Car Seat and Stroller Combos

The most reliable car seat stroller combos are so simple to connect that it's almost like they're doing it themselves. Stanton advises: "Look for a base that is easy to click together with the carrier." This will reduce the chance of mistakes during installation and removal.

One option that does this is the Doona, which seamlessly transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and also makes room for the trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's functionality and user-friendliness, however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel.

Easy to Assemble

Parents who don't want to switch between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both appealing. It's also an ideal choice for those who often use rideshares or public transportation, as well as those who have multiple caregivers. "These are a single item and the wheels are attached to the car seat, so they're more mobile," says Stanton. However, she says that it's crucial to make sure the car seat is securely secured when using it with the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the manual of your vehicle's owner to ensure that the seat is secure, she says.

In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combos have a simple click-in connection, that requires no effort beyond moving the stroller from one location to another. These models scored higher than those with more complicated connections, as they require less pressure and have less chance of making errors (intentional or accidental). For instance, we like the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple, drop-in attachment that requires no straps--and that there's an indicator on the car seat base that indicates when it's level.

The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller it's also simple to install and switch from car to stroller. It's a seamless transition that allows extra trunk space for shopping and other errands. It also has a swivel steering wheel at the front that allows for excellent mobility even when the seat attached.

Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 2in1 travel system System, which has a springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large storage basket, as well as plenty of cup holders to hold snacks, drinks and baby gear. The cushioned seat makes it comfortable for long journeys, and the tagless smooth touch knit fabric is machine washed. It's FAA approved and comes with the safety harness which is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and has a SafeCell crumple zone to protect them in the event of a crash.

A good travel system should also be simple to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single pivoting wheel in the front to navigate busy streets and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features such as one hand braking and an ample storage basket.

Easy to store

Parents who want their child to be as comfortable as possible will be better off with a stroller and car seat combination, regardless of whether they are running errands or planning a family trip. Combinations of car seats and strollers are usually more maneuverable than separate pieces, and most models come with features that make them stand out from the competition. However, it's important to note that the car seat and stroller must be compatible in order to work. The manufacturer of the car seat should give guidelines on what kinds of strollers work with their product, and a quick online search can help you narrow down your options.

Some strollers and car seats come with a direct connection that snaps into place without any straps or an intricate installation procedure. This type of easy attachment is a major selling point for families who regularly utilize public transportation or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is an FAA approved infant car seat that can be converted into stroller with the press of a button. This is a major time-saver and makes it easy to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop into and out of taxis.

Other stroller and car seat combos, like the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to remove the infant carrier from the stroller base and easily fold it into a compact size that fits in the trunk of a car. This is another great feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller has a sleek profile with top-quality fabrics and smart touches, like a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing baby.

The ideal 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combo for your family depends on your lifestyle, your plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable models are likely to be frame strollers that can accommodate a car seat for a child with a small amount of space. The more expensive models will have a toddler seat, twin stroller or more advanced features. Either way, you can rest assured that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest standards of safety.

Easy to Carry

These combos are perfect for families who want to avoid checking the gate of an infant car seat while flying. They're also great for those who frequently take public transport or ride-shares. These strollers and cars seats are easy to carry, making them perfect for parents who prefer their hands free while traveling with their children.

When you're deciding on a stroller that is a 2 in 1 car seat, choose one that is lightweight and compact. These models tend to roll more smoothly, which could make them easier to push through different terrains. The smaller frames allow for easier placement of the car seat into a trunk or back of a car.

Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are compact, lightweight and come with wheels that fold to make it easy to store. For instance, the Cosco Finale 2 in 1 car seat and pram-in-1 is a no-frills seat that converts from an rear-facing five-point harness into a booster for kids who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and comes with LATCH straps which are relatively simple to use.

Other 2 in 1 stroller and car seat in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's a standout because it's a single piece of equipment that transitions from a rear-facing infant car seat to a stroller in a few clicks. This lets you skip the step of removing the seat from the base and makes it much easier to maneuver stairs or hop in taxis without having to stow the car seat.

Doonas are a great budget-friendly choice, especially for first-time parents. It's less expensive than the cost of a year's gym membership, and it provides new parents with peace of mind that they're equipped with safe travel gear for their baby.

Many families opt for a two-piece stroller/car seat system when they're deciding on a specific brand of infant carrier or plans to have more than one child. If this is the case, make sure you've read the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller will work in tandem. Consider buying an adapter to match your desired combination.

Easy to Fold

The car seat and stroller combo is a great choice for parents looking for a single item that can be used for a variety of purposes. They can easily convert from a car to a stroller, and vice versa. They are also more easy to move around than two piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're designed to be more compact. "They contain a lot fewer moving components, which makes them more compact to fold, carry, and use."

In addition, these types of strollers and infant car seats are typically lighter than two-piece models and fit in smaller trunks, making them simple to transport. These strollers and infant car seats are generally lighter and feature more convenient features, like cup holders and sun shades. Some come with a swivel front wheel that is ideal for navigating sidewalks and shopping centers.

Some brands, like Doona offer an all-in-one infant stroller and car seat. They are especially useful for parents who plan to take advantage of rideshares or public transportation, or shift between caregivers frequently. This model is a rear-facing child car seat that has wheels that can be converted into a stroller.

Other brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to insert the car seat, and then unfold it into the shape of a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however, you can remove the car seat without needing to click into the base.

You should also consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combination can accommodate the car seat you prefer. If it's compatible, then you are likely to enjoy a longer life out of the product because it will be able to work with your child once they are no longer in the infant car seat.

It is important to be aware that certain stroller and car seat combinations aren't very effective in our user-friendliness tests. This could be because of a design which makes it difficult to climb stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat may make it difficult to push. It's worth reading our review to find out which option is the Best Urban Prams for you.