Infant Car Seat For Travel
A car seat for infants to travel with can save you time and hassle. You can use it in taxis and rental cars and a majority of countries require you to bring a car seat for young children.
Doona is a well-known brand that combines a car-seat and stroller in one. It is small enough to fit into airline seats, and FAA approved.
1. Doona
Doona is the latest car seat/travel system to hit the market. It's the first car seat that transforms into a stroller with the touch of one button, and comes in a variety of colors and comes with a variety of accessories. It's a great choice for families that travel frequently, as it is TUV and FAA approved aircraft (though you may need to check the base of the aircraft).
Doona is a premium car seat. The double-wall structure of the Doona car seat surrounds the wheels and EPS foam is also added to offer extra protection. Furthermore infant car seats that swivel as an anti-rebound bar to ensure your child's head is protected in the event of a collision. The Doona includes a 5-point safety harness that holds your child at their shoulders and hips. These are the rigidest parts of the body, securing them from the force of an impact.
When it comes to using Doona as a stroller, you'll find it light and easy to move around. Its narrow frame makes it easy to maneuver through the aisles of most airlines, and it can be used either in a rearward or forward-facing position. Additionally, it's simple to connect to the Doona LATCH base in your car for secure installation.
It's important to note, though, that your child will eventually outgrow Doona. When there's less than 1 inch between their head and the canopy, you'll know when your baby is ready to upgrade. You can make use of Doona for vacations and trips until then.
We suggest shopping for the best price for a Doona. While the manufacturer's website has a wide selection however, you can also find Doona at stores like Nordstrom, Target, Pottery Barn, Dillard's and buybuy Baby. You can also use gift cards or loyalty program perks/points at these stores to lower the cost.
2. Chicco KeyFit 35
Chicco (KEY-ko) is a well-known brand that makes gear that includes baby car seats, strollers and some parents' favorite diaper bags. The company is one the largest manufacturers of infant car seats around the globe. They offer some amazing options which impressed us during our testing. They have high crash test ratings and are easy to use and install in a variety of car configurations, and are compatible with a variety of top strollers available when used with the appropriate adapters (available separately).
This model is our 2nd pick. It is a great option for families in search of a seat that is simple to put in and is compatible with countless strollers. The KeyFit 35 is a good option for families that want seats that can be installed in a variety of ways and works well with a variety of best strollers.
The OG Chicco Keyfit, the KeyFit 30, and the KeyFit 35 all offer a "ClearTex" version that is free of added chemical fire retardants (a newer trend in products for children as parents are becoming more aware of the hazardous chemicals some car seats require to meet federal requirements for flammability). It's an excellent choice for families looking to restrict their children's exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
All KeyFit models have a number of great features that helped them stand out in our testing. The base/carrier lock system employs the combination of audible and visual cues to ensure that the car is properly connected to the base. A "click" is heard when the system is a good match, and a simple upward tug on the handle of the carrier confirms that it is in the proper upright position for driving.
The KeyFit 35 also has a removable newborn head and body support for babies weighing 4-11 lbs. It adjusts to the size of the seat to offer more legroom and a higher headrest as your child grows. This increases security and comfort for rear-facing infants. The base is designed with two stages for secure installation in your vehicle and to allow for a smooth transition from toddlerhood to your child once they are ready.
3. Graco SnugRide Stroller
This Graco travel system is the best choice for families who want a stroller and car seat set-up. It is super compact and user-friendly. This is an excellent option for road trips or vacations. It's a great choice for moms on the go who don't want to spend long hours setting up or learning new gadgets.
The car seat can be attached easily to the stroller frame. You can decide to have the baby facing you or to the rest of the world. This car seat has great crash test ratings. This is a good option for those with a limited budget however, if you are able to afford it we recommend buying a different model.
This car seat is excellent because it comes with the front wheel that rotates, and the base locks into place to stop unexpected stroller movement. It's also nice to see the LATCH clips stowed on the front of the base instead of in an area that is difficult to access beneath the base, where they might be accidentally knocked off when you set down the car seat.
This infant seat is suitable for babies with a weight range of 4 to 35 pounds. and up to 32". and up to 32". Lite LATCH system is easy to install with the included instructions. The seat is narrow and light, which means it can be used in most vehicles when facing the opposite direction as the vehicle's seat belt path. The seat has a headrest which expands with your child and a harness adjuster that is built into. The shoulder straps are adjustable in four different height positions. The crotch strap is adjustable in two different height positions. By the time your child weighs 12 pounds it is crucial to remove all body and head inserts.
We aren't a fan of the rethreading method of adjusting the shoulder straps and crotch straps with this model. It's not difficult, but it is more complicated than other seats that don't require the rethreading. The head and crotch belts aren't as long as other models. This could put your child at danger of a crotch gap in the event of an accident.
4. Baby Trend Trooper
This baby car seat is popular with families with young infants who are seeking a lightweight, easy-to-transport premium infant car seat. It's also compatible with many strollers. This makes it more convenient for parents to travel with their children. It's a great choice for parents who often use rideshares or taxis.
The infant car seat is designed to be simple to attach using either the car's seat belt or LATCH system. It comes with LATCH connectors that can be pushed on with clear-to-read indicator and a no-twist harness indicator. The seat also has deep side wing protection that gives extra crash protection to your child. The seat has a Delta carry handle that can be used as an anti-rebound bar.
When installing the seat with the seat belt, it is important to ensure that the shoulder strap is at a minimum high as your child's shoulders, and that the lap belt isn't too low to wrap around your baby's thighs. If the belt on your shoulder is too low, it could be a risk for infants. If the lapbelt is too high, your child might shift around uncomfortably in the car.
The seat has specific guidelines regarding the routing of the crotch straps to infants. The manual states that the webbing for the crotch strap must not be routed through any other slot than the slot that is the most outermost for the smallest child. This can be a challenge for some parents and may result in a buckle that does not fit properly.
Overall, the Trooper is a fantastic option for parents seeking a top car seat for their infants that is easy to carry and can be used in the majority of cars. It's heavier than some other options, but offers great safety features and stroller compatibility.
If you're looking for a baby car seat that is more affordable, you should consider the Evenflo Pivot Suite LiteMax Stroller and Car Seat Combo. This combination is less expensive than comparable alternatives and offers greater security and comfort for parents on a budget.