You can cut down on time and effort by bringing an infant car seat whenever you travel. You can use the car seat in taxis as well as rental cars. A lot of countries require that you bring a child’s car seat.
Doona is a well-known brand that combines a car seat and stroller in one. It’s small enough to fit in airline seats and FAA-approved.
1. Doona
Doona, the latest car seat and travel system to be released, is a combination of both. It’s the very first infant car seat that transforms into a stroller at the push of the button, and it comes in a variety of colors and comes with an array of accessories. It’s also a great choice for families that travel frequently since it’s TUV and FAA approved for use in aircrafts (though you may have to check the base’s gate).
As a car seat, Doona provides superior safety features. Its double wall structure surrounds the wheels and adds layers of EPS foam for extra protection in an accident. Additionally, the handle doubles as a bar for anti-rebound to safeguard your child’s head in the event of a crash. The Doona includes a 5-point safety harness that encases your child at their shoulders and hips. These are the most rigid parts of the body, which protect them from the force an collision.
Doona is light and easy to maneuver when it is used as stroller. Its slim frame allows it to be maneuvered down most airline aisles, and it can be used in a rearward or forward-facing position. It’s also simple to connect the Doona base to your vehicle for safe installation.
It is important to be aware that your child will eventually outgrow Doona. You’ll know when they’re ready to upgrade when there is less than an inch between the top of their head and the top of the canopy. You can make use of Doona for vacations and trips until then.
We suggest shopping for the most affordable price on Doona. Doona. While the website of the manufacturer has an extensive selection, you can also find Doona in stores like Nordstrom, Target, Pottery Barn, Dillard’s and buybuy Baby. You can even use gift cards or loyalty program perks/points these retailers to cut down on cost.
2. Chicco KeyFit 35
Chicco (KEY-ko) is an established brand that produces gear that includes baby car seats, strollers and some parents’ favourite diaper bags. It is one of the largest manufacturers of infant car seats in the world and they make some impressive options which have impressed us during the testing process. They have excellent crash test ratings, are easy to install and use in a variety of car configurations. They also work with many of the top strollers that are available if you use the right adapters (available separately).
This model is our 2nd pick and is an outstanding choice for families that want an easy-to-install seat. to install in multiple ways and is compatible with many of the best strollers available. The KeyFit 35 is a good option for families looking for a seat that can be installed in a variety of ways and works well with many of the top strollers.
The original Chicco Keyfit, the KeyFit 30, and the KeyFit 35 all offer a “ClearTex” version that is made without added chemical fire retardants (a newer trend in products for children as parents are becoming more aware of the toxic chemicals some car seat for newborn seats require to meet federal requirements for flammability). It’s an excellent choice for families that want to restrict their children’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
All KeyFit models feature a number of other great features that make them stand out in our testing. The base/carrier locking system utilizes both visual and audible signals to confirm that the carrier has been correctly attached to base. When the system is working properly, an audible “click” can be heard. A simple upward tug on the handle of the carrier will confirm that the carrier is in the upright position.
The KeyFit 35 has a removable head and body support for newborns for babies between 4-11 pounds. It adjusts with the seat to ensure that as your child grows, it will provide more legroom and height to the headrest for extended rear-facing safety and comfort. A 2-stage base is included for secure attachment in your vehicle and to facilitate the transition to toddlerhood when your child is ready.
3. Graco SnugRide Stroller
This Graco travel system is the best option for families who want a stroller and car seat package. It is super compact and easy to use. It’s a great choice for trips on the road and vacations! It’s a great choice for moms on the go who don’t want to commit much time installing or learning about new gadgets.
The car seat is easily attached to the stroller frame, and you can choose whether you want your baby facing you or the world when connected. The car seat is rated with excellent crash test ratings. If you’re on a tight budget, this is a great option, but we recommend you look into a different model if you have the space.
We love the fact that this car seat comes with an swivel wheel on the front and that the base is locked in place to stop any unexpected stroller movement. It’s as well to see the LATCH clips stored on the front of base, rather than in a space that’s difficult to access beneath the base, where they might be accidentally knocked off when you put down the car seat.
This infant seat is suitable for infants weighing between 4 and 35 pounds. and up to 32″. The Lite LATCH system is simple to install by following the instructions. The seat is small and light, which means it fits in the majority of vehicles when facing in the opposite direction as the vehicle’s seat belt path. This seat has a headrest that grows with your child and includes an adjustable harness built in. The shoulder straps offer four possible height positions, while the crotch strap can be adjusted to two height positions. By the time your child weighs 12 pounds it is crucial to take off all head and body parts.
This model’s rethreading method of adjusting the shoulder and crotch straps isn’t our favorite. It’s not too difficult but it’s more complicated than other seats that do not require rethreading. We also discovered that the crotch and head straps aren’t as deep as those on some other models, which could put your child at risk for the crotch buckle to open up in the event of a crash.
4. Baby Trend Trooper
This infant car seat is a popular choice for families with babies who want a premium infant car seat that is lightweight and easy to transport. It also works with a wide range of strollers. This makes it more convenient for parents who travel with their children. It’s an excellent option for parents who use rideshares and taxis frequently.
The infant car seat can be installed using either the seat belt or the LATCH system of your vehicle. It features push-on LATCH connectors with clear indicators as well as a no twist harness indicator. The seat features a deep side wing that offers additional crash protection for your child. The seat also features a convenient Delta carry handle that serves as an anti-rebound bars in case of need.
It is important that when you install the seat with the seat belt that the shoulder strap be at a minimum as tall as your child’s shoulders, and that the lap belt is not too low to wrap your child’s legs. If the shoulder strap is too low, it can be a danger for infants and when the lap belt is too high, it could cause your child to move in a way that is uncomfortable during a car ride.
The seat comes with specific guidelines regarding the routing of the crotch straps for infants. Particularly, the manual states that you shouldn’t route the crotch buckle webbing into any other slot than the one that is closest to the edge for the smallest children. This may be difficult for some parents and could result in an unfit crotch buckle. fit correctly.
Overall the Trooper is an excellent option for parents who want an infant car seat of the highest quality that is easy to transport and can be used in most vehicles. It’s heavier than other options, but offers top safety features and stroller compatibility.
If you’re looking for an infant car seat that’s a bit more affordable, you should consider the Evenflo Pivot Suite LiteMax Stroller and Car Seat Combo. This combo is cheaper than other similar options and offers more security and convenience for parents with a tight budget.