Editor-Tested 2 in 1 Travel System Pram
The best 2-in-1 travel system prams make it simple to transition your child from car to stroller and back again. Tested by an editor and approved, these sets come with an infant car seat that snaps into a frame for strollers to ensure a smooth ride for your child.
Be aware that these car seats can only be used with rear-facing infant car seats (not extended-use car seats, that are designed to be used in the car). The age and weight limitations vary for each product.
Car Seat
A 2 in 1 travel system pram comes with an infant car seat that snaps into the stroller. It also has the ability to transform into a carrycot, making it a one-stop shop for your baby's initial years. These prams are more expensive than standard strollers. However, helpful hints of transferring your child from the car to the stroller safely and without disrupting them is worth the extra price.
The UPPAbaby car and pram combo provides a modern take on the traditional pram. It is a favorite by parents. The Vista stroller glides smoothly and the Mesa infant car seat is clipped easily into your vehicle using UPPAbaby's Smart Secure LATCH system, which makes it easier than other models to set up. The pram can also be used in carriage mode or as a bassinet. You can also switch the seat's orientation from rear-facing to forward-facing, according to your preference.
The Graco LiteMax combo infant car seat and stroller is another highly rated choice for parents who are just starting out. Like the Doona it can also be converted into a roll-up bassinet or stroller with the option of reclining seats that face your child from the front or back of the stroller, depending on their preferences. It's easy to use and a great option if you plan on buying an additional car seat for older children because it can accommodate two seats.
There are many other options available. Many 2 in 1 travel systems prams come with baby car seats and stroller that can be used from birth, but most of those car seats don't work with all strollers, so it's important to do your research before you buy. It's important to choose a product that is compatible with your vehicle model and is able to be installed securely. Check the Consumer Products Safety Commission's website as well as the manufacturer's guidelines for recalls. You can also contact your insurance company to inquire whether they provide roadside assistance should you need help with an installation or other problem.
Carrycot
A carrycot is an easy-to-transport, small cot that can be affixed to a frame for a pram. It lets babies sleep in comfort while traveling. It's ideal for use from birth until your child can sit up unassisted, usually at around 6 months. A carrycot can also be used as a substitute to a crib or a moses basket. It can also double up as a bed to use when you are away from home. The carrycot of a two in 1 travel system pram is typically large and flat. It helps your baby's natural position for sleep and encourages healthy growth. Some of our carrycots, like the adorable Stargazer are suitable for nighttime sleep and can be easily folded and stored away when not being used.
The majority of 3 in 1 prams combine a pushchair, car seat and a carrycot, so you can select the best mode of transport for each journey. They tend to be heavier than their 2 in 1 counterparts and can be preferred by parents who appreciate the classic look of a pram. These models usually come with the option of removing the pushchair unit so that you can use them as lightweight strollers when your child is old enough to sit upright and face you.
They are typically light and fold flat. This makes them easier to be tucked away in smaller vehicles. They also have a range of features that make them more practical, such as large shopping baskets and rain covers.
When shopping for a 2 in 1 travel system pram and a carrycot, ensure that the product you are contemplating is suitable for your child and that it is in line with the most recent European safety standards. Check, for example, that the carrycot you are purchasing is compliant to the new standard EN1466-2023. This replaces the EN0+:2014+AC:2015, which will be mandatory in June 2024. Look out for carrycot accessories like weather shields and footmuffs. There are also the trays for children and parents.
Stroller
If your baby can sit comfortably in a car-seat for infants and is ready to walk on their own, a stroller might be the best option. Strollers fold easily, are compact and often can be tucked away in the trunk of your car. They have ample storage space to accommodate all your baby's needs and also offer the most comfortable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. Some strollers come with a huge bassinet to allow for napping on the move. The best strollers are equipped with the latest safety features, such as 5-point harnesses. They are an excellent choice for those who are new parents.
Many modern strollers and prams have adaptors that make it possible to connect an automobile capsule into the chassis and allow you to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the pushchair without disturbing them. This is a great feature for parents who are constantly in motion. It lets them do essential errands and not have to disturb their baby. The Doona travel system stroller is a fantastic example of this. It's a lightweight and compact stroller that can transform into a cosy carrycot and car seat for groups 0+ making it the perfect choice for parents traveling.
They are easy to handle and carry a large amount of luggage. They're however heavy to carry and may be difficult to fit into a taxi, or the small trunks of your car, but they are ideal for long walks because of their spaciousness and ease of use.
The latest 3 in 1 prams have more modern and sophisticated design. They come with a frame that folds up like an umbrella, and a removable baby seat or carrycot. These can be used from birth and are generally less bulky than traditional prams. Additionally, the carrycot can also be converted to an infant seat that can face your child and recline when they're ready. Our selection includes the Kinderkraft Juli which is a great value option that includes an infant car seat, carryingcot and pushchair.
Accessories
A pramette is the traditional pram, but it is much smaller in size and is great for travelling on trains that are busy or in the event that your home doesn't have room for the full-size pram. The majority of them convert to pushchairs so that your child can lie flat from birth, and some can be converted into a travel system by the inclusion of a car seat. Some of the brands that stock these include Hauck, Kinderkraft and Venicci.
A 3-in-1 travel system includes a carrycot, a pushchair and car seat for ultimate convenience. Connect the car seat to the frame for your pushchair, and your baby can take a relaxing, peaceful trip from birth. You can then switch to a stroller when your baby is ready and you'll be able to enjoy a modern take on the traditional pram look. The Ickle Bubba Juli Travel System bundle is a perfect example of this. It comes with a Carrycot, Infant car seat and is suitable from birth.