2 in 1 Stroller and Car Seat Combo
There are many options available to meet your needs whether you are looking to improve your baby's sleep or make running with your child a breeze. There are also one-piece models like the Doona that eliminate the necessity for attachment.
We also tested models that let you easily attach and remove the car seat from its base with just one hand while maneuvering around tight spots and curbs.
Features
A car seat and a stroller is a great option for parents looking to reduce the amount they have to carry. They usually include the infant car seat and a stroller that can be used for many years, even after your child is out of the car seat. This also means that you can skip the hassle of buying and installing a separate car seat adapter. It is important to note that not every stroller and car seat is compatible. Be sure to check the product specifications.
If you decide to purchase a stroller that is a two-in-one and car seat, we suggest selecting one with an essential click-in connection between the carrier and the base. These connections require little pressure, which minimizes the possibility of mistakes when installing the car seat that comes with straps.
Another thing to think about when selecting a stroller/car seat combo is whether the car seat can be removed from the frame of the stroller without removing it from the vehicle. This makes it much easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller, or back. This can be particularly helpful for parents who are sleep deprived!
The Graco Travel System With OnBoard 35 LT Stroller and Infant Car Seat is a highly-rated stroller/car seat combo. It features an infant car seat that is rear-facing that can be attached to either the lower anchors or your vehicle belt, and it comes with a silent canopy design to keep your little one comfy when they travel in the car. The stroller has a spacious basket for storage, a deluxe tray for parents that has multi-directional cupholders, and an adjustable handlebar.
The car seat and stroller set is a great choice for families looking for a set that can grow with their family over the years. The EZ Ride Plus Stroller is equipped with a toddler's seat with padding that can be used multiple ways, and the EZ Lift Plus 35 Infant Car Seat comes with an easy-release buckle that allows for quick installation.
The Doona stroller and car seat combination is a popular choice for its flexibility, convenience, and safety. The innovative stroller converts from an rear-facing car seat to a stroller a forward facing in just minutes. It's lightweight, compact, and easy to maneuver. It's ideal for travel via bus, plane, or train or conducting the errands. It has an extremely low center of gravity and features an audible click once the carrier is secured to the base so you can feel confident that it's safe.
Safety
It is essential to have a stroller and car seats that are compatible, but also to ensure that your baby is safe. You'll want a car-seat that clicks into the stroller easily and has an audible click to confirm that it's securely connected. Check that the car seat is securely installed in your car, also, by adhering to the instructions of the manufacturer and reading the owner's manual. The seat should be comfortable but not tight. Also, the harness should rest in the middle or below the nipple line of your baby, says Dr. Kirkilas.
Car seats that transition into strollers are useful for families who take public transport or rideshares, says Stanton as you can move your child from the car to the stroller and back again without having to leave the vehicle. "They're often easier to handle especially for trips that are shorter and errands," she adds. In our tests, strollers that have integrated car seats scored greater maneuverability scores than other types of strollers. A lightweight stroller and a compact, foldable car seat allow you to easily carry it up and down stairs, sling into a trunk, and fit into small closets.
However, strollers with lighter weights tend to slide more on uneven terrain than more heavy models, and some are difficult to push if loaded down with equipment. Make sure you choose a stroller that weighs less than 25 pounds to minimize the chance of tipping.
Think about the size of your car seats and strollers. The larger models can be difficult to maneuver and take up more space for storage However, you'll experience more comfort and a smoother ride thanks to more suspension and a bigger cargo basket.
If you plan to buy a stroller and car seat from different brands, be sure you review the specifications to ensure that they can be used together. You may save money over the long term by purchasing a separate stroller and then purchasing an adaptor to work with your infant car seat.
We are pleased to recommend the Baby Jogger City GO 2 stroller and infant seat, which has received excellent reviews from parents and received the top marks in our tests. This travel system comes with the latest RAPIDLOCK Base that can be installed in a matter of seconds, and comes with belt-tensioning to ensure safety in taxis, a secure and level installation, and an anti-rebound bar that protects your child from side-impact.
Easy of Use
Combinations of car seats and stroller can save parents money, time, and trouble. Unlike 2 in 1 pram pushchair which requires you to move an infant car seat between your car and stroller, combos let you to connect the two together with just a click. This is particularly helpful for mothers who are new to the world and feel overwhelmed by the many steps involved in caring the infant.
Car-seat/stroller combos can also be lighter than separate strollers and car seats, which makes them easier to maneuver. Many models come with bases that are quick-attach and adapters for car seats that require minimal pressure to attach or remove. This reduces the possibility of erroneous actions (whether they're deliberate or not). Lastly, a number of models come with easy-to-read instructions as well as audible clicks that help you know when your car seat is secured.
In our testing of car seat/stroller combos, we look for models that have greater ease-of-use scores. For example, the Evenflo Shyft DualRide is a one-piece option that folds up into a stroller and it folds up to go back into its base. The model also provides a smooth steady ride thanks to the swaying rear-wheel suspension and front-wheel suspension. The fabric can be washed by machine.
UPPAbaby Vista v2 Combo and UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo are also top-rated strollers, with high scores for user-friendliness. These strollers are much easier to push because they have more efficient brakes and more maneuverable wheels. All of them have adapters and car seat attachments that make it simple to secure an infant car seat into the correct position.
However, it's important to note that most car-seat/stroller combos are not compatible with extended-use car seats or all-in-one convertible car seats. These car seats are designed to be placed in the vehicle, and they don't snap onto a stroller frame. There are a few options, such as the Doona latch base and infant car seat, that can be used in conjunction with a stroller from 6 to 9 months. The Doona isn't cheap however, it's an excellent choice for families that want to utilize a travel set-up without the need to purchase a new car seat or a stroller once their child has outgrown their infant car seat.
Budget
While a 2-in-1 stroller and car seat may seem like a great way to save money, it is important to consider the quality of each item. The stroller should have a sturdy and comfortable feel, while the car seat should be secured with a five-point harness. A good set-up will include an enormous canopy that shields your child from direct sunlight as well as a tray for the parents with double cup holders, and a peekaboo window to keep an eye on the baby while you're out.
You're looking for a travel system which is easy to install and assemble in your vehicle. Then, it should fold up easily and compactly to store it. Lastly, ensure that the stroller is able to be moved and has comfortable handles. It's also a plus if the stroller can recline for naps, or be adjusted to different height positions.
A second aspect to consider is how long your child will be in the infant car seats. In this regard, we recommend choosing a travel system with an infant car seat that is able to be converted into a toddler car seat and then a booster seat when your child reaches a certain age.
A popular option is the Doona infant car seat and stroller. We love that it skips the attachment process and is essentially a rear-facing car seat on wheels, which makes the switch from a stroller to a vehicle an easy transition for your baby. The only downside is that it's a little shorter lasting (6-9 months) and requires you to purchase an additional stroller when your baby is no longer in the car seat for infants.
The Contours Snap N Go dual stroller and MESA infant seat is a different option that gets high marks for its ease of use. The stroller has multiple seating options -- including forward, backward and face-to-face. It is able to accommodate two babies. It can also be linked to the car seat by using the LATCH connectors built into the base. The stroller can fold down to a smaller size and fits in the majority of trunks.