Say “Yes” To These 5 2 In 1 Stroller Car Seat Tips
Car Seat and Stroller Combos The most reliable car seat stroller combinations are so easy to attach that it almost feels like they're doing it all by themselves. Stanton advises: “Look for a base that is simple to click with the carrier.” This reduces the possibility of errors during installation and removal. One option that can do this is the Doona that effortlessly transforms from car seat to stroller, and also helps to free up space in the trunk. Online reviews have noted that it feels sturdy, but they also love its ease of use and performance. Easy to Assemble Parents who do not want to switch between strollers and car seats often find a combination of both attractive. It is also a good option for those who regularly use public transportation or rideshares as well as parents who change caregivers. Stanton says that since they're a single piece and the wheels are attached, the car seats are more portable. Stanton suggests to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using the travel system. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and the owner's manual for your vehicle to ensure a secure fit, she says. In our tests, we found that the top stroller and car seat combos feature a simple, click-in connection that requires minimal effort beyond moving the carrier from one location to another. They scored higher in comparison to models with more complicated connections because they require less pressure and provide fewer opportunities for errors, whether deliberate or accidental. For instance, we like the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo has a simple drop-in attachment that needs no straps. Additionally, there's an indicator on the car seat base that tells you when it's level. 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 transformation that frees up extra trunk space for shopping and errands. It also has an swivel front wheel that provides excellent maneuverability, even when the seat is attached. Another option is the Britax B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System that has a springy suspension and a large, one-hand fold chassis that can be easily stored. It comes with a large basket and plenty cup holders for snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The padded seat is ideal for long journeys and the smooth, tagless knit fabric is washed in the machine. It's FAA-approved and comes with a safety harness that locks at or below your baby's shoulders and comes with a SafeCell crumple zone that protects them in the event of an accident. A reliable travel system should also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all have rubber tires with a single, swivel front wheel for navigating busy streets 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 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 car seat and stroller combination, whether they are doing errands during the day or going on an outing with the family. Combinations of car seats and strollers are often more maneuverable than separate pieces, and a lot of models are equipped with convenient features that make them stand out from the rest. It is crucial to remember that the car seat must be compatible with the stroller in order to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to provide guidelines for what types of strollers can be used with their product and a quick internet search can help narrow down your options. Certain strollers and car seats have an immediate attachment that snaps into place without the need for straps or a complicated installation. This kind of simple attachment is a major benefit for families that frequently take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can be converted into a stroller at the click of a button. This is a significant time saver and allows you to avoid gate-checking a stroller on airplanes (assuming you've also purchased an airline seat for your baby) or to hop in and out of taxis. Other stroller and car seat combinations, such as the Nuna TRVL, allow parents to take the infant car seat from the stroller base and then fold it up into a compact size that can be tucked away into the trunk of a vehicle. This is another great feature for families with busy schedules and the stroller itself is sleek and stylish, with premium fabrics and clever touches such as a built-in curtain canopy that can protect a sleepy baby. The best 2 in 1 stroller car seat for your family will be contingent on your personal preferences and growth plans and budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers which can accommodate a car seat for a child with little extra space. More expensive combos will include a toddler seat, a twin stroller or more advanced features. Either way you can be assured that the stroller and car seat will meet the highest standards of safety. Easy to carry Car seat/stroller combos are a excellent option for families that wish to avoid having to check gate-check an infant car seat on airlines They're also great for people who use rides-shares and public transportation often. Car seats and strollers are easy to carry and maneuver in a hurry and are ideal for parents who need their hands free when traveling with their little ones. Choose a light and compact 2 in 1 stroller/car seat. These models tend to roll more smoothly, which can make them easier to push through different environments. 2 in 1 pushchair allow for easier placement of the car seat into the trunk or back of a car. Many of the most sought-after and highly rated car seats/strollers combos are lightweight, compact and come with wheels that fold for easy storage. For 2 in 1 pushchair , the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a no-frills seat that can be converted from a rear-facing five-point harness to a booster for children who are no longer in an infant carrier. It's reasonably priced, light (12 pounds), and features LATCH straps that are relatively user-friendly (we didn't score it as a top pick for its ease of installation). The Doona is another 2 in 1 stroller/car seat worth noting. It's an exceptional piece of equipment since it can be transformed from a rear facing infant car seat to a stroller simply by pressing on a button. This lets you skip the step of getting your car seat removed from its base, and also helps you to walk up and down the stairs or get into and out taxis without having your car seat stored. The Doona is a cost-effective option, which is especially appealing for parents who are first-time parents. It's less than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it gives new parents peace of mind knowing that they have safe travel gear for their baby. Many families choose a two-piece stroller/car seat system when they're deciding on a specific type of infant carrier, or have plans to have multiple children. If this is the case, be sure to read the specifications to ensure that your car seat and stroller are compatible. Consider purchasing an adapter to make your desired combination. Easy to Fold The car seat and stroller combination is a great option for parents who are looking for a single item that can serve multiple purposes. They can easily transition from being a car seat to a stroller and back again, and they're generally more maneuverable than two-piece travel systems. Stanton states that they're designed to be more compact. “They have less moving parts which makes them easy to fold, use, and carry.” In addition, these types of strollers and car seats for infants are generally lighter than two-piece options and fit in smaller trunks, making them easy to carry around. They also come with an extra cargo basket and more practical features like sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheels at the front, which can be used to navigate busy streets and shopping centers. Certain brands, such as Doona offer a stroller as well as an infant car seat that can be used together. They are particularly useful for parents who take public transportation or rideshares, or who change caregivers frequently. This model is basically an automobile seat that is rear-facing on wheels, and the wheels drop down to become a stroller when you want to use it. Certain brands, such as the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to slide the car seat into and then fold it out as a stroller. The model isn't as sleek as Doona however you can take out the car seat without needing to click into its base. You should also consider whether a particular stroller and infant car seat combination can fit the car seat you prefer. If the stroller and infant car seat are compatible, then you can anticipate a longer-lasting product as it will fit your child after they've outgrown the car seats for infants. It's also important to note that some stroller and car seats aren't performing well in our tests for ease of use. This could be due to a design which makes it difficult to walk stairs or because the weight and size of the stroller/car seat could make it harder to push. In any case, it's worth checking out our full reviews to find the most suitable option for you.