How To Choose The Best Pushchairs And Car Seats
A pushchair can be a lifesaver for parents who are busy. There are a myriad of categories of pushchairs to choose from; pushchairs, prams, buggies and travel pushchair systems.
Travel systems are a fantastic option for parents with newborns. They allow them to transfer their sleepy baby from the car to the pushchair without disturbing him. Look for models that have compatible car seat adaptors to ensure a seamless transition.
Hood that can be removed
This is the highest-rated stroller and car seat combination according to our experts who tested it. The versatile system is light and compact pushchair, making it easy to transport and storage. Its smart shade and adjustable head support help baby feel secure while on the move. It is also rated for infants rear-facing up to 35 pounds and comes with four recline positions. It also comes with an unobtrusive canopy to ensure your baby is not disturbed in the car. It is also safe to use in any vehicle, and has a built-in indicator for easy installation.
The Doona Combo earned an overall score of 91 points out of 100. The highest scores were awarded for comfort and ease of use. The base and car seat are easy to set up and take off and the base of the latch is illuminated when properly aligned. The stroller has two cup holders, as well as a spacious basket to store gear. The handlebar folds flat and is easy to maneuver. Parents have multiple options when using the stroller.
If your child wears a puffy winter coat The 7AM Enfant Cocoon (shop family-owned/shop Amazon) could be useful in keeping them warm when riding in the car seat. This "shower-cap" style cover blocks the wind and snow from blowing over the hands and face of your child while in the car. The Cocoon is safe for car seats and can be worn with thin coats, as long as there's not too much puff. The Cocoon is not suitable for Uber or taxi rides, however, as it blocks the seat belt path of the car seat.
A similar option is the Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Hoody (shop family-owned/shop Amazon) for toddlers and infants. This jacket is insulated and constructed of super-warm 600-fill-power recycled down, and has a hood for extra warmth in colder weather. While it is safe for the car seat when it is properly sized, you'll need to compress the puffs when tightening the harness straps.
Another option is the KidCozy II, which is a fleece blanket with comfy neck holes as well as holes to accommodate the hands. It can be used on infant car seats, strollers and baby stroller carriers (facing in or out) and is suitable for infants up to 4 years old.
Mould and mildew Removal
Mold is a fungus that develops on organic matter, mainly in dark and damp environments. It can cause a strong musty odor, and can be very difficult to remove after it has taken grip. If the mold isn't eliminated, it will continue to expand and grow. It is essential to regularly clean the area. First, clean any loose dirt and debris from the surface. This can be done either by hand or using the aid of a vacuum cleaner with a flexible nozzle. This is a good time to clean compartments, pockets and other small areas that are difficult to reach.
Then, clean the entire surface with a clean cloth or a scrub brush. This should be done outside in a well-ventilated space, with a mask on to prevent inhaling mould spores. After cleaning the fabric you can spray it with a mildew remover or a diluted solution of white vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and it will not damage the fabric or any other materials used in your pushchair. If you aren't able to eliminate the mold from the fabric's surface it might be necessary to dry and scrub the area using a dehumidifier.
It is recommended to allow the fabric to dry completely before storing it. This can be done by putting the fabric in a sunny spot or spraying with an anti-fungal spray. Milton do a great child-friendly one.
If you're having trouble getting rid of stains that are difficult to remove or mould, try using MARBLELIFE(r) Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. This product is up to six times more effective than the brands you buy from stores that have been on the shelves for months. The product's manufacturing process is just-in-time, which ensures that it is at its peak effectiveness at the time of application.
Cleaning
A car seat or a pushchair can be quite dirty item to keep clean, especially when it's been used for outdoor trips and has dragged along food crumbs, mud and other debris. To begin, vacuum out the loose dirt using crevice tools or brushes. Alternately, spray on some Clorox Free and Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner, or a similar product and then use a cloth to work it into any fabric parts such as the basket seat, or hood.
Check the care instructions for any stains and marks to see if you can machine wash the marks. If you want to tackle any marks or stains it's best to read the care instructions to determine if they can be machine washed.
Some pushchairs feature fabric parts like the hoods and seat supports which can be completely removed so that you can put them into the washing machine or wash them using hand washing. After they've been cleaned, lay them flat to dry, so that they don't lose their shape and then make sure they're 100% dry before placing them back on your child's play equipment.
The chassis or frame of your pushchair may require some more attention than the fabric parts. If you've noticed mold spores growing on your plastic, you must take action promptly to ensure that the spores don't get to your child during their sleep. A solution of vinegar and water is ideal for this as it can break down the bacteria and can later be washed away. A toothbrush from the past is an excellent tool for getting into difficult to reach or delicate areas.
For stains that don't move Try adding a small amount of bicarbonate of soda into the wash or baking soda to scrub it off. This will not only neutralize any smells, but can also lift stains that aren't visible in the first wash.
Storage
A well-designed pushchair should include plenty of outside and internal storage space for all the essentials such as snacks, drinks and toys. The main compartment of the pushchair should be large enough to accommodate a laptop or tablet. There should also be a smaller compartment for small items like keys, phones or other baby toys. Some pushchairs car seats have hidden storage compartment under the seat that can be useful for keeping those items from view when the baby is asleep.
A travel system bundle is a great option for new parents as it allows you to purchase car seats and strollers together in one purchase. The most effective travel systems come with adaptors that allow the car seat and stroller to be linked to one another. This makes it much easier to transfer a sleeping child from the car to the pushchair.
In our tests, we found that the most effective combinations have a simple connection process that almost installs itself. This is a big plus over combinations that require a strap attachment in the second step, which could lead to errors. In actual fact, the combination with straps scored lower in our ease of use ratings.
Some pushchairs are also equipped with a footmuff which is ideal for winter. It is essential to check that the chosen footmuff is compatible with a car seat. Also, ensure that it comes with a hood that will shield baby from elements.
There are a myriad of pushchair accessories available like a rain cover and a footmuff. Some of these are essential and others may be optional depending on your needs. A rain cover is an essential accessory to shield your baby from the elements when you're out and about, while an infant foot warmer helps keep babies warm during the colder months.
New parents also love a basket, changing bag and cup holders. Choosing the right pram and accessories can make your life with a newborn or baby simpler, so make sure to take the time to research all options.