Car Seat and Stroller Combos

The most effective car seat and stroller combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. "Look for a base and carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This minimizes the potential for errors that can happen during installation and detachment.

One option that does this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from car seat to stroller, and also frees up trunk space. Online reviews praise the Doona's features and user-friendliness, but they also praise its robust feel.

Easy to Assemble

Parents who don't want to change between car seats and strollers often find a mix of both appealing. It's also an ideal choice for those who often take public transportation or rideshares as well as parents who change caregivers. Stanton says that since they're one item and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more portable. Stanton says it is important to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and your vehicle owner's manual to ensure an appropriate fit she advises.

In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos have simple click-in connections, that requires no effort, other than moving the stroller from one location to another. These models scored better than those with more complicated connections, because they require less pressure and provide less chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). For instance, 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 base of the car seat that indicates when it's level.

The Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants it's also simple to set up and move from the car to the stroller. It's an easy conversion that allows you to use the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or errands. It also features an swivel front wheel that offers excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is in place.

Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features a springy chassis and a large one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a spacious basket, as well as plenty of cup holders to store snacks, drinks and baby equipment. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It's FAA approved and comes with the safety harness which is secured at or below the shoulders of your baby and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to protect your child 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 that have only a single, swivel rear wheel that can be used to navigate busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 in 1 pram Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and feature convenient features such as one hand brake and a large 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 running errands for the day or planning an excursion with the family. Combinations of car seats and strollers are often easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and most models are equipped with convenient features that make them stand out from the competition. It's important to remember that the car seat has to be compatible with the stroller in order to work together. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines on what strollers can be used with their product. A quick search online can help you narrow your options.

Some strollers and car seats have an easy connection that snaps into place with no any straps or an intricate installation procedure. This kind of effortless attachment is a big selling point, and it's particularly helpful for families who frequently use ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the touch of the button. This is a major time-saver and makes it easy to avoid gate-checking a stroller on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to get into and out of taxis.

Other stroller and car seat combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to remove the infant carrier from the stroller base and then fold it up into a compact package that can be tucked away inside the trunk of a car. This is a fantastic feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller itself has a sleek profile with high-end fabrics and smart touches such as a built-in curtain canopy to shield a sleeping baby.

The ideal 2 in 1 stroller/car seat combo for your family is based on your lifestyle, plans for growth, and your budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that can fit a car seat with little extra space, whereas more expensive models may include a toddler seat or a twin strollers and have more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller will meet all safety requirements.

Easy to carry

Car seat/stroller combos are a excellent option for families that want to avoid gate-checking the infant car seat when flying and are also ideal for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are easy to carry, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands free while traveling with their children.

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

Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seat/stroller combos are compact, lightweight and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. The Cosco Finale 2-in-1, for instance, is a simple seat that can be converted into a booster once the child no longer requires an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are relatively simple to use (we did not rate it as the best 2 in 1 stroller option for its ease of installation).

Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's a standout because it's a single piece of equipment that can be converted from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller with just a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of removing the seat from its base and makes it much easier to maneuver stairs or hop in and out of taxis without having to put away the car seat.

Doonas are a great option for those on a budget, particularly first-time parents. It's less expensive than the cost of one year's gym membership and it provides new parents with peace of mind knowing that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their child.

Many families opt for a two-piece car seat/stroller system when they're deciding on a particular type of infant carrier or plans to have multiple children. 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 tandem. Consider purchasing an adapter to fit the combination you want.

Easy to Fold

The stroller and car seat combo is a great choice for parents looking for a single item that can be used for a variety of functions. They can easily be converted from a car to stroller, and reverse the process. They are also more easy to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton says that they are designed to be more portable. "They have a lot fewer moving components, which makes them easier to fold, carry and use."

These strollers and car seats for infants are also lighter than the two-piece versions, and they can be easily transported in small trunks. They also come with an extra cargo basket and more convenient features like cup holders and sun shades. Some have a swivel wheel on the front that is ideal for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.

Some brands, such as Doona offer an all-in-one infant car seat and stroller solutions. They are especially useful for parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.

Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to click the car seat in and then fold it out as a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.

You should also think about whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combination can fit the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can anticipate a longer-lasting product as it will fit your child after they've outgrown their car seats for infants.

However, it's important to note that some stroller and car seat combos don't perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be due to an design that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to navigate stairs, or because the weight of the car seat and stroller can make it harder to push on different terrains. In any case, it's worth checking out our complete reviews to determine the best 2 in 1 pram option for you.