Car Seat and Pram 2 in 1
Parenthood is all about changing. Every day thousands of them make the journey from the house to the car to an appointment and back.
A 2-in-1 capsule and pram is a great option to make your travels easier. These are suitable from birth, and can be converted into a stroller when your child has outgrown the car seat.
Easy to transport
Doona is a fresh design of car seat and stroller combos that transform from a car seat into a stroller by simply unfolding it. It takes only a few seconds to move from vehicle to sidewalk and is ideal for city dwellers and those who frequent public transportation. It's also smaller than two-piece travel systems, making it easier to store and take to an airport.
It is essential to find the right pram and car seat in 1 that meets your needs for living. Think about things like how often you plan to use the stroller, and whether you'll need a basket, or tray for your child's meals and drinks. It is also important to consider your baby's weight and height to ensure the combination will be suitable for them.
The parenting experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test and evaluate hundreds of products designed for babies and children, including strollers, carseats and infant sleep surfaces. Our experts evaluate the items based on their safety, design, functionality, and ease of use. Our rating system incorporates individual ratings, a summarised score which compares the rating for the entire product to all other items in the rating category, and a final rating. The Good Housekeeping Institute provides parents with the tools needed to keep their children safe and content.
To travel with your family, a car seat as well as a stroller 2 in 1 that has an excellent safety rating will be essential. The car seat must be securely connected to the vehicle with the latch system, and the stroller base must be linked to the car seat with LATCH connectors that are rigid. It's a good idea to read the instructions of the manufacturer for installation and detachment before each use. You may require an adaptor for a car seat and stroller from different brands.
One thing to keep in mind when looking for a car seat and stroller combo is that only infant car seats can be converted into strollers. If you are looking for a stroller that can accommodate older children, select one that has a toddler seat or carrycot. While some stroller/car seats are simple, you can also opt for models with extra features, such as a big canopy and cupholders for parents.
Easy to store
A travel system is a car-seat and stroller that includes everything you require to enjoy your baby's ride. Choose a stroller with an easy-to-fold design and ample storage space. You can also find one that includes extra features, like a parent organizer or cup holders. Some combinations of carseats and strollers are more expensive than others models, but they're worth the investment if you plan to take your child on a regular outing.
The best stroller and car seat combos are sleek and compact that make them easy to transport and store when not in use. Examine the specifications of each unit to see how much they weigh, and also how big their storage space is. Ideally each piece must be small enough to fit in the back of your car or a trunk-size trunk. You may want to invest in a stroller travel case to protect it during transit.
For instance for example, the Nuna PIPA infant car base and seat is our top pick for stroller and car seat combinations because it's a one product that doesn't require an adapter for carseats to attach to any standard vehicle. The base is equipped with rigid LATCH connectors that permit it to fit into vehicles of all sizes and shapes. It has an integrated drape canopy to protect children who are snoozing.
Another option is the Doona, which is essentially an infant car seat that has wheels. It unfolds from the base to become a stroller and then folds back to its car-friendly position in seconds. This makes it a more portable option than two-piece car seat and stroller combos, but you'll need to have an adapter if your child's preferred brand of car seat isn't compatible with the Doona.
Easy to install
The first few days following a baby's arrival can be challenging. There are late night cry sessions, mountainous piles of swamp nappies and the constant realization that you have forgotten to bring something. One of the most important items for new parents to be sure of is their pram and car seat combination. They should be easy to install, easy to use and, most important of all, stylish.
Some parents opt for two-piece systems, which include an infant stroller, an infant carrycot and a separate child car seat. Some parents opt for a three in one model that has an infant car seat that can be attached to the stroller chassis. The benefit of this type is that it can fold flat, making it easier for storage. However, it can be bulkier than conventional two-piece systems, however many parents love its sleek design.
If you're looking for a simple travel system, look for one with an automobile seat base that is easily connected to your vehicle with an LATCH connector that is rigid. This will ensure that the seat is properly installed and also provide an easy and secure connection. Many brands also have helpful videos for installation available on their websites. Once you've successfully attached the car seat to your stroller, it should make a sound that clicks to let you know that it's securely secured.
The height of the handlebars is an important feature to consider when choosing a car seat/pram 2 in 1. If you are planning to transport your child in the car for a prolonged period of time, you will require handlebars that are high enough so you can comfortably reach them. If you're planning to use public transport often, choose a pram that has swivel-wheels, or a one-handed folding mechanism. This will make it easier for you to take trains and buses.
Make sure that the car seat/pram 2 in 1 can also be used with the seat belt of your vehicle. This is especially important if your car will be shared with other parents, or used for ride-sharing.
Simple to use
A car seat and stroller combination makes life on go with a baby much easier, especially for parents who are always in motion. The stroller can be folded to fit in the trunk of a car. The car seat snaps onto the frame. It also comes with an integrated canopy that can be draped to shield a sleepy infant. It's easy to maneuver and is a great choice for families that travel frequently by plane, train or bus.
Some car seat and combo strollers have an audible clicking sound when connected to the base. This helps to ensure that the seat is firmly in place. It is crucial to go through the directions prior to using the stroller or car seat. This will ensure that the seats are properly installed. Certain brands have useful videos for installation on their websites which can assist.
Most car seat and stroller combinations require some assembly before use. This includes putting the base inside your vehicle and securing the seat to frame. 2 in 1 pram could take a bit of time and patience to figure out the instructions for certain models. It's a good idea also to practice using it with a partner.
The combination of car seats and strollers that is easy to install without straps receives our highest score for user-friendliness. This eliminates the extra step to adjust straps and buckles that can lead to mistakes. Strollers using this type of connection score higher than those with straps, because they are more likely to be secure.
The best car seat and stroller combos are easy for you to maneuver even when there are lots of children in the stroller. Look for models that have rubber tires on the front of the wheel and are light. Some models come with a swivel wheel on the front of the unit to help navigate around narrow aisles and tight corners. These systems are more expensive than strollers and car seats, but can save you time and effort during busy times.