2 in 1 Stroller and Car Seat Combo
There are numerous options to meet your needs, whether you want to improve your baby's sleeping or make running with your child more enjoyable. There are also single-piece models like the Doona, which eliminates the need to attach.
We also tested models which allow you to attach and detach your car seat from its base with just one hand, while navigating around curbs and tight spaces.
Features
A car seat and a stroller combination is a great option for parents looking to reduce the amount of weight they need to carry around. They usually include an infant car seat and a stroller that can be used for several years, even after your child has outgrown the car seat. You can also save yourself the hassle of purchasing and installing a separate adapter for your car seat. Please note that not every stroller or car seat is compatible. Be sure to read the specifications of the product.
If you choose to purchase a car seat and stroller in one, we recommend that you choose one with a secure connection between the base of the stroller and the carrier. These connections require only a little pressure, which reduces the chance of making errors that can occur while trying to install a car seat using straps.
When choosing a stroller-car seat combination, you must take into consideration whether the car seat is removable from the frame of the stroller without needing to remove it from the car. This allows you to transfer a sleepy baby to or from the stroller. This is especially beneficial for sleep-deprived parents!
The Graco Travel System with OnBoard 35 LT Infant Car Seat and Stroller is a top-rated stroller and car seat combo. It features an incline rear car seat that can be mounted using the lower anchors on your vehicle or the belt. It also features a quiet canopy to keep your child comfortable in the car. The stroller comes with a large basket for storage, a deluxe tray for parents with cups that are directional, as well as an adjustable handlebar.
The car seat and stroller set is an excellent choice for families who want a set that will expand with their family over the years. The EZ Ride PLUS Stroller features a padded toddler seat that can be used in a variety of positions. The EZ-Lift Plus 35 Infant Car Seat has an easy-release buckle as well as a built-in lock for easy installation.
Doona's car seats and strollers are popular for their versatility as well as their safety and ease of use. The innovative stroller transforms from an rear-facing car seat to a stroller a forward facing in just minutes. It's lightweight, compact and easy to move. It's perfect for traveling by plane, bus, or train or running the errands. It has a low center of gravity, and it clicks when it is attached to the base.
2 in 1 pram to have a stroller and car seats that work well together, but also that your baby is protected. You'll want a car seat which clicks into the stroller with ease and has an audible click to verify that it's securely attached. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and read the owner's guide to ensure that your car seat is installed correctly. Dr. Kirkilas says that the seat should fit snugly, but not too tight. The harness should sit just beneath the baby's nipple.
Car seats that convert into strollers are beneficial for families who use public transport or rideshares, says Stanton because it is possible to move your child from the car to the stroller and back again without leaving the vehicle. "They are often easier to handle," says Stanton, particularly on short trips or for running errands. In our tests, strollers with integrated car seats have greater maneuverability scores than other types of strollers. A stroller that is lightweight and a compact, foldable car seat allow you to easily carry it up and down steps, sling into a trunk, and fit in small closets.
Some lightweight strollers are difficult to push, especially if they're packed with equipment. To reduce the chance of tipping, pick an option that weighs less than 25 pounds.
You should also take into consideration the size of the stroller and car seat combination you select. The larger models could be difficult to maneuver and need more storage space, but they'll offer a smoother ride and have more cargo space.
If you are planning to purchase a stroller and car seat from different brands, be sure to read the specifications to make sure that they can be used together. You could save money in the end by purchasing a separate stroller, and then purchasing an adaptor for it to work with your infant car seat.
We are pleased to recommend the Baby Jogger City GO 2 infant seat and stroller combo, which has received excellent reviews from parents and has earned top marks during our tests. This travel system has a new RAPIDLOCK Base that is installed in just a few seconds, with belt-tensioning for safe travel as well as a level and secure installation, as well as an anti-rebound bar that protects your baby from side impacts.
User-Friendliness
Combinations of car seat and stroller can save parents time, money and trouble. Combos are a great alternative to traditional travel systems which require you to transfer your infant car seat from your vehicle to the stroller. This is especially beneficial for first-time parents who may feel overwhelmed with all the different steps involved in caring for a child.
The car-seat/stroller set-up is lighter than separate strollers or car seats. This makes it easier to maneuver. Many models also feature quick-attach adapters and bases for car seats that require minimal pressure to connect or remove. This minimizes the risk of erroneous actions (whether they're deliberate or not). In addition, a lot of models have easy-to-read instructions and audible clicks to let you determine if your car seat is secured.
In our tests of stroller/car seat combos we are looking 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 then folds to return to its base. We also love the fact that this model provides smooth and consistent riding due to the progressive front- and rear-wheel suspension technology, and that its fabrics can be washed in the 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 due to their more efficient brakes and more maneuverable wheels. All models come with adapters and car-seat attachments which allow you to secure an infant car seat into the proper position.
However, it's important to note that most stroller/car-seat combos aren't compatible with car seats that are extended-use or all-in-one convertible car seats. These car seats are designed to be used in the vehicle and are not able to snap onto the frame of a stroller. That said some options do exist, like the Doona infant car seat and latch base, that can be used in conjunction with a stroller, but only for 6-9 months. While the Doona is expensive but it can be a good fit for families who wish to have a travel system, but aren't looking to purchase a new car seat or stroller after their baby is out of the car seat for infants.
Budget
While a two-in-one car seat and stroller may seem like a great money-saving idea, it is crucial to think about the quality of each item. For example the stroller must be sturdy with a comfortable feel, while the car seat should be secure and safe with a five-point harness. A great combination should 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 your child while you're out.
You're looking for a travel system which is easy to put together and install in your vehicle. Then, it needs to fold up easily and compactly for storage. Also, make sure that the stroller is able to be moved and has comfortable handles. It's ideal when the stroller reclines for naps, or can be adjusted in different height positions.
Another thing to think about is how long your child will spend in the infant car seats. We recommend you pick an option that has convertible car seats. This will allow your child to progress into a toddler seat, and then a booster seat when they are older.
A popular option is the Doona infant car seat and stroller. We love that it does not require the attachment process and is a rear-facing car seat on wheels, making the transition from stroller to 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 a second stroller when your baby outgrows the car seat for infants.
Another alternative is an alternative is Contours Snap N Go Dual Stroller and MESA infant car seats, which gets high marks for its convenience. The stroller is able to accommodate two infants and comes with multiple seating positions, including forwards, backwards and face-toface. It can also be connected to a car seat by using the LATCH connectors that are integrated into the base. The stroller can fold down to a small size and fit in the majority of trunks.