Car Seat and Stroller Combos
The most effective car stroller and seat combos almost seem to connect themselves. Stanton suggests: "Look for a base that is easy to click together with the carrier." This reduces the possibility of errors during installation and removal.
Doona is one of the options that can accomplish this. It easily transforms from a car seat into a stroller, and it frees up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's versatility and ease of use but also note its substantial feel.
Easy to Assemble
Parents who don't want to switch between strollers and car seats often will find a combination of both attractive. It's also an ideal choice for those who frequently use public transportation or rideshares, as well as those who have multiple caregivers. "These are a single piece of equipment and the wheels are attached to the car seat, meaning they're more mobile," says Stanton. However, she adds that it's crucial to ensure that the car seat is properly secured when you use it with an electronic travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's instructions and the owner's manual of your vehicle for an ideal fit.
In our tests, the top stroller-car seat combinations have simple click-in connections, that requires no effort beyond moving the carrier from one location to the next. They scored better than those with more complicated connections, since they require less pressure and have less chance of making mistakes (intentional or accidental). We like, for example, that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in accessory that does not require straps and has an indicator at the bottom of the car seat which indicates whether the seat is level correctly.
The Doona All in-One Stroller for Infants is simple to set up and move from car to stroller. It's a seamless conversion that allows you to make use of the extra space in your trunk to go for shopping or errands. It also comes with an adjustable front wheel that gives you excellent maneuverability even when the seat is mounted.
Another option is the Britax B-Lively & B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with a springy suspension and an enormous, one-hand-folding chassis for easy storage. It has a large basket and plenty cup holders for snacks, drinks and baby gear. Its cushioned seat is comfortable for long rides and the tagless, smooth-touch knit fabric is machine washable. It is FAA-approved and comes with a safety strap that can be locked either below or on your baby's shoulders. It also comes with a SafeCell Crumple Zone to safeguard your child in the event of a crash.
A good travel system must be simple to push. Our top choices have rubber tires and a single, swivel wheel on the front to navigate streets and busy sidewalks. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and have useful features like one-hand brake and a large storage basket.
Easy to Store
Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as they can are better off choosing a stroller and car seat combination, regardless of whether they are running errands for the day or planning an excursion with the family. Stroller-car seat combos are easier to maneuver than separate items, and a lot of models come with convenient features that set them apart from the rest. But, it is crucial to keep in mind that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat should provide guidelines for strollers that are compatible with their products. A quick search on the internet can help you narrow your options.
Some strollers and car seats have an immediate connection that snaps in place without additional straps or a complicated installation procedure. This type of easy attachment is a major benefit for families that frequently take public transport or ride-share vehicles. The Doona, for example, is an FAA-approved infant car seat that can transition into a stroller with just the push of a button. This is a fantastic time-saver and lets you avoid gate-checking your stroller on planes (assuming you've purchased an airline chair for your infant) or to get into and out of taxis.