5 Facts 2 In 1 Stroller Car Seat Is A Good Thing
Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos almost appear to be able to attach themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that can be easily clicked together," advises Stanton. This helps reduce the risk of mistakes during installation and removal.
Doona is one option that allows you to do this. It seamlessly transforms from a car seat to stroller, and frees up space in your trunk. Online reviews have noted that it feels sturdy, but they also love its simplicity of use and performance.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who do not want to switch between car seats and strollers often find a combination of both appealing. It's also an ideal choice for those who regularly take public transportation or rideshares as well as those who have multiple caregivers. "These are a single product and the wheels are connected to the car seat, which means they're more naturally portable," says Stanton. However, she says, 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 that the seat is secure, she says.
In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combinations have an easy click-in connection that requires no effort, other than moving the carrier from one location to the next. These models scored better compared to those with more complex connections due to their lower pressure and offer fewer chances for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. We like, for example, the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps, and that it includes a meter on the bottom of the car seat that indicates that the seat is level correctly.
The Doona All in-One Infant Car Seat Stroller is easy to set up and then transfer from vehicle to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to make use of the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or for errands. It also comes with an adjustable front wheel that gives you excellent maneuverability even when the seat is attached.
Another option is Britax B Lively & B Safe Gen2 Travel System. It has an elongated chassis that is springy and a large one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It has a large basket, as well as plenty of cup holders for snacks, drinks, and baby gear. Its padded seat is comfortable for long journeys and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that can be locked below or at your baby's shoulders. It also has a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard them if they are in a crash.
A good travel system will also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and a single, swivel front wheel for navigating busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with useful features like 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 or going on an outing with the family. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to maneuver than separate items, and many models are equipped with features that differentiate them from the competition. It is crucial to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order for them to work. The car seat manufacturer must provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their products. A quick online search can help you narrow your choices.
Certain strollers and car seats have a direct attachment that snaps in place without the need for additional straps or a complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a huge selling point, and is especially beneficial for families who often use ride-share cars or public transport. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller with just the touch of a button. This is a major time saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on planes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to hop into and out of taxis.
Other stroller and car seat combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant carrier from the stroller base and fold it into a compact size that can be stored inside the trunk of a car. 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair is another great feature for busy families and the stroller has a sleek design with high-end fabrics and clever touches, like a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleeping baby.
The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your lifestyle and growth plans and budget. The cheapest models tend to be frame strollers that fit a child car seat with little space. The more expensive models will have the toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller will meet all safety requirements.
Easy to Carry
These combos are perfect for families who want to avoid checking the gate of the infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who regularly take public transport or ride-shares. These strollers and car seats are easy to transport and maneuver in a hurry and are perfect for parents who need their hands off when traveling with their little ones.
Look for a lightweight and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These options are more comfortable to use and can be easier to push on different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can help you get the car seat in and out of a trunk or at the back of a car.
A few of the most well-known and highly rated car seat/stroller combinations are light, compact, and feature foldable wheels for easy storage. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that converts from a rear-facing five-point harness to an infant booster when children are no longer in a baby carrier. It's light (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps which are relatively easy to use.
Other 2 in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona that is a standout because it's a single piece equipment that can be converted from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller in a few clicks. This lets you avoid the hassle of removing the base of the seat and makes it easier to move up and down stairs or get into taxis without having to put away the car seat.
Doonas are a fantastic budget-friendly choice, especially for new parents. It's less expensive than the cost of one year's gym membership and it provides new parents with assurance that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their baby.
Many families opt for two-piece stroller/car seat systems if they are set on a particular model of infant carrier or plans to have several children. If this is the case, be sure you read the product specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller will work in tandem. Also, consider buying an adapter to accommodate your desired combination.
Easy to Fold
Car seat and stroller combos are a great choice for parents looking for one piece of baby equipment that can handle multiple functions. They can easily be converted from a car seat to the stroller and reverse the process. They are also simpler to maneuver than two piece travel systems. "They're designed to be more naturally portable," says Stanton. "They contain fewer moving parts which makes them easy to fold and use as well as carry."
Additionally, these types of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece models and can fit into small trunks, making them easy to transport. They also come with a larger cargo basket and more convenient features like sun shades and cup holders. Some models even have a swivel wheel on the front that is ideal for navigating sidewalks and shopping centers.
Certain brands, such as Doona offer a stroller as well as an infant car seats that can be used in conjunction. These are particularly useful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or change caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be transformed into stroller.
Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to slide the car seat into and then unfold it as a stroller. This model is not as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without having to click into the base.
You should also consider whether a particular stroller or infant car seat combo can accommodate your preferred car seat brand. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can expect a longer-lasting product as it will fit your child after they've outgrown their car seats for infants.
It's also important to know that certain stroller and car seats do not perform well in our ease-of-use tests. This could be because of an design that makes it difficult to climb stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat can make it harder to push. It's worth reading our reviews to determine which one is the best one for you.