Car Seat and Pram 2 in 1
Transitions are the name of the game in parenthood. Every day, thousands of them - from the home to the car to an appointment and back.
One of the most efficient ways to simplify your travels is to buy two prams and a capsule in one. They are generally 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 car seat and stroller combo that can be transformed from a car to a stroller in a matter of folding. It's only a matter of seconds to go from the car to the sidewalk. This is ideal for those who live in cities or who frequent public transportation. It's also smaller than two-piece travel systems making it easy to store and carry to an airport.
It is recommended to select a car seat/pram 2 in 1 that is suited to your lifestyle. Think about things like how often you plan to use the stroller and if you'll need a basket, or tray for your child's snacks and drinks. It's also important to consider your child's height and weight to ensure that the combination will work well for them.
The Good Housekeeping Institute parenting pros regularly review and test hundreds of products for infants and toddlers, including strollers, carseats, and infant sleep surfaces. Our experts evaluate the items according to their safety, design, functionality and usability. Our rating system contains ratings for each individual item and a summary score that evaluates the overall score of the entire product against all other items in the rating category and an overall rating. The Good Housekeeping Institute is dedicated to providing parents with the tools they need to keep their children safe and content.
For road trips with your family, a car seat and stroller 2 in 1 with a high safety rating will be essential. The car seat should be securely attached to the vehicle with the latch system. The base of the stroller must then be connected to it with rigid LATCH connectors. Before every use, it's a good idea to read the instruction from the manufacturer regarding installation and removal. You may need an adaptor when you own a stroller and car seat from different brands.
One thing to be aware of when you're shopping for a stroller and car seat combination is that only Group 0+ infant car seats snap into strollers. If you're seeking a stroller that can accommodate a toddler who is older make sure you choose one with an adult-sized seat or carrycot. Some stroller/car seat combinations are easy to use however you can select models with additional features such as a big canopy or cupholders for the parents.
Easy to store
A travel system is a car seat and stroller that includes everything you require to take your baby on a journey. Look for a stroller with an easy-to-fold design and ample storage space. You can also find one with extra features like a parent organizer or cup holders. Certain stroller and car seats are more expensive than others, but the investment is well worth it if you're planning to take your child on a regular basis.
The top car seat and stroller combos come with sleek, compact designs that make them easy to move and store when not in use. Review the specifications of each one to determine the weight they are able to carry, as well as how big their storage spaces are. Ideally each piece must be small enough to fit in the back of your car or a trunk-sized trunk. You might also want to consider getting a stroller travel bag to protect it while in transit.
For example the Nuna PIPA infant car seat and base is our top choice for stroller and car seat combinations because it's a one product that doesn't require an adapter for car seats to connect to any standard vehicle. The base is equipped with a rigid LATCH connector that permit it to fit into vehicles of all sizes and shapes. It even has an integrated drape canopy to protect your snoozing baby.
The Doona is a different alternative. It is basically an infant car seat with wheels. It can be folded from its base to become a stroller, it can be folded down to a car-friendly position within seconds. This makes it a more portable alternative to two-piece car seats and stroller combos, however 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 newborn baby can be difficult. There are a lot of late night crying sessions, mountains of swamp nappies and the frequent realization that you have forgotten to pack something. One of the most important things for new parents to be sure of is their car seat and pram combo. They should be easy to install and use, as well as elegant.
Some parents choose a two-piece system that includes an infant stroller, a carrycot, and a separate child car seat. Some parents choose a three in one model that has an infant car seat that can be connected to the stroller chassis. This type can be folded flat for more convenient storage. It can be bulkier when compared to a two-piece. However many parents like its sleek design.
If you are seeking a simple travel system, you should look for one that has a car seat base that can be easily connected to your vehicle using an LATCH connector that is rigid. 2 in 1 pushchair will ensure a secure and seamless connection, and will also ensure that the seat is set up correctly. Many brands have helpful installation videos on their websites. After 2 in 1 carrycot and pushchair have successfully secured the car to your stroller it will sound a click to signal that it's securely fastened.
The height of the handlebars is another important factor to consider when selecting a car or pram 2 in 1. If you plan on carrying a baby in the car seat for a long time, it's important that the handlebars are high enough to allow you to comfortably reach them. If you intend to travel frequently on public transport pick a stroller with swivel wheels or a one-handed folding mechanism. This will allow you to take buses and trains.
Lastly, check 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 important if you're going to share the car with other parents or using it as a ride-sharing.
Simple to use
A car seat and a stroller make travelling with a baby less stressful especially for parents who are on the move. The stroller can be folded to fit inside the trunk of a vehicle. The car seat snaps on to the frame. It also has an enclosed canopy that can protect the infant from snoozing. It's easy to maneuver and is a great option for families that travel frequently via train, plane, or bus.
Some stroller and car seat combinations have an audible click once connected to the base, making it easier to ensure that the seat is properly positioned. It is essential to carefully go through the directions prior to using the stroller or car seat. This will ensure that the seats are properly installed. Certain brands have useful videos for installation on their websites that could aid.
The majority of car seats and stroller combos require a little assembly prior to use, which includes mounting the base into your vehicle, and then attaching the seat to the frame. Some require patience and time to figure out how to accomplish this so you should go over the instructions before you start. It's a good idea also to practice using the device with a friend.
The combination of car seats and strollers that features a one-step installation without straps earns us the highest score for user-friendliness. This avoids the additional step of tightening and buckling straps, which can be prone to errors. This type of connection is also more secure than straps.
The best car seat and 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 have an swivel-wheel on the front of the unit to help maneuver in narrow aisles and tight corners. These systems are more expensive than standalone strollers and car seats, however they can save you time and effort during busy times.