2 in 1 Stroller and Car Seat Combo
There are many options available to meet your needs, whether you want to improve your baby’s sleeping or make running with your child a breeze. They include a single-piece model like the Doona that does not require the attachment process.
We also tested models that allow you to quickly attach and remove the car seat from the base using just one hand while moving around curbs and tight spaces.
Features
A car seat and stroller combination is a great choice for parents who wish to reduce the amount of equipment they carry. They typically include an infant car seat and a stroller that can be used for many 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. It is important to remember that not all car seats and strollers are compatible, so make sure to read the product specs carefully.
If you choose to purchase a stroller that is a 2-in-1 and car seat, we recommend that you choose one with a secure connection between the base of the carrier and the carrier. These connections require little pressure, which decreases the chance of errors when installing a car seat that has straps.
Another thing to think about when selecting a stroller/car seat combo is whether the car seat can be removed from the stroller frame without taking it out of the vehicle. This will make it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller or back. This is especially helpful for sleep-deprived parents!
The Graco Travel System with OnBoard 35 LT Infant Car Seat and Stroller is an extremely rated stroller and car seat combo. It has an infant car seat that is rear-facing that can be installed with either the lower anchors or your vehicle belt and it comes with a quiet canopy design that keeps your baby comfortable while in the car. The stroller comes with a large storage basket as well as a premium tray with multi-directional cups, and an adjustable handlebar.
The car seat and stroller set is a great option for families looking to purchase a set that can expand with their family over the years. The EZ Ride Plus Stroller includes a cushioned toddler’s seat that can be used multiple ways, and the EZ Lift Plus 35 Infant Car Seat comes with an easy-release buckle for simple installation.
Doona’s car seats and strollers are well-known for their versatility safety, comfort, and ease of use. The innovative stroller converts from an automobile seat that faces the rear to forward-facing stroller in a matter of seconds. It’s lightweight compact and easy to maneuver. It’s ideal for travel on buses, planes or train, as well as for doing errands. It has a low-center of gravity, and the car clicks when it is attached to the base.
Safety
It is essential to have a stroller and car seats that are compatible however, it is also important to ensure that your baby is protected. You’ll want a car-seat that can be inserted into the stroller with ease and makes an audible click to verify that it is securely connected. Verify that the car seat is securely installed in your vehicle, also, by adhering to the guidelines of the manufacturer of your car seat and reading the owner’s guide. Dr. Kirkilas advises that the seat should fit snugly but not too tight and that the harness should rest at or below the nipple of your baby’s.
Stanton says that car seats that convert into strollers are useful for families who take public transportation or rideshares. You can transfer your child from the car to the stroller without having to leave the vehicle. “They’re typically easier to maneuver particularly for short trips and errands” she says. In our tests, strollers with integrated car seats have higher maneuverability scores than other types of strollers. A stroller that is light and a compact, foldable car seat makes it easy to carry up and down stairs, sling into a trunk, and fit in small closets.
However, strollers with lighter weights tend to slide more frequently on uneven surfaces than heavier models and some are more difficult to push if loaded down with equipment. To minimize the risk of tipping, select an option that weighs less than 25 pounds.
Consider the size of your car seat and stroller. The larger models could be difficult to maneuver and require more storage space, but they will provide a smoother ride and have a larger cargo basket.
If you are planning to purchase a stroller and car seat from different brands, make sure to review the specifications to ensure they can be used in conjunction. You might save money over the long term by buying a separate stroller and then buying an adaptor to fit with your baby’s car seat.
We are happy to recommend the Baby Jogger City GO 2 stroller and infant seat, which has received excellent reviews from parents and earned high marks in our tests. This travel system has the latest RAPIDLOCK Base that is 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 to protect your baby from side impacts.
Simple to use
Combinations of car seats and stroller can save parents time, money and hassle. Contrary to traditional travel systems which requires you to move an infant car seat between your car and stroller, combos let you to connect both by a single click. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who are first-time parents who feel overwhelmed by the many tasks involved in caring for the infant.
The car-seat/stroller set-up is lighter than separate strollers or car seats. This makes it easier to maneuver. In addition, many models come with quick-attach car seats bases and adapters that require little pressure to secure and release which minimizes the risk for mistakes (whether accidental or not). Additionally, many models have easy-to-read instructions and audible clicks that let you know if your car seat is secured.
In our evaluations of car seat/stroller combos we are looking for models with more user-friendly scores. Evenflo Shyft DualRide, for example, is a single piece model that opens to become a stroller before folding up and returning to its base. This model also has a smooth and consistent ride because of the swaying rear-wheel suspension and front-wheel suspension. The fabric can also be washed using a machine.
UPPAbaby Vista V2 Combo and UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo are also top-rated strollers, with high scores for user-friendliness. These models have more maneuverable wheels as well as better brakes, so they are a lot easier to push, with less hassle. They all come with car seat attachment systems and adapters that make it easy to snap a compatible infant car seat into place.
It is important to be aware that most stroller/car-seat combinations aren’t compatible with all-in-one convertible or extended-use car seats. These types of car seats are built to stay in the vehicle and are not able to snap onto frames for strollers. There are a few options, such as the Doona latch base and infant car seat, that can be used in conjunction with a stroller for 6-9 months. While the Doona is pricey but it can be a good fit for families who wish to have an automobile but don’t want to buy a second car seat or stroller once the baby has left the car seat for infants.
Budget
While a two-in-one car seat and stroller might appear to be a good option to save money, it’s crucial to take into consideration the quality of each item. The stroller should have a solid and comfortable feeling, and the car seat must have a secure five-point harness. A good combination should also include a large canopy that will shield your child from the sun, a parent tray with two cup holders, and a peek-a-boo window, so you can observe your child while he walks.
You want a travel system that is simple to install and assemble in your vehicle. It should also be able fold up easily and compactly when storing. Finally, make sure the stroller is easy to navigate and has comfortable handles. It’s great to have the stroller reclined for naps, or can be adjusted to different height positions.
A second aspect to consider is the length of time your child will spend in the infant car seats. This is why we suggest choosing a travel system with an infant car seat that can convert into a toddler car seat and then a booster seat when your child is older.
Doona infant strollers and car seats are a very popular option. It’s great that it does not require an attachment and is essentially an infant car seat on wheels. This makes the transition from car to stroller 2 in 1 car seat a breeze for your child. 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 is no longer in the car seat for infants.
Another alternative is another option is the Contours Snap N Go Dual Stroller and MESA infant car seats It is highly rated for its ease of use. The stroller comes with a variety of seating options — including forward, backward and face-to-face. It is able to accommodate two babies. Plus, it can attach to the car seat with a click and has rigid LATCH connectors that are built into the base. The stroller can fold down to a compact size and fit into most trunks.