How To Choose The Best Pushchairs And Car Seats
A pushchair can be a lifesaver for parents with a busy schedule. There are a variety of categories of pushchairs to choose from: prams, pushchairs car seats, buggies and travel systems.
Travel systems are a fantastic option for parents with newborns. They allow parents to move their baby from the car to the pushchair without disturbing him. Find models that are compatible with car seat adaptors to ensure a seamless transition.
Hood can be removed
Our test-drivers have classified this as the best stroller and car seat combo. This lightweight and compact system is easy to carry and to store. Its clever shade and adjustable head support make infants feel safe on the go. It's also suitable for infants rear-facing up to 35 lb and features four recline positions. It also features a quiet canopy to keep your baby calm in the car. This seat is also safe to use in any vehicle and comes with an indicator built-in for easy installation.
The Doona Combo scored 91 points out of 100. The highest scores were awarded for comfort and ease of use. The car seat and base are simple to put in and remove and the base of the latch is illuminated when properly aligned. The stroller comes with two cup holders and a large basket to store gear. The handlebar that folds flat is easy to move and provides multiple riding options for parents.
The 7AM Enfant Coon (shop family owned by the family or shop on Amazon) will keep your child warm in the car seat, if they wear a puffy coat. This "shower-cap" style cover blocks the wind and snow from blowing over the face and hands of your child while in the car. The Cocoon is safe for car seats and can be worn with light coats so long as there's not too much puff. The Cocoon isn't suitable for Uber or taxi trips however, because it blocks the belt path of the car seat.
Patagonia Hi Loft Down Hoody is a similar option for infants and children (shop family owned/shop Amazon). The jacket is made of super-warm 600-fill-power recycled down and includes an hood to provide extra warmth in cold weather. It's safe to use in a car seat if it's properly sized, however you'll need to reduce the puff when tightening up the harness straps.
The KidCozy II is another option. It's an insulated blanket made of fleece with holes for necks and hands. It can be used by infants as young as 4 years of age and can be used on infant car seats (facing either way inwards or outwards), strollers and baby carriers.
Removal of mildew and mold
Mold is a fungus which grows on organic material, typically in damp and dark conditions. Mold can give off strong musty odors and can be difficult to get rid of. If the mould isn't removed, it will continue to develop and spread. To prevent this, it is important to keep the area clean. The first step is to remove any loose dirt and debris from the fabric surface. This can be done manually or using an air-tight vacuum cleaner with a flexible nozzle attachment. It is also an excellent idea to make use of this time to clean any pockets, compartments, or other small areas of the fabric that cannot be reached easily.
Then, clean the entire surface with a clean cloth or a scrub brush. This is best done outside, in a well ventilated area and wearing a mask to avoid breathing in mould and 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 which does not harm the fabric or other components in your pushchair, is an excellent alternative. If you are unable to remove the mould, it may be necessary for you to dry the area and scrub it with the aid of a dehumidifier.
It is recommended that you allow the fabric to dry completely before storing it. Place the fabric in a sunny area and spray it with anti-fungal spray. Milton makes a child-friendly version.
If you're having trouble getting rid of stubborn stains or mould, you can try MARBLELIFE(r) Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. This product has been proven to be as much as 6-times more effective than store-bought brands that sit on shelves for months before you purchase them. Just-in-time production ensures maximum effectiveness of this product when it is used.
Cleaning
A pushchair or car seat can be quite dirty item to keep clean, especially when it's been used for outdoor excursions and has been dragged along food crumbs, mud, and other debris. It is a good idea to clean loose dirt using crevice attachments or use a brush to clear out any nooks and crevices. Alternatively, spray on some Clorox Free and Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner, or a similar product, and then use a cloth to rub it into any fabric section like the basket, seat or hood.
If you're looking to remove any marks or stains, it's worth taking a look at the instructions for cleaning to determine whether they can be washed. Otherwise, a bucket of hot soapy water and a gentle baby-friendly detergent will suffice. You could use a damp sponge to get rid of any marks that are stubborn and leave to dry in the sun (which will also help lighten the stains).
Some pushchairs pushchairs feature fabric sections like the hoods and seat supports that can be fully removed, allowing you to pop them into the washing machine or wash them with a hand wash. Once these are cleaned, lie them flat to dry, so that they don't lose their shape. Make sure they're completely dry before you put them back on your child's toy.
The chassis or frame may require a bit more attention than the fabric parts. If you've noticed mold spores growing on your plastic, it's important to take action promptly so that the spores don't spread to your child in their sleep. This can be done using the use of vinegar and water, which breaks down bacteria and can be washed off. For more difficult to reach or difficult areas, a toothbrush can help get into tight gaps and corners.
If you're dealing with stains that are difficult to remove, add a bit of bicarbonate soda to your wash or make use of baking soda to remove the stain. This will not only neutralise the smell, but also lift stains a first wash might have missed.
Storage
A quality pushchair must have ample exterior and interior storage to store all the necessities like snacks, drinks, and toys. The main compartment should be large enough to accommodate tablets or laptops and there should be an extra smaller storage compartment on the side for small items such as phones, keys or other baby items. Some pushchairs prams have storage compartments hidden under the seat, which is ideal for storing items when the baby is asleep.
A travel system bundle is an excellent option for new parents as it allows you to buy car seats and strollers together in one purchase. The best travel system prams systems will include compatible adaptors which enable the car seat to be welded to the frame of the stroller-this allows you to easily transfer a baby who is asleep from the car to the pushchair without causing any disturbance to them.
In our tests, we found the most effective combinations come with a simple process of connection which almost feels like it installs itself. This is a huge advantage over combinations that require a strap attachment in a subsequent step, which could lead to mistakes. In reality, those combinations with straps scored lower in our ratings for ease of use.
Some pushchairs also come with a footmuff which is ideal for winter. However, it is important to make sure that the footmuff is compatible with a car seat. Also, make sure that it comes with a hood that will shield baby from elements.
There are many different accessories for your pushchair like rain cover and footmuff. Some of these are essential and others are optional depending on your needs. A rain cover will protect your baby from the weather while you're out and about. A footmuff will keep them warm during the winter months.
New parents also like baskets, changing bags, and cup holders. The right pram double will simplify life for you and Pushchair Pram your baby. Make sure you look through all the options.