Car Seat and Pram 2 in 1
Parenthood is all about changing. Every day, thousands of them all the way from home to car to an appointment, and back.
One of the best ways to streamline your travels is to buy two prams and a capsule in one. They are suitable for babies from birth and can be converted into a stroller after your child is no longer in the car seat.
Easy to transport
Doona is a new design of stroller and car seat combination that can be transformed from a car seat to stroller simply by folding it. It's a matter of seconds to go from the car to the sidewalk and is ideal for city dwellers and those 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 important to choose a car seat/pram 2 in 1 that will fit your lifestyle. Consider 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's also worth taking a look at your child's weight and height to ensure that the combination will work well for them.
The parenting experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test and review hundreds products for children and babies such as strollers, car seats and baby sleep surfaces. Our experts evaluate the items by their design, safety and usability. Our rating system provides scores for each item, a summary score that evaluates the overall score of the entire product against the other items in the category, and an overall rating. The Good Housekeeping Institute is dedicated to giving parents the tools they require to keep their kids safe and content.
For trips on the road with your family, a car seat and stroller 2 in 1 with a high safety rating is necessary. The car seat must be attached securely to the vehicle with the latch system. The stroller base should be connected to it using LATCH connectors that are rigid. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions on installation and detachment prior to each use. You may require an adaptor if you have a stroller and car seat from different brands.
When shopping for a stroller and car combination, remember that only Group 0+ infant seats can be snapped into a stroller. If you want the stroller to fit an older child, opt for one with an infant seat or carrycot. Some car seat/stroller combinations are straightforward, but you can choose models with additional features like a large canopy or cupholders for the parents.
Easy to store
A travel system is a car seat and stroller combo that comes with everything you require for your baby's journey. A stroller that is easy to fold and has ample storage space is the best option. You can also get a stroller with extra features like a parent's 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 frequently take your child to the park.
The top car seat and stroller combos come with sleek compact designs that allow them to be easily maneuvered and put away when not in use. Check the specs of each one to determine how much they weigh as well as how big their storage space is. Idealy, both pieces should fit inside your trunk or in the back of your car. You may want to invest in a stroller travel case to safeguard it during travel.
For instance, the Nuna PIPA infant car seat and base is our best pick for stroller and car seat combos because it's a single unit that doesn't need a car seat adapter to attach to any regular vehicle. The LATCH connectors, which are rigid, included in the base make it to fit into vehicles of different shapes and sizes. It even has built-in drape canopy that can be used to shield your baby from snoring.
The Doona is a different alternative. It's basically an infant car seat with wheels. It can be folded from its base to become a stroller, and it can be folded down to a car-friendly position in seconds. This makes it a more portable option than two-piece car seat and stroller combos, however you'll need to have 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 new baby can be challenging. There are the late-night crying sessions, piles of swamp nappies and the constant realization that you forgot something. One of the most important things for new parents to get right is their pram and car seat combination. They should be simple to install, easy to use, and most of all, stylish.
Some parents opt for two-piece systems, which include the stroller, which also has the carrycot, as well as an additional child car seat. Some parents choose the three-in-one model that has an infant car seat that can be connected to the stroller chassis. The model can be folded flat for easier storage. However, it can be heavier than a traditional two-piece system, however many parents love its sleek design.
If you're looking for a simple system, choose one that has a base that can easily be connected to your vehicle using an LATCH connector that is rigid. This will ensure a secure and smooth connection, and give you peace of mind that the seat is installed correctly. Many brands also have helpful installation videos available on their websites. Once you have successfully connected the car to your stroller it will make a click sound to indicate that it's securely fastened.
Another key feature to consider when choosing a car seat and pram 2 in one is the height of the handlebars. If you're planning to carry an infant in the car seat for a long period it's essential that the handlebars have a height enough to let you comfortably reach them. If you're planning on using public transport frequently, look for a pram with swinging wheels or a single-handed folding mechanism for easy collapse to get off and on buses or trains.
Also, make sure that the car seat and pram 2 in 1 can be used in conjunction with your vehicle's seat belt. This is especially important if your car will be shared with other parents, or if it's used for ride-sharing.
Easy to use
A car seat and stroller set-up makes travelling with a baby less stressful, especially for parents on the go. 2 in 1 pushchairs into a frame for strollers and the stroller folds down to easily fit in the trunk of your car. It also comes with an enclosed canopy that can protect the infant from snoozing. It is easy to move and is a great option for families who travel by plane, bus, or train.
Some stroller and car seat combination models have an audible click when attached to the base, making it easier to ensure that the car seat is securely in place. It is essential to carefully read the instruction manual prior to using the stroller or car seat. This will ensure that the seats are properly installed. Some brands even have helpful installation videos online that can assist you in getting started.
The majority of car seats and stroller combos require a bit of assembly prior to use, which includes installing the base in your vehicle and securing the seat to the frame. It could take a bit of time and effort to learn the proper instructions for certain models. It's recommended to practice with a partner 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 marks for ease of use. This eliminates the extra step to tie straps and buckle them, which can cause mistakes. This kind of connection is more secure than straps.
The best car seat-stroller combos are easy to maneuver, even if there are many children in the stroller. Find models that have rubber tires on the front wheel and are lightweight. Some models feature an swivel wheel at the front to help you navigate around tight corners and narrow aisles. These systems are generally more expensive than standalone strollers and car seats, but they can save you lots of time and effort on busy days.