A 2 in 1 Stroller With Car Seat Is a Convenient Choice
A stroller that is 2 in 1 with car seat is a great option that saves you time and energy. With all the options available it can be difficult to pick the best one for your family.
Compare features and read reviews to find the right car seat stroller for you. Spend time with your child and simplify your journey.
Easy to Assemble
The best stroller-car seat combos are simple to assemble and then attach to your car, and remove from the stroller. Moriarty suggests that a good rule of thumb to adhere to is to get everything set in five minutes or less. A simple, intuitive process helps you avoid mistakes that could put your child at risk.
In our tests our testing, the Graco City Select 2 Car Seat and Stroller Travel System was rated first in terms of ease of assembly with an assembly time of less than 30 seconds. We connected the infant car seat and toddler seats that were then affixed to the base with one click. Next we connected the upper and lower adapters to make room for another seat (sold separately) or bassinet. This lets you create a stroller that expands with your family. It comes with over 22 different configurations for the seat available and can carry up to 45 pounds per seat.
UPPAbaby’s Vista v2 Combo impressed us as well, with its springy all-wheel-suspension that can withstand even the most rough roads. The combo is costly however, it comes with a car, bassinet and weather shield that will keep your child safe.
We also noticed how it was easy for us to maneuver the stroller. The City Mini GT Combo by Baby Jogger comes with a single wheel on the front that is ideal for turning corners or going down narrow aisles. The Thule Urban Glide 2, BOB Alterrain Pro and Baby Jogger City Mini GT Combo have swivel wheels to make tight turns. These wheels were simple to push even with an infant car seat on the top. We also liked how the frame folded down quickly and compactly.
The Doon was the most straightforward to use. Its small size and single-hand fold (which an editor found "amazing that you can do it with a baby on your hip!") make two in one pram -saving device. It's also a breeze to disconnect the car seat from the base, by pressing a button and a release. The only downside we've found is that the Doon requires straps to secure the vehicle, which some parents may forget to use--but that's a minor complaint.
Easy to Fold
A two in one car seat stroller can be an absolute lifesaver in streamlining your routine. If you often use public transport or ride share vehicles, it's particularly beneficial to be able to transfer your child from the car to the stroller without hassle. "Look for an option that is easily detached from the base, and then attaches and detaches to the frame of the stroller using the use of one hand," Moriarty advises. The Doona Combo is a great example of a stroller and car seat combination that meets these standards.
The unique design of this stroller allows it to transform from a newborn car seat to a toddler seat, letting you switch out the car seat to suit your growing child's needs. It's also designed to be compact and folds flat, making it a good choice for travelers. It was able to move well during our tests, and the suspension is superb. We like that it can be stowed off with the seat attached and that the handlebar is adjustable.
The Doona is not suitable for infants less than 4 months old since it can be taken off by one hand only and attached to the stroller. It's also not foldable with the infant carrier attached which could be a problem in tight spaces. The Nuna Pipa is the best option for infants because it doesn't need an additional base and is compatible with a sturdy LATCH connector that is built into the car seat.
It's more expensive than the Doona but it has additional features that make it a worthwhile investment. The Pipa is lightweight and folds down to an upright position, meaning it's easy to carry around. It's also a little larger than the Doona, and can even accommodate a medium-sized backpack. Its canopy is impressive, offering multiple options for adjusting coverage and allowing shade. It's also a good choice for travel internationally, since it can be positioned in the car without the base and is affixed to air travel. The only downside is that it can't fit in an overhead bin on the majority of airplanes.
Convenient Cargo Area
If you are looking for a car seat-stroller combination, ensure that the stroller is spacious enough to accommodate your child's as well as your own items. Look for features such as an ample storage basket as well as a hook for diaper bags and an exterior cargo pocket that can hold water bottles. Consider a child tray and pockets inside for drinks and snacks, and an adult cupholder.
Parents who have limited storage space will benefit from car seat and stroller combination that folds easily and compactly. The best models can be folded with one hand and will fit in small trunks. A majority of them remain upright when folded to prevent wrinkles. This makes them a great option for busy families who are always on the move.
A stroller that has an adjustable handlebar is a beneficial feature. You'll need to adjust it to different heights to ensure that you're in a comfortable position while pushing the stroller. You'll need to adjust the footrest to ensure that it can fit your child's growing toes.
A travel system that has a bassinet attachment is perfect for newborns and infants. The Mompush Meteor 2 is an ideal choice since it can quickly change from a cozy bassinet to a seat, so you don't have to swap out your baby's car seat and stroller as they develop.
Evenflo Shyft DualRide, a stroller and car seat is a great option. It folds easily and compactly. It's a bit heavier and bulkier than other options (weighing 17 lbs with the car seat) however, it comes with many features that help to make up the extra weight, such as an enormous canopy, user-friendly brakes, and an easy-to-read display screen.
Other features to keep in mind when looking for a car seat stroller combo include a recline that is one-handed as well as a simple harness and buckles, as well as an extendable sun canopy. One-hand recline is especially useful, as it lets you alter the seat's position while a toddler is in the stroller. The buckle and harness are easy to use, so there is no need for complex straps. This makes it simpler to secure your child.
Safety First
A car seat and stroller combination can help keep your child safe when they are on the move. It's important to follow the car seat and stroller manufacturers' guidelines for use, including height and weight limits so that your child stays at ease and secure in their seats. Choose a travel system with an easy-to-install LATCH base and a stroller that can be plugged into it securely. YouTube has a wealth of videos that show how to install these components correctly. The car seat should have a click sound when it's securely secured in the base as well as in the stroller.
Travel systems are an excellent choice for those who need to run errands, and use public transportation. They can cope with the hustle and bustle of city life. There are models with a lightweight frame and sturdy plastic wheels, and an expandable canopy to provide plenty of protection on sunny days. These models are usually easier to maneuver than more expensive, heavier models that are designed for rough terrain. However, they can nevertheless be hit by curbs and sidewalks that are uneven.
If you're a jogger, choose a stroller with an easily lockable front wheel and suspension that offers an easy ride. You'll also want a stroller that has a parent tray and a kid-friendly snack or drink tray. Some models also have large baskets. Some are designed with an accessory cup holder that can be attached to the child's seat, making it easier to reach for drinks and snacks without removing the toddler's seat.
A stroller that can double as a car seat can save time and money by making it easier to complete your everyday errands. But it's important to weigh your options and choose the right model for your family. If you're deciding on an infant car seat, be sure the stroller you pick will accommodate it, or buy an adaptor if necessary. Take into consideration the terrain you'll be traveling over, and how much storage space you will need. If you're a tight-budget consumer, then you should consider a travel system that includes a lightweight stroller as well as the renowned Graco SnugRide 35 Lite Elite baby car seat.