How To Determine If You're Ready For 2 In 1 Stroller Car Seat

Car Seat and Stroller Combos The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so easy to attach that it's almost like they're doing it themselves. Stanton suggests: “Look for a base that is simple to click with the carrier.” This will reduce the chance of mistakes during installation and removal. Doona is one option that lets you accomplish this. It easily transforms from a car seat to stroller, and lets you free up space in your trunk. Online reviews praise the Doona's features and ease of use, but they also praise its robust feel. Easy to Assemble Parents who do not want to switch between strollers and car seats often find a combination of both attractive. It's also a good option for parents who take public transportation or rideshares often, as well as those who switch caregivers. “These are a single product and the wheels are attached to the car seat, meaning they're more naturally portable,” says Stanton. Stanton says it is important to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using a travel system. She says to always follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual for your vehicle for a secure fit. In our tests, the best stroller-car seat combos have an easy click-in connection which requires little effort, other than moving the car seat from one location to another. These models scored higher compared to models with more complicated connections because they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. We like, for example, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that requires no straps, and also has a gauge at the bottom of the car seat which indicates when the seat is leveled correctly. Similar to the Doona All-in One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and move from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless transformation that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also comes with an adjustable front wheel that provides great maneuverability, even when the seat is mounted. Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension as well as an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis for easy storage. It has a big basket as well as plenty of cups for snacks, drinks and baby equipment. 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 an safety strap that is secured beneath or around the shoulders of your baby. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to protect your child in the event of a crash. A great travel system should also be easy to push and, in our top picks, all come with rubber tires and only a single, swivel rear wheel that can be used to navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo, the BOB Alterrain Pro, and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT 2 Combo all glide smoothly and have convenient features, such as one-hand braking as well as a large storage basket. Easy to Store Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can will be better off with a car seat and stroller combination, regardless of whether they are running errands or taking an outing with the family. Car seat and stroller combinations are usually easier to maneuver than separate pieces, and many models are equipped with convenient features that make them distinct from other models. However, it's important to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller need to be compatible to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines for strollers that are compatible with their products. A quick online search will help narrow your options. Certain strollers and car seats feature an easy connection that snaps into place without any straps or a complex installation procedure. This type of easy attachment is a major selling point for families who regularly take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller with just the touch of the button. This is a huge time saver and allows you to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your infant) or to hop in and out of taxis. Other stroller and car seat combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant carrier from the stroller's base and easily fold it into a compact unit that can be stored into the trunk of a vehicle. This is a fantastic feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller is sleek and stylish, with top-quality fabrics and smart touches such as a built-in curtain canopy to protect a snoozing baby. The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your personal preferences and growth plans and budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers which can accommodate a car seat for a child with a small amount of space. Higher-end combos will include a toddler seat, twin strollers, or more advanced features. Either way you can be assured that the stroller and car seat will be up to the highest safety standards. Easy to Carry These combos are perfect for families that want to avoid checking the gate of an infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who frequently use public transportation and ride-shares. Car seats and strollers are easy to carry and maneuver around on the go and are perfect for parents who need their hands free when traveling with their children. When choosing the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that is light and compact. These models tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push across various terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat into a trunk or back of the car. Some of the most popular car seat/stroller combinations are light compact and foldable casters for easy storage. For instance the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that can be converted from a five-point harness that is rear-facing to an infant booster when children are no longer in a baby carrier. It's affordable, lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are relatively simple to use (we did not consider it a top pick for ease of assembly). The Doona is a second 2 in 1 stroller/car seat that's worth noting. It's a unique piece of equipment since it can be converted from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller simply by pressing a button. This allows you to avoid the hassle of removing the seat from its base and makes it easier to navigate stairs or hop in taxis without having to store the car seat. Doonas are a great affordable option, especially for new parents. It's less than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it gives new parents peace of mind knowing that they have safe travel gear for their child. Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system when they're deciding on an infant carrier from a certain brand or have plans for several children. If this is the case, be sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller will work in tandem. Consider purchasing an adapter in order to fit your preferred combination. Easy to Fold The car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents who are looking for a single piece that can be used for a variety of purposes. They can easily convert from a car seat to stroller, and reverse the process. They are also easier to maneuver than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're made to be lighter and more portable. “They have a lot less moving parts, which makes them easy to fold, transport, and use.” These strollers and car seats for infants are lighter than the two-piece options and are easily carried in trunks that are small. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and have more convenient features, including sun shades and cup holders. Some even come with a swivel front wheel that's great for navigating crowded sidewalks and shopping centers. Push Chairs & Prams , like Doona provide an all-in-one baby stroller and car seat. These can be particularly helpful parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares and public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing car seat that has wheels that can be converted into a stroller. Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into the frame and then unfold it into a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without needing to click into the base. Take into consideration whether the stroller and infant seat combination you're considering will work with your preferred brand of car seat. If it's compatible, then you can expect longer-lasting use from the product as it will still work with your child as they grow out of the infant car seat. It is important to be aware that certain stroller and car seats aren't very effective in our ease of use tests. This could be due to the design of the product that creates difficulty or isn't convenient to climb stairs, or due to the weight of the car seat and stroller could make it difficult to push on different terrains. It's worth reading our review to determine which model is the best for you.