities for errors (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 also has an indicator at the bottom of the car seat that indicates that the seat is level correctly.
Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is simple to set up and then transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless transition that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has a swivel wheel on the front that allows for excellent mobility even with the seat on.
Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has springy chassis as well as a large one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket, as well as plenty of cup holders to hold snacks, drinks, and baby gear. The cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys, and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric is washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and comes with an safety harness that 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 reliable travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires with one, swivel front wheel to navigate busy sidewalks and streets. 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 baby to be as comfortable as possible will be better off with a car seat and stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands or planning an excursion with the family. Car seat and stroller combinations are usually simpler to maneuver than individual pieces, and many models are equipped with convenient features that help them distinct from other models. It is important to keep in mind that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller for them to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines for what types of strollers work with their product and a quick internet search can help you find the right stroller.
Some strollers and car seats have an easy connection that snaps into place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This kind of effortless attachment is a major selling point, and is especially beneficial for families who often use ride-share cars or public transport. 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 airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to get into and out of taxis.
Other stroller and car seat combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to remove the infant carrier from the stroller base and fold it into a compact size that can be stored inside the trunk of a vehicle. This is a fantastic feature for busy families and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with top-quality fabrics and clever touches, like a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
The ideal 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combination for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat for a child with little extra space. The more expensive models will have a toddler seat, twin strollers, or more advanced features. Either way you can be sure that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest safety standards.
Easy to carry
Car seat/stroller combos are a excellent option for families that wish to avoid having to check gate-check an infant car seat on flights, and they're also perfect for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and cars seats are easy to carry and are perfect for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their children.
When deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, you should look for one that is light and compact. These types of strollers tend to move more smoothly, which can make them easier to push through different environments. Furthermore, the smaller frames can help you get the car seat into and out of a trunk or at the rear of a vehicle.
A few of the most well-known car seat/stroller combinations are light compact and folding casters that can be stored easily. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for example, is a simple seat that can be converted into a booster once the child no more requires an infant carrier. It's inexpensive, light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are relatively easy to use (we didn't score it as the best option for ease of assembly).
The Doona is another 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth mentioning. It's a unique piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be transformed from a rear-facing infant car seat to stroller with the click of a button. This allows you to avoid the process of removing your car seat from its base, and it helps you to navigate up and out taxis without having to have the car seat stored.
Doonas are a great budget-friendly choice, especially for first-time parents. It's less expensive than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it gives new parents assurance that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their baby.
Many families choose two-piece stroller/car seat systems if they are set on a specific type of infant carrier or plans to have more than one child. If this is the case, make sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller will work in tandem. Consider purchasing an adapter to match your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents who are looking for a single item that can be used for a variety of functions. They are able to easily switch from being a car seat to a stroller, and back again, and they are 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 components, which makes them easy to fold, transport, and use."
These car seats and strollers for infants are also lighter than the two-piece versions and can be easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and come with more useful features, including cup holders and sun shades. Some even come with a swivel front wheel that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and shopping centers.
Certain brands, such as Doona offer a stroller as well as an infant car seat that can be used in conjunction. These can be particularly helpful parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be converted into stroller.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat into and then fold it out as a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona however, it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to insert it into the base.
You should also consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combination can be used with the car seat you prefer. If it is compatible, you can expect a longer life out of the product as it will continue to work with your child when they get out of the infant car seat.
However, it's important to note that some car seat and stroller combos do not perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be because of a design which makes it difficult to walk stairs or because the weight and size of the car seat can make it harder to push. In either scenario, you should check out our full reviews to determine the best option for you.