Car Seat and Pram 2 in 1
Transitions are the norm in the world of parenthood. 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 get two prams and a capsule in one. These are typically suitable from birth and convert into a stroller after your child is old enough to outgrow the car seat.
Easy to transport
Doona is a revolutionary new car seat and stroller combination that can be transformed from a vehicle to stroller by simply folding. It takes only a few seconds to move from the car to the sidewalk and is perfect for city dwellers and those who frequent public transportation. It's also smaller than a two-piece system and is easy to store or take to an plane.
It is important to choose a car seat or a pram 2 in 1 that will fit your lifestyle. It is important to consider how often you'll use the stroller, and whether or not you will require a tray or basket for your child's drinks and snacks. Also, take into consideration your child's weight and height to ensure the combination will be suitable for them.
The parenting experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test and review hundreds products for babies and children such as strollers, car seats and infant sleep surfaces. Our experts review the products based on their design, safety and usability. 2 in 1 pram rating system incorporates individual ratings, a summarised score that evaluates the overall rating of the entire product with all other items in a rating category and a final rating. The Good Housekeeping Institute is dedicated to providing parents with the tools they require to keep their kids secure and happy.
A car seat and pram 2 in 1 that have an extremely high safety rating is vital for family road trips. The car seat needs to be attached securely to the vehicle with the latch system. The base of the stroller must then be connected to it with LATCH connectors that are rigid. Before every use, it's a good idea to follow the instructions from the manufacturer for installation and removal. If you own an infant car seat and a stroller from different brands, you might require an adaptor to use them together.
One important thing to remember when you're shopping for the car seat and stroller combination is that only infant car seats snap into strollers. If you're looking for a stroller that can accommodate older children, select one with a toddler seat or carrycot. Some stroller/car seat combinations are easy to use, but you can choose models that have extra features, like a large canopy or cupholders for the parents.
Easy to store
A travel system is a complete stroller and car seat that includes everything you require to carry your child. A stroller that folds easily and has plenty of storage space is the ideal choice. You may also find one with extra features, like a parent organizer or cup holders. Certain combinations of carseats and strollers are more expensive than others options, but it's a worthwhile cost if you intend to take your child on a regular outing.
The top car seat and stroller combos come with sleek and compact designs that allow them to be easily maneuvered and store when not in use. Review the specifications to determine how heavy each one is and how big the storage space they have. Idealy, both pieces should fit in your trunk or in the back of your car. You may want to invest in an infant stroller case to protect it during transit.
For instance the Nuna PIPA infant car seat and base is our best pick for stroller and car seat combination because it's a single unit that doesn't need a car seat adapter to connect to any standard vehicle. The base is fitted with rigid LATCH connectors that permit it to fit into vehicles of all sizes and shapes. It has a built-in drape canopy to guard a snoozing child.
Another great alternative is the Doona, which is essentially an infant car seat with wheels. It opens from its base to transform into a stroller, then folds down to return to its car-friendly location in just a few seconds. This makes it a more convenient option than two-piece car seat and stroller combos, but you'll need to have an adaptor if your baby's preferred car seat isn't compatible with the Doona.
Easy to install
The first few weeks following the birth of a baby can be a challenge. There are the late-night crying sessions the mountains of swamp nappies and the constant realization that you forgot something. The car seat and pram combination is one of the most important choices that new parents make. They must be easy to install, simple to use, and most of all, stylish.
Some parents choose a two-piece system that includes an infant stroller, an infant carrycot and an additional car seat for children. Some opt for a three-in-one design, which has an infant car seat that can be attached to a stroller chassis. It can be folded flat for easy storage. The drawback is that it can be heavier than the traditional two-piece system however, many parents appreciate its sleek design.
If you're looking for a simple system, choose one that has a base that is easily connected to your vehicle with a rigid LATCH connector. This will ensure a secure and seamless connection, and provide you with peace of mind that the seat is installed correctly. Many brands have instructional videos on installation available on their websites. When you have successfully attached the stroller to the car, it will sound a click to indicate that it's securely secured.
The height of the handlebars is a further important aspect to take into account when selecting a car or pram 2 in 1. If you're planning to carry children in the car seat for a long period of time it is essential that the handlebars are high enough to allow you to comfortably reach them. If you're planning to travel frequently on public transport pick a stroller with swivel wheels or a one-handed folding mechanism. This will allow you to take trains and buses.
Make sure that the car seat/pram 2 in1 can also be used in conjunction with the seat belt of your vehicle. This is particularly important if your car will be shared with other parents, or used for ride-sharing.
Easy to use
A stroller and car seat combo makes life on the move with a baby simpler, especially for parents who are constantly 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 features a built-in canopy for drapes to shield a sleepy infant. It's easy to maneuver and is a great choice for families who frequently travel by plane, train, or bus.
Some car seat and stroller combinations have an audible click when attached to the base making it easier to verify that the seat is properly positioned. It is important to carefully read the instruction manual prior to using the car seat or stroller. This will ensure that the seats are installed correctly. Certain brands have videos on installation that can assist you in your first steps.
Most car seat and stroller combos require a bit of assembly prior to use, such as mounting the base into your vehicle and attaching the frame to the seat. Some require some patience and time to figure out how to do this and so it's a good idea to go over the instructions before you start. It's recommended to practice with a friend before you attempt to use it on your own.
Car seat and stroller combinations that have an easy-to-attachment with no straps earn our highest ratings for their ease of use. This eliminates the extra step to tie straps and buckle them, which can lead to mistakes. 2 in 1 pushchairs of connection is more secure than straps.
The best car seat and stroller combos are simple to move, even with a full load of kids. Look for models with rubber tires and a single front wheel which are lightweight and easy to push. Some models have an swivel wheel at the front to help you navigate through narrow aisles and tight corners. These systems are more expensive than standalone strollers and car seats but can save you time and effort during busy times.