Car Seat and Stroller Combos

The most effective car seat stroller combos are so easy to attach that it's almost like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is easy to connect with the carrier." This will reduce the chance of errors during installation and removal.

One option that can do this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller and makes room for the trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's features and ease of use but also note its substantial feel.

Easy to Assemble

A car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents who want to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It is also a good option for those who often use public transportation or rideshares and for those who have multiple caregivers. Stanton states that since they're one item and the wheels are attached the car seats are more portable. However, she notes, it's important to make sure the car seat is properly secured when using it with the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and your vehicle owner's manual to ensure an appropriate fit, she says.

In our tests, we found that the best 2 in 1 pushchair stroller and car seat combos have a simple click-in connector that requires no effort other than shifting the car from one location to another. These models scored better than those with more complex connections, since they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors (intentional or accidental). For instance, we love 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 shows when it is properly leveled.

The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is easy to set up and then transfer from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk for shopping or running errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel on the front that allows for excellent maneuverability even when the seat attached.

Another alternative is Britax B Lively and B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It features springy chassis as well as a large one-hand fold chassis that makes it easy to store. It comes with a large basket and plenty of cup holders to store snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The padded seat makes it ideal for long journeys and the tagless smooth knit fabric can be washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and includes a safety harness that locks at or below the shoulders of your baby and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone to safeguard your child in the event of a crash.

A good travel system must also 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 MoMi Limuru Black pushchair 2 in 1 Buggy Combo Deal (Suggested Web page) and the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide effortlessly and come with useful features, including one-hand braking and a spacious storage basket.

Easy to store

Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can should consider a stroller and car seat combination, regardless of whether they are running errands or going on an outing with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are simpler to move around than separate items, and a lot of models have convenient features that set them apart from other strollers. It's important to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on which strollers are compatible with their product. A quick online search can help you narrow down your options.

Some strollers and car seats feature a direct connection that snaps in place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This kind of simple attachment is a major selling point, and is particularly helpful for families who often use ride-share cars or public transport. The Doona for instance, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller with just the push of the button. This is a significant time saver and makes it easy to bypass gate-checking a stroller on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your child) or to hop into and out of taxis.

Other car seat and stroller combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant car seat from the stroller's base and easily fold it into a compact unit that fits in the trunk of a vehicle. This is another great feature for busy families and the stroller has a sleek design with premium fabrics and smart features such as a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleeping baby.

Ultimately, the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle and growth plans 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, more expensive models may include a toddler seat or twin stroller and offer more advanced features. You can be sure that the stroller is compliant with all safety standards.

Easy to carry

Car seat/stroller combos are excellent option for families that are looking to avoid the hassle of gate-checking the infant car seat on flights, and they're also perfect for people who use ride-shares and public transportation frequently. These strollers and car seats are easy to carry and are ideal for parents who want their hands off when traveling with their children.

Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push across various conditions. Furthermore, the smaller frames can make it easier to get the car seat into and out of a trunk, or the rear of a vehicle.

Many of the most sought-after car seats/strollers are lightweight and compact, and come with folding casters that can be stored easily. For instance, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that converts from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to a booster for children who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are simple to use.

The Doona is a different 2 in 1 car seat/stroller that's worth mentioning. It's a unique piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller by simply clicking on a button. This means you can skip the process of taking your car seat off its base, and also helps you to navigate the stairs or get into taxis without having the car seat stowed.

Doonas are an excellent affordable option, especially for first-time parents. It's cheaper than a year of gym membership. It also provides parents with peace of mind knowing their child is safe traveling.

Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system if they are set on a particular model of infant carrier, or have plans to have multiple children. If that's the scenario, be sure to read the product specs to ensure your chosen stroller and car seat work together. Consider purchasing an adapter if necessary to accommodate your desired combination.

Easy to Fold

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

These car seats and strollers for infants are lighter than the two-piece versions and can be easily transported in small trunks. They also tend to have more space for cargo and more useful features such as cup holders and sun shades. Some models have a swivel wheel at the front, which is great for navigating busy streets and stores.

Some brands, like Doona provide a stroller and infant car seats that can be used in conjunction. These can be particularly helpful for parents who intend to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or who switch between caregivers often. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into a stroller.

Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat in and then unfold it into a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona but you can remove the car seat without having to click into the base.

It is also important to consider whether a specific stroller and infant car seat combination can be used with the car seat you prefer. If it is compatible, you can expect to get more life from the product as it will still work with your child as they are no longer in the infant car seat.

However, it's important to be aware that some car seat and stroller combos don't perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be because of a design which makes it difficult to walk stairs or due to the weight and size of the stroller/car seat may make it harder to push. In any situation, it's worth checking through our reviews to determine the best option for you.