Car Seat and Pram 2 in 1
Parenthood is all about changes. Every day, thousands of them - from the house to the car, to an appointment to back again.
A 2-in-1 capsule and pram is a great option to streamline your travels. These are typically suitable from birth and then convert into a stroller when your child has outgrown the car seat.
Easy to transport
Doona is a revolutionary new car seat and stroller combo that can be transformed from a car to a stroller simply by unfolding. It only takes minutes to change from the car to the sidewalk. This is ideal for those who live in cities or who frequent public transportation. It's also smaller than two-piece travel systems making it easy to store and carry on an airplane.
It's essential to choose the right pram and car seat in 1 that meet your lifestyle requirements. Consider things like how frequently you plan to use the stroller, and whether you'll require a basket or tray to store your child's food and drinks. You should also consider your baby's weight and height to ensure the stroller is suitable for them.
The Good Housekeeping Institute parenting pros regularly test and evaluate hundreds of products for babies and young children, including strollers, carseats, and baby sleep surfaces. Our experts review these items by evaluating their safety, design, user-friendliness and usability. Our rating system incorporates individual ratings, a summarised score that evaluates the overall rating of the entire product to the other items in a rating category and a final score. The Good Housekeeping Institute provides parents with the tools needed to keep their children safe and content.
A car seat and pram 2 in 1 that have an extremely high safety rating is essential for family journeys. The car seat must be attached securely to the vehicle with the latch system. The stroller base should then be connected to it with LATCH connectors that are strong and rigid. Before every use, it's a great idea to read the instruction from the manufacturer on installation and removal. You may need an adaptor for a car seat and stroller from different brands.
When looking for a car and stroller combination, be aware that only Group 0+ infant seats can be incorporated into a stroller. If you're looking for a stroller which can accommodate a toddler who is older make sure you choose one with a toddler-sized seat, or a carrycot. Some combinations of car seats and strollers are straightforward however you can select models with additional features such as a big canopy or cupholders for parents.
Easy to store
A travel system is a car seat + stroller that includes everything you require to enjoy your baby's journey. A stroller that folds easily and has ample storage space will be the best choice. You can also get strollers with additional features like a parent's organizer or cup holders. Certain combinations of carseats and strollers are more expensive than others, 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, compact designs that allow them to be easily maneuvered and store when not in use. Check the specs of each one to determine how much they weigh as well as how big their storage space is. The ideal scenario is that both units fit in your trunk or back of your car. You might also want to consider getting a stroller travel bag to safeguard it during travel.
For instance the Nuna PIPA infant car base and seat is our top choice for stroller and car seat combination because it's a single unit that doesn't require an adapter for car seats to connect to a standard vehicle. The LATCH connectors, which are rigid, built into the base help it fit in vehicles of different shapes and sizes. It even has built-in drape canopy that can be used to shield your baby from snoring.
The Doona is another great option. It's basically a baby car seat with wheels. It can be unfolded from the base into the stroller, and then folded down to return to a car-friendly position within minutes. This makes it more portable than two-piece strollers and car seat combination. However, you'll require an adaptor if your car seat you want to use for your child isn't compatible with the Doona.
Easy to install
The first few weeks following the arrival of a baby can be challenging. There are the late-night crying sessions, the mountains of swamp nappies and the constant realization that you've missed something. The combination of the pram and car seat is one of the most important decisions that new parents make. They should be easy to install, simple to use and, most important of all, stylish.
Some parents opt for two-piece systems, which include a stroller with an infant carrycot and an additional car seat for children. Some parents opt for a three-in-one model that has an infant car seat which can be connected to the stroller chassis. This type can be folded flat for more convenient storage. The drawback is that it is heavier than a traditional two-piece system, however, many parents appreciate its sleek design.
If you're seeking a basic travel system, look for one with car seat bases that can be connected to your vehicle via a rigid LATCH connector. This will ensure that the seat is correctly installed and will provide an easy and secure connection. Many brands have instructional videos on installation available on their websites. Once you have successfully connected the car to your stroller it should make a clicking noise to signal that it's securely secured.
Another crucial aspect to think about when choosing a car seat and pram 2 in one is the height of the handlebars. If you intend to carry an infant in the car seat for a long time it is essential that the handlebars are high enough to allow you to comfortably reach them. If you intend to travel frequently on public transport then you should choose a pram with swivel wheels or a one-handed folding mechanism. This will allow you to get on and off trains and buses.
Lastly, check that the car seat and pram 2 in 1 are able to be used with your car's seat belt. This is particularly important if you're going share the car with your parents or using it for ride-sharing.
Easy to use
A car seat and stroller set-up makes the journey with a baby much easier, especially for parents who are on the move. The stroller can be folded to fit in the trunk of a car. The car seat snaps onto the frame. It also has an integrated canopy to safeguard an infant who is sleeping. It is easy to move and is a great choice for families that travel by plane or bus.
Some car seats and combo strollers come with an audible clicking sound when attached to the base. This allows you to be sure that the seat is firmly in place. However, it is essential to read through the instructions thoroughly prior to using the stroller and car seat to ensure that they are installed correctly. Some brands have instructional videos on how to install them online to assist you in getting started.
Most car seat and stroller combinations require some assembly prior to use. This includes putting the base in your vehicle and securing the seat to frame. It could take a bit of time and patience to figure out the instructions for certain models. It's also a good idea to practice using it with a friend.
The combination of car seats and strollers with a single-step installation without straps is awarded our top rating for ease of use. This eliminates the need to tie straps and buckle them, which could lead to errors. This kind of connection is more secure than straps.
The best car seat-stroller combos are easy to maneuver even if there are a lot of children in the stroller. Find models with rubber tires and a single front wheel, which are lightweight and easy to push. Some models feature an swivel-wheel on the front of the unit to help maneuver in narrow aisles and corners. These systems are more expensive than standalone car seats and strollers, but they can help you save time and effort on busy days.