Car Seat and Pram 2 in 1
Transitions are the norm in parenthood. Every day, thousands of them - from the house to the car to an appointment and back.
One of the best ways to streamline your travels is to purchase an infant capsule and pram in one. These are typically suitable from birth and convert into a stroller once your child outgrows the car seat.
Easy to transport
Doona is a revolutionary new car seat and stroller combo that can be transformed from a car to stroller by simply folding. It takes seconds to go from sidewalk to vehicle, and it's perfect for city dwellers and those who frequent public transportation. It's also smaller than a two-piece travel set making it easier to store and transport on an aircraft.
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 whether you'll need 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 the stroller will be appropriate for them.
The Good Housekeeping Institute parenting pros regularly test and evaluate hundreds of products for babies and young children, such as strollers, carseats, and baby sleep surfaces. Our experts evaluate the items based on their safety, design, functionality and usability. Our rating system incorporates individual ratings, a summarised score that evaluates the overall rating of the entire item to all other items in the rating category and a final rating. The Good Housekeeping Institute is dedicated to providing parents with the tools needed to keep their children safe and content.
A car seat and pram 2 in 1 that have the highest safety rating is crucial for your family's journeys. The car seat should be securely connected to the vehicle by using the latch system and the base of the stroller must be linked to the car seat with rigid LATCH connectors. Before each use, it's a good idea to follow the instructions from the manufacturer regarding installation and removal. If you have a car seat and stroller with different brands, you might require an adaptor to put them together.
When looking for a car and stroller combination, keep in mind that only Group 0+ infant seats can be incorporated into the stroller. If you're looking for a stroller that can accommodate a toddler who is older, be sure to choose one with an adult-sized seat or carrycot. Some combinations of car seats and strollers are simple, but you can choose models with extra features such as a big canopy or cupholders that can be used by parents.
Easy to store
A travel system is a car seat and stroller set that includes everything you need to take your baby on a journey. A stroller that folds easily and has ample storage space is the best choice. You can also get a stroller with extra features, such as a parent's organizer or cup holders. Certain combinations of carseats as well as 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 best car seats and stroller combos have sleek and compact designs that make them easy to maneuver and to store away when not in use. Check the specs of each model to see the weight they are able to carry, and how large their storage space is. Ideally, both pieces should fit in your trunk or back of your car. You may also want to look into purchasing a stroller-friendly travel bag to protect it during travel.
The Nuna PIPA infant base and seat, for instance is our top choice for strollers and car seats combinations. It's a one-piece that can be connected to any vehicle without a car adapter. The rigid LATCH connectors included in the base make it to fit into vehicles of different shapes and sizes. It comes with a built in drape canopy that protects the child who is snoozing.
The Doona is a different alternative. It's basically a car seat for infants with wheels. It can be unfolded from the base into a stroller, and it can be folded down to a car-friendly position within minutes. This makes it more compact than two-piece stroller and car seat combos. However, you'll need an adaptor if the car seat your child is using is not 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 frequent realization that you've failed to pack something. One of the most important items for new parents to be sure of is their pram and car seat combination. They should be easy to install, simple to use and, most important of all, stylish.
Some parents choose two-piece systems that include a stroller with an infant carrycot and a separate child car seat. Some parents choose a three in one model that includes an infant car seat which can be attached to the stroller chassis. The model can be folded flat for easy storage. It can be bulkier when compared to a two-piece. However many parents like its elegant design.
If you are seeking a simple travel system, look for one that has car seat bases that can be connected to your vehicle via a strong LATCH connector. This will ensure a secure and seamless connection, and will also provide you with peace of mind that the seat is installed correctly. Many brands have helpful videos for installation on their websites. After you have successfully secured the stroller to the car, it will sound a click to signal that it's securely fastened.
Another important aspect to take into consideration when selecting a car seat or pram 2 in one is the height of the handlebars. If you intend to transport your child in the car for a long amount of time, you'll require handlebars that are high enough so you can comfortably reach them. If you intend to travel frequently on public transport pick a stroller that has swivel-wheels or a one-handed folding mechanism. This will make it easier for you to take buses and trains.
Finally, ensure that the car seat and pram 2 in 1 can be used with your car's seat belt. This is especially important if you're going to be sharing the car with your parents or are using it for ride-sharing.
Easy to use
A car seat and stroller combo makes life on the go with a baby much simpler, especially for parents who are always moving. The car seat snaps into a stroller frame and the stroller folds up to easily fit into the trunk of your car. It also comes with an enclosed canopy that can protect an infant who is snoozing. It is easy to move and is a great choice for families who travel via plane or bus.
Some car seat and combo strollers have an audible click sound when connected to the base. This helps to ensure that the seat is securely in place. It is important to carefully read the instruction manual prior to using the stroller or car seat. This will ensure that the seats are installed correctly. Some brands have useful videos for installation on their websites that can assist.
The majority of car seats and stroller combos require a little assembly prior to use, such as placing the base in your vehicle and securing the seat to the frame. Some require patience and time to figure out how to accomplish this, so it's best to read the directions before you start. It's also a good idea to practice using the device with a friend.
Car stroller and seat combination that has a one-step attachment with no straps earn our highest marks for their ease of use. This eliminates the extra step of buckling and tightening straps which could lead to errors. 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 most effective car seat-stroller combinations are easy for you to maneuver even when there are lots of children in the stroller. Look for models that have rubber tires on the front wheel and are light. Some models have an swivel-wheel on the front of the unit to help maneuver in narrow aisles and corners. These systems are usually more expensive than strollers that are standalone and car seats, but they can help you save time and effort on hectic days.