We have used 2 different baby car seat/pram/push chair combos (like Spev) and have been fairly happy with both. One was Japanese (Combi) and one was Dutch (Quinny/Max Cosi). Both were fairly similar, each consisting of a portable 'capsule' style car seat that strapped into the car via the seat belt and a convertible frame that you can click the car seat into fairly easily to make a pram. Both can also be converted to a push chair with minimal fuss. Both were pretty pricey but we use them/have used them almost every day for the past few years. Both are perfectly acceptable and neither has any major problems.
We have had the Combi brand seat for seven years and it has served us well. In fact, we only bought the other one because my wife backed over the push chair part and broke the wheels. We still use the baby seat part as we have two cars. As for safety, my son survived two car crashes in it without even knowing what was going on. One was a rear-ender on the way home from his baptism and the other was crashing into a parked truck at 50km/h. The car was written off but he wasn't even scratched.
The other brand Quinny/Max Cosi is apparently pretty popular at the mo'. Becks has one and so does my Sister
But apart from looking slightly cooler, I can't tell the difference between the two sets. The set does with a nice carry bag for when it's folded which has been kinda handy but definitely not necessary. The only 'con' I notice is that it doesn't seem quite as strong as the Japanese one, even though some reviews rave about its strength.
If you want to go ahead and buy a similar combo, here are some things to consider + pros and cons.
-They are pretty expensive initially.
-Japanese ones have more after sales support.
-How easy is it to put/take out of the car? Could you do it without waking a baby?
-Most importantly. is it really that light? You may think so, but can your wife pick it up with a baby in it whilst carrying shopping and a nappy bag?
Then there are also...
Full lie flat car seats that may or may not convert into seats for older infants and children. Lie flat is supposed to be better for the baby and we have used one but found it just wasn't as convenient. It proved almost impossible to take the babies out without waking them. They are probably better for very young babies but really you shouldn't be taking a baby out that often under 3 months anyway. None of our children have developed hunch backs or any of the other supposed problems that some reviewers warn of.
Also worth considering...
Lotsa folks seem to be going with push chair/prams with Pneumatic tyres for better off-road performance (???) If you are into hiking and doing lotsa walking then they may be for you. However for a regular walk in the park/shopping etc, 'normal' wheels will probably suffice.
Ombu Himo/Dako Himo/Baby Bjorn etc. For a quick trip to the shops, a short stroll or just carrying the baby around the house these things can be pretty good. Less fuss than farting round with prams sometimes and pretty cheap. The Japanese ones carry the bay either on the back or the side/front are very simple and perhaps a little less safe than Euro style baby packs etc. With you and the baby moving around they could conceivably slip out but, trust me, you would notice. I prefer the Dako himo for carrying my kids as I can still see them. It only leaves me with 1 and 1/2 hands but for a short trip it isn't a problem. It's also helpful when doing chores at home. As for baby packs etc IMHO they are too troublesome. We have a couple but hardly ever use them.
One last thing, don't buy a seat/pram on the net. Go to a store and try one out. Play around with it. Check how easy it is to use. See if it fits in your car etc. As for stores, try 'Nishimatsuya', 'Hello Akachan', Any big shopping centre or Toysrus/Babiesrus (There's one in Tsu and Yokkaichi).
I hope some of that helps.
