Car Seat and Stroller Combos

The most effective car stroller and seat combos nearly appear to be able to attach themselves. "Look for the base and the carrier that snap together easily," advises Stanton. This reduces the chance of errors that can happen during installation and detachment.

Doona is one option that can accomplish this. It effortlessly converts from a car seat to stroller, and lets you free up space in your trunk. Online reviewers love the Doona's versatility and ease of use, but also note its substantial feel.

Easy to Assemble

Parents who do not want to switch between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both attractive. It is also a good option for those who often use public transportation or rideshares, as well as parents who change caregivers. Stanton says that since they are a single item and the wheels are connected the car seats are more easily portable. Stanton says it is important to secure the car seat properly when using the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual to ensure an appropriate fit she advises.

In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combos feature simple click-in connections, which requires little effort, other than moving the carrier from one place to another. They scored better than those with more complex connections, because they require less pressure and have less chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for instance that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment, which does not require straps and also includes a meter at the bottom of the car seat which indicates that the seat is level properly.

The Doona All-in One Infant Car Seat Stroller, too, is easy to set up and move from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that lets you to make use of the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or for errands. It also features an swivel front wheel that gives you great maneuverability even when the seat is mounted.

Another alternative is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System, which has springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis for easy storage. It comes with a large basket, as well as plenty of cup holders to store snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The padded seat is comfortable for long trips and the tagless smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that can be locked below or at the shoulders of your baby. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard your child in the event of a crash.

A great travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and one, swivel front wheel to navigate busy roads and sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all easy-gliding and come with useful features such as one hand brake and a large storage basket.

Easy to store

Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can will be better off with a stroller and car seat combination, whether they are running errands or taking an outing with the family. Car seat and stroller combinations are usually more maneuverable than separate pieces, and many models come with features that help them distinct from other models. It is important to remember that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible for use together. The car seat manufacturer should provide guidelines on what strollers are compatible with their product. A quick search online can help you narrow your options.

Some strollers and carseats come with an immediate attachment that snaps into place without the need for straps or a complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a big selling point, and it's particularly helpful for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller with just the push of a button. This is a huge time saver and allows you to avoid having a stroller checked on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to get into and out of taxis.

Other stroller and car seat combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant carrier from the stroller base and fold it into a compact package that can be tucked away inside the trunk of a car. This is another great feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller has a sleek profile with premium fabrics and clever touches, like a built-in drape canopy to shield a sleeping baby.

The ideal 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combination for your family will depend on your lifestyle, plans for expansion and your budget. The most affordable options will likely be frame strollers that accommodate a car seat with minimal extra space, while higher-end combos may include a toddler seat or a twin stroller and offer more advanced features. Either way, you can rest assured that the car seat and stroller will meet the highest safety standards.

Easy to carry

These combos are ideal for families that want to avoid checking the gate of an infant car seat when flying. They're also great for people who frequently use public transportation or ride-shares. These car seats and strollers are simple to transport and move on the go and are ideal for parents who want their hands free while traveling with their little ones.

When deciding on the best 2 in 1 stroller car seat, look for one that's lightweight and compact. These models have a smoother ride and are easier to push on different terrains. In addition, the smaller frame can help you get the car seat in and out of a trunk, or the back of a vehicle.

Many of the most sought-after car seats/strollers are lightweight compact and foldable casters for easy storage. For example the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is an easy-to-use seat that can be converted from a rear-facing five-point harness to a booster for children who are no longer in a baby carrier. It's lightweight (12 pounds) and has LATCH straps that are easy to use.

Other 2 in 1 travel system in 1 stroller car seats include the Doona It's unique because it's a single piece of equipment that transitions from an infant car seat that faces rearwards to a stroller with just a few clicks. This allows you to avoid the process of removing your car seat from its base. It also allows you to walk up and down up and out taxis without having your car seat stowed.

Doonas are a great option for those on a budget, particularly new parents. It costs less than a year of gym membership and gives parents peace of mind knowing their child is secure when traveling.

Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers If they're looking for an infant carrier of a specific brand or have plans for more than one child. If that's the case, be sure to go over the specifications of the product to ensure that your stroller and car seat will work in tandem. Also, consider buying an adapter in order to accommodate your desired combination.

Easy to Fold

Car seat and stroller combos are a great choice for parents looking for one piece of baby gear that can serve multiple purposes. They are able to easily switch from a car seat to a stroller, and back to a car seat, and are generally more maneuverable than two-piece 2in1 travel system systems. "They're designed to be more naturally portable," says Stanton. "They have a lot less moving parts, which makes them easier to fold, carry, and use."

Additionally, these kinds of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece models and can fit into small trunks, making them easy to transport. These strollers and infant car seats tend to be lighter and feature more useful features, like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheel at the front, which is ideal for navigating busy sidewalks and stores.

Some brands, like Doona provide a stroller and baby car seat that can be used in conjunction. These are particularly useful for parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or who shift between caregivers frequently. This model is essentially a rear-facing car seat on wheels. The wheels can be lowered to become an infant stroller when you decide to use it.

Other brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide, allow you to click on the car seat and fold it up into a stroller. It's not as sleek as Doona, but it does allow you to remove the car seat from the frame without needing to click it into the base.

Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combo you're considering fits your preferred car seat. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, you can anticipate a longer-lasting product as it will fit your child after they've outgrown the car seats for infants.

However, it's important to be aware that some stroller and car seat combos do not perform well in our tests for ease of use. This could be due to an design that makes it difficult or inconvenient to climb stairs, or due to the weight of the car seat and stroller can make it harder to push across different terrains. It's worth reading our review to determine which model is best for you.