Car Seat and Pram 2 in 1
Parenthood is all about changing. Everyday, thousands of parents go through transitions - from home to the car to an appointment, then back.
One of the best ways to streamline your travels is to buy a capsule and pram 2 in one. These are usually suitable from birth and can be converted into a stroller once your child has outgrown the car seat.
Easy to transport
Doona is an innovative new car seat and stroller combination that can be converted from a car to stroller by simply folding. It's only a matter of seconds to transform from the car to the sidewalk. This is ideal for city dwellers or those who frequent public transportation. It is also more compact than two-piece travel systems, making it easier to store and transport on an airplane.
It's important to find the right pram and car seat in 1 that meet your lifestyle requirements. Consider things like how frequently you'll be using the stroller and if you'll require a basket or tray for your child's snacks and drinks. It's also worth assessing your baby's height and weight to ensure that the combination will work well 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 baby sleep surfaces. Our experts assess these products by evaluating their safety design, style, ease of use, and functionality. Our rating system includes ratings for each individual item and a summary score that weighs the score of the entire product against the other items in the category and an overall score. The Good Housekeeping Institute is dedicated to giving parents the tools they require to keep their kids safe and happy.
A car seat and pram 2 in 1 with a high safety rating is essential for family journeys. The car seat should be securely attached to the vehicle with the latch system. The stroller base should be connected to it using LATCH connectors that are strong and rigid. Before every use, it's a great idea to read the instructions from the manufacturer on installation and removal. If you have a car seat and stroller of different brands, you may need to purchase an adaptor for them to work together.
When shopping for a car and stroller combination, remember that only infants in Group 0+ seats can be snapped into the stroller. If you're looking for a stroller that can accommodate an older child, choose one that comes with an infant seat or carrycot. Some car seat/stroller combinations are simple however, you can also select models that have extra features, like a large canopy or cupholders that can be used by parents.
Easy to store
A travel system is a complete car seat and stroller that comes with everything you need to transport your baby. Choose a stroller with an easy-to-fold design as well as plenty of storage space. You might also find one that has additional features, such as the parent organizer or cup holders. Some carseat and stroller combinations are more expensive than others, but it's worth it if you plan on taking your baby out for a walk regularly.
The best stroller and car seat combinations have sleek, compact designs that make them easy to move and store when not in use. Look over the specifications to determine the weight of each piece and how big their storage capacity is. Ideally, both pieces are small enough to fit into the back of your car or a trunk-size trunk. You may also want to look into purchasing a stroller-friendly travel bag to safeguard it during transport.
For instance for example, the Nuna PIPA infant car base and seat is our top choice for car seat and stroller combination because it's a single product that doesn't require an adapter for carseats to connect to any standard vehicle. The LATCH connectors, which are rigid, integrated into the base allow it to fit into vehicles of various sizes and shapes. It also comes with a built-in drape canopy to protect your snoozing baby.
The Doona is another alternative. It's basically a car seat for infants with wheels. It opens from its base to transform into a stroller, then folds back to its car-friendly location in just a few seconds. This makes it more compact than two-piece strollers and car seat combos. However, you will require an adaptor if your car seat you want to use for your child is not compatible with the Doona.
Easy to install
The first few weeks following the arrival of a newborn baby can be a struggle. There are the late-night crying sessions mountains of swamp nappies, and the constant realization that you forgot something. The combination of a car seat and pram is among the most important choices that new parents make. They should be simple to install, simple to use and, above all, stylish.
Some new parents prefer a dual-piece travel system, which consists of an infant stroller with an infant carrycot and an additional car seat. Some parents opt for a three in one model that includes an infant car seat which can be connected to the stroller chassis. The advantage of this model is that it folds flat, allowing for easier storage. It can be bulkier when compared to a two-piece. However, many parents love its sleek design.
If you're looking for a simple system, look for one that has a base which is easily connected to your vehicle with a strong LATCH connector. This will ensure that the seat is properly installed and also provide an easy and secure connection. Many brands offer useful videos for installation on their websites. Once you've successfully attached the car seat to your stroller, it should make a click sound to inform you that it's securely secured.
The height of the handlebars is a further important feature to consider when choosing a car seat/pram 2 in 1. If you intend to transport your child in the car for a prolonged period of time, you'll require handlebars that are tall enough so you can comfortably reach them. If you're planning to travel frequently on public transport then you should choose a pram that has swivel-wheels, or a one-handed folding mechanism. This will make it easier for you to get on and off trains and buses.
Also, make sure that the car seat and pram 2 in 1 are able to be used in conjunction with your vehicle's seat belt. This is particularly crucial if your car is going to be shared with other parents, or if it's used to share rides.
Simple to use
A car seat and a stroller make the journey with a baby much easier, especially for parents who are constantly on the move. The stroller folds to fit inside the trunk of a vehicle. The car seat snaps onto the frame. It also features a built-in drape canopy to protect a snoozing infant. It is easy to move and is a great choice for families who travel via plane, bus, or train.
Some car seats and combo strollers come with an audible click sound when connected to the base. This makes it easier to ensure that the seat is firmly in place. It is essential to carefully go through the directions prior to using the stroller or car seat. This will ensure that the seats are installed correctly. Certain brands have helpful installation videos on their websites which can help.
2 in 1 travel system of car seats and stroller combos require a bit of assembly before use, including installing the base in your vehicle and securing the seat to the frame. It could take a bit of time and patience to learn the proper instructions for certain models. It's recommended to practice with a friend before you start to use it on your own.
The combination of a car seat and stroller that features a one-step installation without straps earns us the highest rating for ease of use. This avoids the additional step of tightening and buckling straps, which can be prone to mistakes. Strollers that use this type of connection score higher than those with 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 lots of children in the stroller. Look for models that have rubber tires on the front of the wheel and are light. Some models also come with a swivel wheel that allows for maneuvering through narrow aisles and tight corners in stores. These systems are more expensive than car seats and strollers, but they can save you time and effort on busy days.