5 Reasons 2 In 1 Stroller Car Seat Is Actually A Good Thing
Car Seat and Stroller Combos The best car seat stroller combos are so simple to attach that it almost feels like they're doing it 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. Doona is one option that allows you to do this. It seamlessly transforms from a car seat to a stroller, and it frees up space in your trunk. Reviewers on the internet love the Doona's functionality and ease of use however, they also appreciate its sturdy feel. Easy to Assemble A car seat and stroller combination is a good option for parents who wish to avoid the hassle of switching between the two. It's also a great option for parents who take public transportation or rideshares often and who change caregivers. Stanton says that since they're one item and the wheels are connected the car seats are more mobile. Stanton says it is important to ensure that the car seat is secured properly when using a travel system. She suggests that you always follow the manufacturer's directions and the owner's manual of your vehicle to ensure an ideal fit. In our tests, we found that the best stroller-car seat combinations have an easy click-in connection which requires little effort, other than moving the carrier from one location to another. These models scored better compared to models with more complicated connections because they require less pressure and have fewer opportunities for mistakes, whether intentional or accidental. We like, for example the fact that the UPPAbaby Vista Combo is a simple drop-in attachment that does not require straps, and has an indicator at the bottom of the car seat that indicates when the seat is leveled properly. Similarly, the Doona All-in-One Stroller for Infants is easy to set up and then transfer from stroller to vehicle. It's a seamless transition that frees up extra trunk space to shop and run errands. It also features an swivel front wheel that offers excellent maneuverability even when the seat is attached. Another alternative is the Britax and B-Safe Gen2 Travel System with springy suspension as well as a large, one-hand fold chassis for easy storage. It has a spacious basket, as well as plenty of cup holders to store snacks, drinks and baby equipment. The cushioned seat is comfortable for long journeys, and the smooth, tagless knit fabric is machine washed. It's FAA-approved and comes with an safety harness that is secured at or below your baby's shoulders and has a SafeCell crumple zone to protect your child in the event of a crash. A good travel system will also be easy to push and use, and our top picks all come with rubber tires and only a single, swivel rear wheel for navigating busy sidewalks and streets. The Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo and the BOB Alterrain Pro are all smooth-gliding and feature convenient features such as one hand brake and a large storage basket. Easy to Store Parents who want their baby to be as comfortable as possible are better off choosing a stroller and car seat combination, whether doing errands during the day or planning a family trip. Stroller-car-seat combos are much easier to maneuver than separate items, and a lot of models come with convenient features that set them apart from the competition. But, it is crucial to note that the car seat and stroller have to be compatible to work together. The manufacturer of the car seat needs to give guidelines on what kinds of strollers work with their product A quick internet search can help you find the right stroller. Certain strollers and car seats have an immediate connection that snaps in place without additional straps or a complicated installation procedure. This kind of simple attachment is a huge selling point, and is especially beneficial for families who frequently utilize ride-share vehicles or public transportation. The Doona is a good example. It is an FAA-approved infant car seat that is able to transform into a stroller at the click of one button. This is a major 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 get into and out of taxis. Other car seat and stroller combinations, like the Nuna TRVL, permit parents to remove the infant car seat from the stroller base and easily fold it into a compact package that can be tucked away in the trunk of a vehicle. This is a fantastic feature for busy families and the stroller itself has a sleek design with high-end fabrics and clever touches such as a built-in curtain canopy to shield a sleeping baby. The ideal 2 in 1, stroller/car seat combo for your family depends on your lifestyle, plans for growth and your budget. The most affordable models will likely be frame strollers which can fit a child car seat with little space. More expensive combos will include a toddler seat, a twin stroller or more advanced features. You can be assured that the stroller is compliant with all safety requirements. Easy to carry Car seat/stroller combos are a ideal option for families who want to avoid gate-checking the infant car seat when flying They're also great for those who use rides-shares and public transportation often. These cars seats and strollers are easy to transport, making them perfect for parents who want their hands free when traveling with their children. When deciding on a 2 in 1 stroller car seat, choose one that is light and compact. These models have a smoother ride and are more easy to push on different terrains. The smaller frames make it easier to fit the car seat into a trunk or the back of the car. Many of the most sought-after car seat/stroller combinations are lightweight and compact, and come with folding casters that can be stored easily. For example, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a simple seat that converts 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 has LATCH straps that are relatively user-friendly (we did not rate it as a top pick for ease of installation). The Doona is a second 2 in 1 car seat/stroller worth mentioning. It's a unique piece of equipment due to the fact that it can be transformed from a rear-facing infant car seat into a stroller simply by pressing the button. This allows you to skip the step of removing the base of the seat and makes it much easier to navigate stairs or hop into taxis without having to put away the car seat. Doonas are a great budget-friendly choice, especially for new parents. It's cheaper than the cost of an annual gym membership, and it gives parents peace of mind knowing that they'll have a safe and secure travel kit for their child. Many families opt for two-piece car seats/strollers when they're deciding on an infant carrier of a specific brand or are planning to have more than one child. If this is the case, make sure you've read the specifications to ensure that your car seats and strollers will work together. Consider purchasing an adapter to fit the combination you want. Easy to Fold Car seat and stroller combos are a great option for parents who need a single piece of baby gear that can serve multiple purposes. They are able to easily convert from a car to the stroller and reverse. They are also simpler to maneuver than two piece travel systems. “They're designed to be more natural-looking and mobile,” says Stanton. “They contain fewer moving parts, which makes them easier to fold and use as well as carry.” In addition, these types of strollers and infant car seats are usually lighter than two-piece models and fit in smaller trunks, making them simple to carry around. They also tend to have an extra cargo basket and more useful features such as sun shades and cup holders. Some have a swivel wheels on the front that can be used to navigate busy sidewalks and stores. Some brands, like Doona offer a stroller as well as an baby car seat that can be used together. They are especially useful parents who plan to use rideshares or public transportation, or switch between caregivers often. This model is basically an rear-facing car seat with wheels, and the wheels lower to make a stroller when you want to use it. Some brands, like the Evenflo Shyft DualRide allow you to insert the car seat into and then unfold it into a stroller. pram 2 in 1 isn't as sleek as Doona however it allows you to remove the car seat from the frame without having to click it into the base. Consider whether the stroller and infant seat combination you're considering fits your preferred car seat. If it is compatible, you can expect to get longer-lasting use from the product because it will still work with your child when they grow out of the infant car seat. However, it's important to know that certain stroller and car seats do not perform well in our tests of ease-of-use. This could be due to a design that makes it difficult or inconvenient to navigate stairs, or because the weight of the car seat and stroller makes it more difficult to push across different terrains. In either case, it's worth checking out our full reviews to find the most suitable option for you.