Car Seat and Pram 2 in 1
Transitions are the name of the game in the parenthood. Every day thousands of them make the journey from the home to the car to an appointment, and back to the car.
One of the best ways to streamline your travels is to buy a capsule and pram 2 in 1. They are suitable from the beginning, and can be transformed into a stroller once your child is old enough to use the car seat.
Easy to transport
Doona is a new take on stroller and car seat combination that can be transformed from a car seat into stroller simply by folding it. It takes seconds to go from vehicle to sidewalk and is ideal for those living in cities and who use public transportation frequently. It's also smaller than two-piece travel systems making it easier to store and take 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'll use the stroller, and whether you'll require a basket or tray to store your child's food and drinks. It's also important to consider your baby's height and weight to ensure that the combination will work well for them.
The parenting experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test and evaluate hundreds of products designed for children and babies, including strollers, carseats and infant sleep surfaces. Our experts assess these products by evaluating their safety, design, user-friendliness and function. Our rating system includes individual ratings, a summary score which evaluates the overall rating of the entire product to all other items in the rating category and a final rating. The Good Housekeeping Institute provides parents with the tools needed to keep their children safe and happy.
For road trips with your family, a car seats and stroller 2 in 1 with a high safety rating will be essential. The car seat must be attached securely to the vehicle using the latch system. The stroller base should then be connected to it using LATCH connectors that are strong and rigid. Before every use, it's a great idea to read the instructions from the manufacturer for installation and removal. You may require an adaptor for a car seat and stroller from different brands.
One important thing to remember when you're shopping for the car seat and stroller combination is that only infant car seats convert into strollers. If you're looking for a stroller which can handle an older toddler make sure you choose one with a toddler-sized seat or a carrycot. Some combinations of car seats and strollers are simple however you can select models with extra features such as a big canopy or cupholders for the parents.
Easy to store
A travel system is a complete car seat and stroller that includes everything you require to carry your child. A stroller that folds easily and has plenty of storage space will be the best choice. You can also purchase strollers with additional features such as a parent's organizer or cup holders. Certain stroller and car seats are more expensive than others, however it's worth it if you plan on taking your baby out on the go regularly.
The top car seat and stroller combos come with sleek compact designs that allow them to be easily maneuvered and to store away when not in use. Look over the specifications to determine the weight of each piece and how large the storage space they have. Ideally each piece must be compact enough to fit in the back of your vehicle or a trunk-size trunk. You might want to purchase a stroller travel case to protect it during transit.
For instance the Nuna PIPA infant car base and seat is our best pick for car seat and stroller combination because it's a single unit that doesn't require an adapter for carseats to attach to any standard vehicle. The base comes with rigid LATCH connectors that allow it to be used in vehicles of all shapes and sizes. It even comes with an integrated drape canopy to protect your snoozing baby.
The Doona is another great option. It's basically an infant car seat with wheels. It can be unfolded from its base to become a stroller, and then folded down to return to a car-friendly position in seconds. This makes it a much more portable alternative to two-piece car seats and stroller combos, however you'll need to have an adapter if your child's preferred brand of car seat isn't compatible with the Doona.
Easy to install
The first few weeks following the birth of a new baby can be difficult. There are late-night crying sessions, mountains of swamp nappies and the frequent realization that you've failed to bring something. The combination of the pram and car seat is among the most important choices that new parents make. They should be simple to install and operate, as well as stylish.
Some new parents prefer a dual-piece travel system, which includes an infant stroller with an infant carrycot as well as an additional car seat. Some parents opt for a three in one model that comes with an infant car seat which can be connected to the stroller chassis. The model can be folded flat for more convenient storage. The downside is that it can be bulkier than the traditional two-piece system but many parents like its sleek design.
If you're looking for a simple system, select one with a base that can easily be connected to your vehicle via a rigid LATCH connector. This will ensure a safe and secure connection, and give you peace of mind that the seat is installed correctly. Many brands have instructional videos on installation available on their websites. After you have successfully secured the stroller to your car it will make a click sound to signal that it's securely secured.
The height of the handlebars is another important factor to consider when selecting a car seat/pram 2 in 1. If you are planning to transport your child in the car for a long amount of time, you will require handlebars that are tall enough to allow you to comfortably reach them. If you're planning on using public transport frequently, search for a stroller with swivel wheels or a single-handed folding mechanism that can be folded easily when getting off and on buses or trains.
Finally, ensure that the car seat and pram 2 in 1 can be used in conjunction with your vehicle's seat belt. This is especially crucial if your car is going to be shared with other parents or used for ride-sharing.
Simple to use
A car seat and stroller combination makes the journey with a baby much 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 has an integrated canopy to safeguard babies who are asleep. It's easy to move and is a good choice for families who travel frequently by train, plane or bus.
Some car seat and stroller combos have an audible click once connected to the base which makes it easier to verify that the seat is properly positioned. It is essential to carefully go through the directions prior to using the car seat or stroller. This will ensure that the seats are correctly installed. Certain brands offer useful videos for installation on their websites that can assist.
Most stroller and car seat combos require a bit of assembly prior to use, such as placing the base in your vehicle and securing the seat to the frame. It can take a bit of time and patience to understand the steps for specific models. It's a good idea also to practice using it with a friend.
The combination of the stroller and car seat that is easy to install without straps earns us the highest score for user-friendliness. 2 in 1 infant car seat and stroller eliminates the extra step to buckle and tighten straps which can lead to mistakes. This kind of connection is more secure than straps.
The best car seats and stroller combos are simple to navigate even with a full number of children. Make sure you choose models with rubber tires on the front wheel and are light. Some also feature a swivel front wheel for maneuvering in narrow aisles and tight corners at stores. These systems are more expensive than strollers and car seats, but can help you save time and effort during busy times.