Car Seat and Pram 2 in 1
Parenthood is all about changing. Every day thousands of them make the journey from the home to the car to an appointment to back again.
One of the best ways to streamline your travels is to purchase an infant capsule and pram in 1. These are usually suitable from birth and convert into a stroller when your child is old enough to outgrow the car seat.
Easy to transport
Doona is a new design of stroller and car seat combinations that can transform from a car seat into stroller simply by folding it. It only takes seconds to go from the car to the sidewalk. This is great for those who live in cities or who frequent public transportation. It's also more compact than a two-piece travel system, which makes it easy to store or take on an aircraft.
You should choose a car seat/pram 2 in 1 that is suited to your lifestyle. Think about things like how often you'll be using the stroller, and whether you'll need a basket, or tray for your child's meals and drinks. It's also important to consider your child's weight and height to ensure the combination is suitable for them.
The Good Housekeeping Institute parenting pros regularly test and review hundreds of products for infants and young children, including strollers, carseats and infant sleep surfaces. Our experts review the products based on their design, safety, and ease of use. Our rating system consists of individual scores, a summary score which evaluates the overall rating of the entire product to all other items in the rating category, and a final rating. The Good Housekeeping Institute provides parents with the tools necessary to keep their children safe and happy.
For road trips with your family, a car seats and stroller 2 in 1 that have a high safety rating is essential. The car seat must be securely attached to the vehicle using the latch system, and the stroller base must be linked to the car seat via LATCH connectors that are rigid. It is recommended to read the manufacturer's instructions on installation and detachment prior to each use. If you have a stroller and car seat with different brands, you might need to purchase an adaptor to use them together.
One thing to keep in mind when looking for the car seat and stroller combo is that only Group 0+ infant car seats can be converted into strollers. If you're looking for a stroller to accommodate older children, select one that has an infant seat or carrycot. While some stroller/car seat combos are no-frills but you can also go for models that have extra features like a large canopy and cup holders for parents.
Easy to store
A travel system is a car seat and stroller set that includes everything you require for your baby's ride. A stroller that is easy to fold and has plenty of storage space is the best choice. You can also get a stroller that has extra features, such as a parent's organizer or cup holders. Some carseat and stroller combinations are more expensive than others, however the investment is worth it if you're planning to take your child out for a walk regularly.
The most efficient stroller and car seat combinations are sleek and compact that make them easy to transport and store when not in use. Review the specifications to determine how heavy each unit is and how big the storage space they have. Ideally, both pieces should be able to fit in your trunk or back of your car. You may also look into purchasing a stroller-friendly travel bag to protect it during transport.
The Nuna PIPA infant base and seat, as an instance, is our top pick for car seats and strollers combination. It's a single component that can be connected to any vehicle that doesn't have an adapter for cars. The rigid LATCH connectors integrated into the base allow it fit into vehicles of various shapes and sizes. It comes with an integrated drape canopy to guard the child who is snoozing.
Another option is the Doona that is basically an infant car seat on wheels. It folds up from its base to transform into a stroller, then folds down to return to its car-friendly position in seconds. This makes it much more portable than two-piece stroller and car seat combos. However, you will require an adapter if the car seat you want to use for your child is not compatible with the Doona.
Easy to install
The first few weeks following the birth of a new baby can be challenging. There are the nightly crying sessions, mountains of swamp nappies, and the constant realization that you've forgotten something. The combination of a car seat and pram is one of the most important decisions that new parents make. They should be easy to install and use, as well as fashionable.
Some parents choose two-piece systems, which include a stroller with the carrycot, as well as an additional child car seat. Some parents choose a three in one model that comes with an infant car seat which can be attached to the stroller chassis. The advantage of this type is that it can be folded flat, which makes it easier to storage. It can be bulkier compared to a two-piece system. However many parents appreciate its sleek design.
If you are seeking a basic travel system, you should look for one that has car seat bases that is easily connected to your vehicle with a strong LATCH connector. This will ensure a safe and secure connection, and will also give you peace of mind that the seat is installed correctly. Many brands offer useful videos for installation on their websites. After you've secured the car seat to your stroller, it should make a click sound to let you know that it's secured.
The height of the handlebars is an important factor to consider when selecting a car or pram 2 in 1. If you plan on carrying children in the car seat for a long time it's essential that the handlebars have a height enough to allow you to comfortably reach them. If you're planning to use public transport frequently, search for a pram with swivel wheels or a single-handed folding mechanism for easy collapse to get off and on buses and trains.
Also, make sure that the car seat and pram 2 in 1 are able to be used with your vehicle's seat belt. This is particularly crucial if the car will be shared with other parents, or if it's used to share rides.
Easy to use
A stroller and car seat combo makes life on the go with a baby much easier, particularly for parents who are always on the move. The car seat snaps into a stroller frame and the stroller folds down to easily fit in the trunk of your vehicle. It also has a built-in canopy to protect the infant from snoozing. It's easy to move and is a good choice for families who frequently travel by plane, train, or bus.
Some car seat and stroller combination models have an audible click once attached to the base, making it easier to ensure that the seat is securely in place. two in one pram is nevertheless important to read the instructions thoroughly before using the stroller and car seat to ensure that they are properly installed. Some brands even have videos on installation to assist you in getting started.
Most stroller and car seat combos require a bit of 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 figure out the instructions for specific models. It's a good idea also to practice using it with a partner.
The combination of car seats and strollers with a single-step installation without straps receives our highest rating for ease of use. This eliminates the extra step to buckle and tighten straps 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 best car seat and stroller combos are easy to maneuver even if there are a lot of children in the stroller. Find models with rubber tires and one front wheel, which are light and easy to push. Some have a swivel front wheel to maneuver in narrow aisles and tight corners at stores. These systems are typically more expensive than standalone strollers and car seats however they can save you lots of time and hassle on busy days.