Car Seat and Pram 2 in 1
Transitions are the norm in the parenthood. Every day, thousands of them - from the house to the car, to an appointment, and back to the car.
A capsule and pram 2-in-1 is a great way to streamline your travels. These are typically suitable from birth and convert into a stroller after your child has outgrown the car seat.
Easy to transport
Doona is an innovative car seat and stroller combo that can be transformed from a car to a stroller simply by unfolding. It takes seconds to go from the car to the sidewalk, and it's perfect for those who live in cities and who frequently use public transportation. It is also more compact than two-piece travel systems, making it easy to store and carry to an airport.
It's important to find a pram and car seat in 1 that will meet your lifestyle needs. Consider things like how often you plan to use the stroller and if you'll need a basket, or tray to store your child's food and drinks. It's also worth taking a look at your baby's height and weight to ensure the combination is suitable for them.
The parenting experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test and evaluate hundreds of products for children and babies including strollers, carseats, and baby sleep surfaces. Our experts evaluate these items by evaluating their safety, design, accessibility and function. Our rating system includes individual scores, a summary score which compares the rating for the entire product to all other items in a rating category, and a final rating. The Good Housekeeping Institute is dedicated to providing parents with the tools they require to keep their children safe and content.
A car seat and pram 2 in 1 with the highest safety rating is essential for your family's road trips. The car seat must be securely attached to the vehicle by using the latch system and the base of the stroller must be linked to the car seat via rigid LATCH connectors. Before each use, it's a great idea to read the instruction from the manufacturer for installation and removal. If you own an infant car seat and a stroller from different brands, you might require an adaptor to use them together.
When shopping for a car and stroller combination, keep in mind that only infants in Group 0+ seats can be incorporated into a stroller. If you're looking for a stroller which will accommodate an older toddler, be sure to choose one with an adult-sized seat or carrycot. Some car seat/stroller combinations are simple, but you can choose models with extra features such as a large canopy or cupholders for the parents.
Easy to store
A travel system is a complete stroller and car seat that comes with everything you need to transport your baby. Choose a stroller with an easy-to-fold design and ample storage space. You may also find one that has extra features like the parent organizer or cup holders. Certain combinations of carseats as well as strollers are more expensive than others models, but they're worth the cost if you intend to take your child out regularly.
The best car seats and stroller combos feature sleek compact designs that make them easy to maneuver and to store away when not in use. Check the specs to see how heavy each one is and how big their storage space is. Idealy, both pieces should fit inside your trunk or the back of your car. You may also think about purchasing a stroller travel bag to protect it during transport.
For instance for example, the Nuna PIPA infant car base and seat is our top pick for car seat and stroller combos because it's a single unit that doesn't require an adapter for carseats to connect to any standard vehicle. The base is fitted with LATCH connectors that are rigid and permit it to fit into vehicles of all sizes and shapes. It also comes with built-in drape canopy that can be used to safeguard your baby's sleep.
The Doona is another great alternative. It is basically a car seat for infants with wheels. It can be folded from the base into the stroller, and then folded down to return to a car-friendly configuration in seconds. This makes it a much more portable option than two-piece car seat and stroller combos, but you'll need to have an adaptor if your baby's preferred car seat isn't compatible with the Doona.
Easy to install
The first few weeks after the birth of a newborn baby can be challenging. There are the nightly crying sessions, piles of swamp nappies and the constant realization that you've forgotten something. The car seat and pram combination is among the most important decisions new parents will make. They must be easy-to-install and operate, as well as stylish.
Some parents opt for two-piece systems that include the stroller, which also has the carrycot, as well as an additional car seat for children. Some parents prefer a three in one model that comes with an infant car seat which can be connected to the stroller chassis. The model can be folded flat for more convenient storage. It can be heavier than a two-piece system. However, many parents love its elegant design.
If you're looking for a straightforward system, look for one with a base that can be easily connected to your vehicle with an LATCH connector that is rigid. This will ensure that the seat is correctly installed and will provide a smooth and secure connection. Many brands offer helpful videos for installation on their websites. After you've successfully connected the car seat to the stroller, it should make a clicking sound to signal that it's securely fastened.
Another key feature to consider when selecting a car seat or pram 2 in 1 is the height of the handlebars. If you plan on carrying children in the car seat for a long time, it's important that the handlebars have a height enough to let you comfortably reach them. If you plan to use public transport often pick a stroller with swivel wheels or a one-handed folding mechanism. 2 in 1 pram pushchair will make it easier for you to get on and off buses and trains.
Check that the car seat/pram 2 in 1 can be used in conjunction along with the seat belts of your vehicle. This is especially crucial if your car is going to be shared with other parents, or used for ride-sharing.
Simple to use
A car seat and a stroller set-up makes travelling with a baby less stressful, especially for parents on the go. The stroller can be folded to fit in the trunk of a vehicle. The car seat snaps onto the frame. It also has a built-in drape canopy to guard against a sleepy baby. It's easy to maneuver and is a great option for families that travel frequently via train, plane, or bus.
Some car seat and stroller combos have an audible click when connected to the base making it easier to make sure that the seat is properly placed. It is important to carefully go through the directions prior to using the car seat or stroller. This will ensure that the seats are properly installed. Certain brands have useful videos for installation on their websites that could help.
Most stroller and car seat combinations require some assembly prior to use, which includes installing the base in your vehicle and securing the seat to the frame. It can take a bit of time and patience to learn the proper instructions for specific models. It's a good idea also to practice using it with a partner.
Car stroller and car seat combination that has an easy-to-attachment with no straps earn our highest marks for user-friendliness. This eliminates the extra step to buckle and tighten straps which could lead to errors. This type of connection is more secure than straps.
The best car seats and stroller combos are easy to navigate even with a load of children. Find models that have rubber tires on the front wheel and are light. Some models also have a swivel front wheel that allows for maneuvering through narrow aisles and tight corners at stores. These systems are usually more expensive than car seats however they can save you a lot of time and effort on hectic days.