Editor-Tested 2 in 1 Travel System Pram
The most effective 2 in 1, travel system prams let you easily switch your baby between cars and strollers. These sets have been evaluated by editors and approved. They come with an infant seat that snaps onto the stroller frame that matches for smooth and comfortable ride.
Please note that these car seats are only compatible with rear-facing infant car seats (not extended-use car seating which is designed to stay in the vehicle). Age and weight limits vary depending on the model.
Car Seat
A 2 in 1, travel system pram includes a car seat which can be clicked into the stroller. It can also be transformed into an infant carrycot. This makes it a one stop shop for your baby's initial years. These prams are more expensive than standard strollers, but the ease of transferring your child from the car to the stroller in a safe manner and without disrupting them makes it worth the extra price.
The UPPAbaby car and pram combo offers a modern twist on the traditional pram. It is a favourite among parents. The Vista stroller glides smoothly, and the Mesa infant car seat clip effortlessly into your car using UPPAbaby's Smart Secure LATCH system, which makes it simpler than other models to install. Additionally, the stroller can be used as a bassinet, or in carriage mode and you can change the orientation of the seat to forward-facing or rear-facing based on your preference.
The Graco LiteMax infant car seat and stroller combo is another highly-rated product that is ideal for parents who are new. Similar to 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, based on their preference. It's easy to use and an excellent option if you are planning to purchase an additional car seat for older siblings because it can fit two seats.
There are alternatives available. Many 2 in 1 travel systems include a stroller and a car seat that can be used right from the moment of birth. However, stroller 2 in 1 car seat of these car seats are not compatible with all strollers. The important thing is to get a quality product that can work with your specific car model and that is safe to be installed. Go to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website and manufacturer's guidelines for recalls. You can also call your insurance company to inquire if they offer roadside assistance if you need help in a installation or any other problem.
Carrycot
A carrycot is a compact portable cot that is attached to a pram frame and allows babies to sleep comfortably when traveling. It's ideal from birth until the time your baby can sit up unaided, typically at around 6 months. A carrycot can be used as an alternative to a crib or moses basket. It can also be used as a travel bed when you're away from home. The carrycot in the 2 in 1 pram for travel typically has a large flat base that is designed to help your baby's natural sleeping position, which promotes healthy growth and development. 2 in 1 stroller and car seat of our carrycots, like the doofy Stargazer are also suitable for sleep at night and can be easily folded and stored when not in use.
Most 3 in 1, combination prams combine the pushchair with an infant car seat or carrycot, which means you can pick the best method of transport for your trip. They tend to be heavier than their 2 in 1 counterparts, and could be preferred by parents who like the traditional look of prams. Many of these models also offer the ability to remove the seat unit for the pushchair which allows you to make it a lighter stroller after your baby is old enough to sit up and face you.
2 in 1 travel system prams with a carrycot usually feature a lightweight chassis that folds flat, so they're more compact and can easily fit into smaller cars. They also come with a range of features that make them more convenient including large shopping baskets, as well as rain covers.
Check that the 2 in 1 travel system and the carrycot you are thinking of is safe and conforms to the most recent European safety standard. Check, for example, that the carrycot is in compliance with the new EN1466:2023 standard. This replaces the EN0+:2014+AC:2015, which will be obligatory in June 2024. Also, look out for accessories such as footmuffs, weather shields, and tray for the child and parent to help your little one feel comfortable and secure when they're sleeping in their cot.
Stroller
If your child can sit comfortably in a car-seat for infants and is able to walk on their own, a stroller could be the best option. Strollers are easy to fold, are compact and often fit in the boot of your car. They're big enough to hold all of your baby's essentials and provide a comfortable ride, even on rough terrain. Some strollers feature a large bassinet to allow for napping on the move. The top strollers come with modern safety features like 5-point harnesses, making them the ideal option for any new parent.
Modern prams and strollers come with adaptors which allow you to attach a car capsule to the chassis. This allows you to transfer your sleeping baby without disturbing them. This is a great feature, particularly for parents who are always in motion. It allows them to do essential errands and not needing to disturb their child. The Doona travel system stroller is a great example of this. It's a lightweight and compact stroller that can be transformed into a comfortable carrycot and car seat group 0+ which makes it the ideal option for parents who are always traveling.
Real prams are the silvercross-sprung items that Mary Poppins used to take on her travels and are a great choice for walking around town or traveling abroad, as they're easy to manage and can carry a large amount of baggage. They are heavy and difficult to transport and they aren't easy to fit into a trunk of a car or taxi. However, their ease of use and spaciousness make them ideal for long walks.
The latest 3 in 1 prams come with a more modern and sophisticated design. They come with frames that fold up like an umbrella, and also a convertible baby seat or carrycot that can be removed. These are able to be used from birth and are generally smaller than traditional prams. Additionally, the carrycot can also be transformed into an infant seat that can face your child's back and recline when they're ready. Our collection includes the Kinderkraft Juli which is a great value option that comes with an infant car seat, carryingcot and pushchair.
Accessories
A pramette is the traditional pram, but it is much smaller in size and is ideal for travel on trains that are busy or if your house doesn't have enough space for an entire pram. Many of them convert into pushchairs, so that your baby can sleep flat from birth, and some also convert into a travel system by the addition of a car seat. Some of the brands that stock these include Hauck, Kinderkraft and Venicci.
A 3-in-1 travel set includes a pushchair, carrycot and car seat. This is the most convenient way to travel. Simply snap the car seat onto the pushchair frame, and your baby will be able to enjoy comfortable, peaceful excursions out of the house from the moment of birth. When your baby is old enough, you can turn the pram to a stroller and have an updated take on the classic look. The Ickle Bubba Juli Travel System bundle is a perfect illustration of this. It comes with a Carrycot, Infant car seat and is suitable for babies up to age 1.