Car Seat and Pram 2 in 1
Parenthood is all about transitions. Every day, thousands of them - from the home to the car to an appointment, and back to the car.
A capsule and pram 2-in-1 is a great option to streamline your travels. These are usually suitable from birth and convert into a stroller once your child has outgrown the car seat.
Easy to transport
Doona is a fresh design of stroller and car seat combos that transform from a car seat to stroller by simply folding it. It only takes seconds to transform from the car to the sidewalk. This is ideal for those who live in cities or who frequent public transportation. It's also less bulky than two-piece travel systems making it easier to store and transport to an airport.
It's essential to choose a pram and car seat in 1 that meet your lifestyle needs. Consider things like how frequently you'll use the stroller and if you'll require a basket or tray for your child's snacks and drinks. It is also important to take into consideration your child's weight and height to ensure that the stroller is suitable for them.
The parenting experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test and review hundreds products for babies and children, including strollers, carseats and baby sleep surfaces. Our experts assess the products according to their safety, design, functionality, and ease of use. Our rating system contains scores for each item and a summary score that evaluates the overall rating of the entire product against all the other items in the rating category and an overall score. The Good Housekeeping Institute provides parents with the tools needed to keep their children safe and happy.
For road trips with your family, a car seats and stroller 2 in 1 with an excellent safety rating is essential. The car seat must be securely attached to the vehicle with the latch system. The stroller base should be connected to it with LATCH connectors that are rigid. It's a good idea to follow the manufacturer's instructions for detaching and installation prior to every use. If you have a stroller and car seat with different brands, you might require an adaptor for them to work together.
When shopping for a car and stroller combination, keep in mind that only infants in Group 0+ seats can be put into the stroller. If you're looking for a stroller that can accommodate an older child, choose one that comes with a carrycot or toddler seat. While some stroller/car seat combos are simple however, you can opt for models that have extra features like a large canopy and cupholders for parents.
Easy to store
A travel system is a complete stroller and car seat that comes with everything you need to carry your child. Choose a stroller with an easy-to-folding design and plenty of storage space. You might also find one that has additional features, such as a parent organizer or cup holders. Certain combinations of carseats and strollers are more expensive than other options, but it's a worthwhile investment if you plan to take your child out regularly.
The top car seat and stroller combos feature sleek, compact designs that make them easy to move and put away when not in use. Examine the specifications of each model to see how much they weigh, and also how big their storage spaces are. Ideally, both pieces should be small enough to fit into the back of your vehicle or a trunk-sized trunk. You may want to invest in a stroller travel bag to keep it safe during transport.
For instance, the Nuna PIPA infant car base and seat is our best pick for car seat and stroller combos because it's a single unit that doesn't need an adapter for car seats to connect to a regular vehicle. The LATCH connectors that are rigidly integrated into the base allow it to fit into vehicles of various shapes and sizes. It has a built in drape canopy to protect children who are snoozing.
The Doona is another option. It is basically a baby car seat with wheels. It folds up from the base to become an infant stroller, and folds down to return to its car-friendly position in seconds. This makes it a much more portable option than two-piece car seat and stroller combos, but you'll need an adapter in case your baby's preferred 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 the nightly crying sessions, the mountains of swamp nappies and the constant realization that you forgot something. The combination of the pram and car seat is among the most important choices that new parents make. They should be easy to install and operate, as well as stylish.
Some new parents prefer a two-piece system, which includes the pram, which includes an infant carrycot as well as an additional car seat. pushchair 2 in 1 choose a triple-in-one model, which has an infant car seat that can be connected to a stroller chassis. The model can be folded flat for more convenient storage. It can be bulkier than a two-piece system. However many parents like its sleek design.
If you're looking for a simple travel system, choose one with a car seat base that is easily connected to your vehicle with a strong LATCH connector. This will ensure a safe and secure connection, and give you peace of mind that the seat is set up correctly. Many brands also have helpful videos for installation available on their websites. When you have successfully attached the stroller to your car it will make a click sound to let you know it's securely fastened.
The height of the handlebars is another important aspect to take into account 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 is essential that the handlebars are tall enough to let you comfortably reach them. If you plan to use public transport frequently, search for a stroller with dual-hand folding mechanism to make it easy to collapse to get off and on buses or 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 important if your car will be shared with other parents, or if it's used for ride-sharing.
Easy to use
A stroller and car seat combo makes life on the move with a baby easier, particularly for parents who are always on the move. The car seat snaps into a stroller frame and the stroller folds to easily fit in the trunk of your car. It also has a built-in canopy to protect babies who are snoozing. It's easy to move and is a great choice for families who travel frequently by train, plane or bus.
Some car seat and combo strollers make a distinct sound that can be heard when they are attached to the base. This makes it easier to ensure that the seat is firmly positioned. It is crucial to read the instructions before 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 which can help.
Most car seat and stroller combos require a bit of assembly before use, including placing the base in your vehicle, and then attaching the seat to the frame. It could take a bit of time and patience to figure out the instructions for specific models. It's also a good idea to practice using it with a friend.
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 need to buckle and tighten straps which can lead to mistakes. Strollers that use this type of connection also are more secure than those who use straps, because they are more likely to be secure.
The best car seat-stroller combos are easy for you to maneuver even if there are many children in the stroller. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires on the front wheel and are lightweight. Some models have a swivel wheel on the front to help you navigate around tight corners and narrow aisles. These systems are usually more expensive than standalone strollers and car seats however they can help you save time and effort on busy days.