2 in 1 Stroller and Car Seat Combo
There are a variety of options to meet your needs regardless of whether you wish to improve your baby's sleeping or make running with your child a breeze. There are also single-piece models like the Doona, which eliminates the necessity to attach.
We also tested models that allow you to easily attach and remove the car seat from the base with one hand while maneuvering around curbs and tight spaces.
Features
A car seat and a stroller is a great choice for parents who are looking to reduce the amount they carry. 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 an adaptor for your car seat. Please note that not every stroller or car seat is compatible. Be sure to read the product specifications.
If you choose to purchase a 2-in-1 stroller and car-seat We recommend that you purchase one that is secure between the base of the carrier and the carrier. These connections require minimal pressure, which decreases the potential for errors that can occur while attempting to install a car seat using straps.
When you are choosing a stroller and car seat combo, you should also consider whether the car seat can be removed from the frame of the stroller, without having to remove it from the car. This will make it easier to transfer your sleepy baby from the car to the stroller or back again. This is especially helpful 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 has a rear-facing infant car seat that can be installed with either the lower anchors or your vehicle belt, and it has a silent canopy design to keep your little one comfy while riding in the car. The stroller has a large storage basket and a deluxe tray with cups that can be oriented in multiple directions, and an adjustable handlebar.
This car seat and stroller set is a great option for families looking for a set that can evolve with their family through the years. The EZ Ride PLUS Stroller comes with a cushioned toddler seat that can be used in various positions. The EZ-Lift Plus 35 Infant Car Seat has an easy-release buckle as well as a integrated lock for simple installation.
Doona's stroller and car seat are popular for their versatility, safety, and ease of use. The innovative stroller transforms from the rear-facing car seat to a stroller forward facing wheels in seconds. It's light, compact, and easy to maneuver. It's a great option for running errands, or travelling via train, plane or bus. It has a low center of gravity, and the car clicks when attached to the base.
Safety
It is essential to have a car seat and stroller that are compatible and also ensure to ensure that your baby is safe. You'll want a car-seat that can be inserted into the stroller easily and has an audible click to verify that it is properly attached. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and read the owner's guide to ensure that your car seat is properly installed. two in one pram should be comfortable but not too tight, and the harness should sit in the middle or below the nipple line of your baby, according to Dr. Kirkilas.
Stanton says that car seats that convert into strollers are useful for families who take public transport or rideshares. You can transfer your child from the car to the stroller without leaving the vehicle. "They're generally easier to maneuver particularly for short trips and errands," she adds. In our tests, strollers that have integrated cars seats scored higher than other types. A lightweight stroller with a compact car seat that folds is easy to carry up and down stairs, or sling in a trunk and fit into small closets.
However, strollers with lighter weights tend to slide a bit more frequently on uneven surfaces than more heavy models and some are more difficult to push when you're packed with equipment. Look for a combination that weighs less than 25 pounds, to lessen the chance of tipping.
It's also important to take into consideration the size of the stroller and car seat combo you pick. Larger models may be hard to move and will take up more space for storage, but you'll get an easier ride with better suspension and a larger cargo basket.
If you are planning to purchase a stroller and car seat from different brands, make sure you review the specifications to ensure they can be used together. You can save money by purchasing a separate stroller and then buying an adapter to allow it to work with your baby's car seat.
We're happy to recommend the Baby Jogger City GO 2 infant car seat and Stroller Combo, which scored the top marks in our tests and has received excellent reviews from parents. This travel system has a new RAPIDLOCK Base that can be installed in a matter of seconds, and comes with belt-tensioning to ensure safety in taxis and a level and secure installation, as well as 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 hassle. Unlike a traditional travel system 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 especially helpful for parents who are first-time parents and be overwhelmed by all the tasks involved in caring for a child.
Car-seat/stroller combos can also be lighter than separate strollers and car seats, making them easier to maneuver. In addition, many models have quick-attach car seat bases and adapters that require little pressure to secure and release which decreases the chance for mistakes (whether accidental or not). Some models also have clear instructions and audible clicks to signal that your car seat has been secured.
In our tests of the combination of car seats and strollers We look for models that have higher scores on user-friendliness. Evenflo Shyft DualRide, for example, is a single piece option that unfolds to convert into a stroller before folding up and going back into its base. This model also has a smooth, consistent ride due to the swaying rear-wheel suspension and front-wheel suspension. Its fabrics can also be washed using a machine.
Other top-rated strollers that have high scores for ease-of-use include the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Combo, UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo and the UPPAbaby Minu. These models are easier to push because they have more powerful brakes and movable wheels. All have car-seat attachment systems and adapters that allow you to snap a compatible infant car seat into place.
It's important to know that most stroller/car-seat combinations aren't compatible with an all-in-one convertible or an extended-use car seats. These car seats are designed to be used in the vehicle and don't snap onto a stroller frame. However some options do exist, such as the Doona infant car seat and latch base, which can be used conjunction with a stroller, but only for 6-9 months. While the Doona is costly, it fills a niche for families that want to have an automobile but aren't looking to purchase a new car seat or stroller after the baby has left the car seat for infants.
Budget
While a two-in-one stroller and car seat may appear to be a good option to save money, it's crucial to think about the quality of each item. For instance the stroller should be sturdy with a comfortable feeling, and the car seat must be secure and safe, with a five-point harness. A good combination will also include an enormous canopy that shields your baby from sun and a tray for parents that has double cup holders and a peekaboo window to keep an eye on him while you are out.
You want a travel system that is simple to set up and put in your vehicle. It should also be able to fold up quickly and compactly for storage. Make sure that the stroller is able to be moved and has comfortable handles. It's ideal to have the stroller reclined to nap, or can be adjusted to different height positions.
Another factor to consider is the length of time your child will remain in the infant car seat. For this reason, we recommend choosing a travel system with a car seat that will be able to be converted into a toddler car seat and then a booster seat when your child is older.
Doona infant car seats and strollers are a favorite choice. We love the fact that it doesn't require the attachment process and is basically an rear-facing car seat with wheels, which makes the switch from a stroller to a vehicle an easy transition for your baby. The only drawback to this stroller is that it's limited in lifespan (6-9 months) and you'll have to purchase a new one if your child grows out of their infant car seat.
Another alternative is the Contours Snap N Go Dual Stroller and MESA infant car seats, which gets high marks for its user-friendliness. The stroller is able to accommodate two infants and comes with multiple seating positions including forwards, backwards and face to face. It can also be connected to the car seat by utilizing the LATCH connectors that are built into the base. The stroller is also able to slide down to a compact size for storage and fits in most trunks with ease.