Car Seat and Pram 2 in 1
Transitions are the name of the game in parenthood. Every day, thousands of them - from the house to the car to an appointment, and back to the car.
A 2-in-1 capsule and pram is a great way to simplify your travels. They are generally suitable from birth and can be converted into a stroller after 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 vehicle to a stroller simply by unfolding. It's only a matter of seconds to transform from the vehicle to the sidewalk. This is ideal for those who live in cities, or who frequently use public transport. It is also more compact than two-piece travel systems, making it easier to store and transport to an airport.
It's essential to choose the right car seat and pram 2 in 1 that will meet your needs for living. Consider things like how frequently you'll use the stroller and if you'll need a basket, or tray to store your child's food and drinks. It's also important to consider your child's height and weight to ensure that the combination is appropriate for them.
The parenting experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test and evaluate hundreds of products for children and babies, including strollers, carseats and baby sleep surfaces. Our experts review the products based on their design, safety and usability. Our rating system contains ratings for each item as well as a summary score which evaluates the overall rating of the entire product against all other items in the rating category and an overall rating. The Good Housekeeping Institute provides parents with the tools necessary to keep their children safe and content.
A car seat and pram 2 in 1 with an extremely high safety rating is vital for family journeys. The car seat must be securely connected to the vehicle with the latch system and the base of the stroller should be connected to the car seat via LATCH connectors that are strong and rigid. Before every use, it's a good idea to read the instructions from the manufacturer on installation and removal. If you have a stroller and car seat with different brands, you may require an adaptor to put them together.
One thing to be aware of when shopping for a car seat and stroller combo is that only infant car seats can be converted into a stroller. If you want the stroller to fit an older child, opt for one with a carrycot or toddler seat. Some combinations of car seats and strollers are straightforward however, you can also select models with additional features like a large canopy or cupholders that can be used by parents.
Easy to store
A travel system is a complete stroller and car seat that comes with everything you need to transport your baby. A stroller that folds easily and has ample storage space will be the best option. You can also purchase a stroller with extra features like an organizer for parents or cup holders. Some combinations of carseats and strollers are more expensive than other models, but they're worth the investment if you plan to frequently take your child to the park.
The best stroller and car seat combinations have sleek, compact designs which make them easy to store and move when not in use. Examine the specifications of each model to see the weight they are able to carry, as well as how big their storage spaces are. Ideally, both pieces should be compact enough to fit in the back of your car or a trunk-size trunk. You may want to get a stroller travel case to keep it safe during transport.
For example 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 a car seat adapter to attach to any standard vehicle. The LATCH connectors that are rigidly integrated into the base allow it fit in vehicles of different shapes and sizes. It also comes with an integrated drape canopy to protect your snoozing baby.
Another option is the Doona, which is essentially an infant car seat on wheels. It can be unfolded from its base to become a stroller, then folded down to return to a car-friendly position within minutes. This makes it a much more portable alternative to two-piece car seats and stroller combos, however you'll need an adaptor if your baby's favorite brand of car seat isn't compatible with the Doona.
Easy to install
The first few weeks following the arrival of a baby can be difficult. There are late night cry sessions, mountains of nappies from the swamp, and the constant realization that you've forgotten to bring something. The car seat and pram combination is among the most important decisions that new parents will make. They should be easy to install, easy-to use, and elegant.
Some new parents prefer a two-piece system, which is comprised of an infant stroller with a carrycot and an additional car seat. Some parents prefer a three-in-one model that comes with an infant car seat that can be connected to the stroller chassis. The benefit of this type is that it can be folded flat, which makes it easier to storage. It can be heavier than a two-piece system. However many parents like its elegant design.
If you're looking for a simple system, look for one with a base that can easily be connected to your vehicle via an LATCH connector that is rigid. This will ensure that the seat is properly installed and will provide a smooth and secure connection. Many brands provide useful videos for installation on their websites. When you have successfully attached the car to your stroller it should make a clicking noise to let you know it's securely fastened.
The height of the handlebars is an important aspect to take into account when selecting a car or pram 2 in 1. If you intend to carry a baby in the car seat for a long period of time, it's important that the handlebars are tall enough to allow you to comfortably reach them. If 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller planning to use public transport frequently, look for a stroller with swinging wheels or a single-handed folding mechanism to make it easy to collapse to get on and off 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 especially crucial if the car will be shared with other parents, or used for ride-sharing.
Simple to use
A car seat and stroller make traveling with a baby easier, especially for parents on the go. The stroller folds to fit in the trunk of a vehicle. The car seat snaps onto the frame. It also comes with a built-in canopy for drapes to shield a sleepy infant. It is easy to maneuver, and a great choice for families that travel by plane or bus.
Some stroller and car seat combinations have an audible click once connected to the base which makes it easier to verify that the car seat is securely positioned. It is crucial to go through the directions prior to using the car seat or stroller. This will ensure that the seats are correctly installed. Certain brands have helpful installation videos online that can assist you in your first steps.
Most stroller and car seat combination require some assembly prior to use. This involves putting the base into your vehicle and then attaching the seat to frame. It may take some time and effort to figure out the instructions for specific models. It's also a good idea to practice using it with a partner.
Car seat and stroller combination that has a one-step attachment with no straps earn our highest scores for ease of use. This avoids the additional step of tightening and buckling straps which are prone to a lapse. 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. Find models that have rubber tires on the front wheel and are lightweight. Some models have an swivel-wheel on the front, which can help you navigate around narrow aisles and corners. These systems are more expensive than standalone car seats and strollers, however they can save you time and effort when you're working.