Car Seat and Pram 2 in 1
Parenthood is all about changes. Every day, thousands of them all the way from home to car to an appointment, then back.
A capsule and pram 2-in-1 is a great way to make your travels easier. These are typically suitable from birth and can be converted into a stroller once your child outgrows the car seat.
Easy to transport
Doona is a brand new design of car seat and stroller combinations that can transform from a car seat into stroller by simply folding it. It only takes minutes to change from the car to the sidewalk. This is ideal for those who live in cities, or who frequently use public transport. It's also smaller than two-piece travel systems, making it easier to store and transport on an aircraft.
You should choose a car seat or a pram 2 in 1 that is suited to your lifestyle. Consider things like how often you'll use the stroller and whether you'll require a basket or tray for your child's snacks and drinks. You should also take into consideration your child's weight and height to ensure that the stroller is suitable for them.
The Good Housekeeping Institute parenting pros regularly review and test hundreds of products designed for babies and young children, including strollers, carseats, and infant sleep surfaces. Our experts assess these products in terms of safety, design, accessibility and usability. Our rating system contains ratings for each individual item and a summary score that compares the rating of the entire product against the other items in the category, and an overall rating. The Good Housekeeping Institute is dedicated to providing parents with the tools they require to keep their kids safe and happy.
A car seat and pram 2 in 1 that have a high safety rating is vital for family travels. The car seat must be securely connected to the vehicle with the latch system and the base of the stroller should be connected to the car seat with rigid LATCH connectors. Before each use, it's a great idea to follow the instructions from the manufacturer on installation and removal. If you own an infant car seat and a stroller from different brands, you might need to purchase an adaptor to put them together.
One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a car seat and stroller combination is that only Group 0+ infant car seats can be converted into a stroller. If 2 in 1 pram pushchair are looking for a stroller that can accommodate an older child, opt for one with a toddler seat or carrycot. While some car seat/stroller combos are basic however, you can opt for models with extra features, such as a big canopy and cup holders for parents.
Easy to store
A travel system is a car seat and stroller combo that comes with everything you require for your baby's ride. A stroller that is easy to fold and has plenty of storage space will be the ideal choice. You can also find strollers with additional features like an organizer for parents and cup holders. Certain combinations of carseats as well as strollers are more expensive than other, but it's worth the investment if you plan to take your child out regularly.
The best car seats and stroller combos come with sleek and compact designs that allow them to be easily maneuvered and put away when not in use. Look over the specifications to determine how heavy each unit is and how big their storage space is. Idealy, both pieces should fit in your trunk or the back of your car. You might also want to think about purchasing a stroller travel bag to safeguard it while in transit.
For example the Nuna PIPA infant car seat and base is our top pick for stroller and car seat combination because it's a single product that doesn't require a car seat adapter to connect to a standard vehicle. The LATCH connectors, which are rigid, integrated into the base allow it fit in vehicles of different dimensions and shapes. It even has an integrated drape canopy to safeguard your baby's sleep.
Another great alternative is the Doona which is an infant car seat that has wheels. It can be folded from the base into the stroller, and then folded down to return to a car-friendly position within minutes. This makes it more compact than two-piece strollers or car seat combination. However, you will need an adaptor if the car seat of your child's choice is not compatible with the Doona.
Easy to install
The first few weeks after the birth of a baby can be challenging. There are a lot of late night crying sessions, mountainous piles of swamp nappies and the constant realization that you've forgotten to bring something. The combination of the pram and car seat is one of the most important choices that new parents make. They should be easy to install, easy to use and, above all, stylish.
Some new parents prefer a dual-piece travel system, which consists of an infant stroller with a carrycot and a separate car seat. Others choose a three-in-one model that comes with an infant car seat that is connected to the chassis of a stroller. The advantage of this type is that it can be folded flat, which makes it easier to storage. It is more bulky than a two-piece system. However, many parents love its elegant design.
If you are seeking a simple travel system, look for one with a car seat base that can be connected to your vehicle using a rigid LATCH connector. This will ensure a secure and smooth connection, and will also provide you with peace of mind that the seat has been installed correctly. Many brands offer useful videos for installation on their websites. After you have successfully secured the car to your stroller it will make a click sound to signal that it's securely fastened.
The height of the handlebars is a further important feature to consider when selecting a car or pram 2 in 1. If you intend to carry children in the car seat for a long period of time it's essential that the handlebars have a height enough to let you comfortably reach them. If you're planning on using public transport often, look for a pram that has swinging wheels or a single-handed folding mechanism that can be folded easily when getting off and on buses and trains.
Lastly, check that the car seat and pram 2 in 1 are able to be used in conjunction with your vehicle's seat belt. This is especially crucial if your car is going to be shared with other parents, or used to share rides.
Easy to use
A car seat and stroller set-up makes the journey with a baby much easier particularly for parents on the go. The stroller can fold to fit in the trunk of a vehicle. The car seat snaps onto the frame. It also features a built-in drape canopy to guard against a sleepy baby. It is easy to maneuver and is a great option for families that travel by plane or bus.
Some car seat and combo strollers have an audible click sound when they are attached to the base. This allows you to be sure that the seat is firmly placed. It is nevertheless important to read the instructions thoroughly prior to using the stroller and car seat to ensure that they are properly installed. Certain brands have helpful installation videos online to assist you in your first steps.
Most car seat and stroller combos require a bit of assembly prior to use, which includes mounting the base into your vehicle and securing the frame to the seat. It may take some time and effort to learn the proper instructions for certain models. It's also a good idea to practice with a partner before you start to use it on your own.
The combination of car seats and strollers that features a one-step installation without straps earns us the highest rating for ease of use. This eliminates the extra step to tie straps and buckle them, which could lead to errors. Strollers that use this type of connection also score higher than those with straps because they are more likely to be secure.
The most effective car seat-stroller combinations are easy for you to maneuver even when there are a lot of children in the stroller. Look for models that have rubber tires on the front of the wheel and are lightweight. Some models have an swivel wheel at the front of the unit to help maneuver in tight corners and narrow aisles. These systems are usually more expensive than car seats however they can save you a lot of time and effort on busy days.