How To Choose The Best Pushchairs And Car Seats
A pushchair can be a real lifesaver for parents with a busy schedule. There are a myriad of types of pushchairs available to choose from; prams, pushchairs, buggies and travel systems.
A travel system is an excellent option for parents with newborns that allow them to move sleepy babies from car to pushchair without disrupting them. For a smooth transition search for models with adaptors for car seats that are compatible with the vehicle.
Removable hood
Our expert testers have given this the top rating as the top stroller and car-seat combo. The versatile system is light and compact for easy transportation and storage. The intelligent shade and adjustable support for the head aid to ensure that baby is safe on the move. It's also suitable for infants rear-facing to 35lbs and has four recline positions. It also features a quiet canopy to keep your baby unperturbed in the car. Additionally, this seat is safe to use in any vehicle and it comes with an integrated level indicator to allow for easy installation.
The Doona Combo scored 91 points out of 100. The highest scores were given for ease of use and comfort. The base and car seat are simple to put in and take off and the latch base is illuminated when it is properly aligned. The babiie stroller comes with two cup holders and a large basket for gear. Its handlebar folds flat and is easy to maneuver. Parents have a variety of options when using the stroller.
If your child is wearing a puffy winter coat, the 7AM Enfant Cocoon (shop family-owned/shop Amazon) could be useful to keep them warm while riding in the car seat. This "shower-cap" style cover helps to stop the snow and wind from blowing over the face and hands of your child in the car. The Cocoon is safe for car seats and can be worn under thin coats as long as there is not too much puff. The Cocoon is not recommended for Uber or taxi rides, however, due to its blocking of the seat belt path of the car seat.
Patagonia Hi Loft Down Hoody is an identical option for infants and children (shop family owned or shop on Amazon). This jacket is insulated, comes with a hood and is made from recycled 600-fill-power down. It's extremely warm in cold weather. It is safe to use in a car seat as long as it's properly sized, however you'll need to reduce the puff prior to tightening the harness straps.
The KidCozy II is another option. It's a fleece-based blanket that has holes for the neck and hands. It works on strollers for infants, car seats and baby carriers (facing either way) and is suitable for infants up to 4 years old.
Mould and mildew removal
Mold is a fungus which develops on organic materials, typically in dark and damp environments. It can produce a strong musty smell, and can be a challenge to remove once it has gotten a grip. If the mould isn't eliminated, it will continue to increase in size and spread. It is essential to clean the area regularly. The first step is to clean any loose debris and dirt from the fabric surface. This can be done manually or by using the vacuum cleaner that has a flexible nozzle attachment. It is also recommended to make use of this time to clean pockets, compartments or other small areas of the fabric that are not accessible easily.
The next step is to wipe down the entire surface of the pushchair with a clean cloth, or a scrubbing brush. It is important to do this outside in a well-ventilated space, and preferably while wearing a mask to avoid breathing in 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 folding pushchair. If you cannot remove the mold, it might be necessary for you to dry the area and scrub with the aid of a dehumidifier.
Once the fabric is cleaned, it is best to let it 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 difficulty getting rid of stubborn stains or mould, try MARBLELIFE(r) Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. This product is six times more effective than other brands that you purchase in stores that have been sitting on the shelves for months. The product's manufacturing process is just-in-time, which ensures that it is at its highest effectiveness when you apply it.
Cleaning
A car seat or a pushchair can be a difficult item to clean, particularly in the event that it has been used for outdoor excursions, and has tracked mud, food crumbs, and other sand. To begin, clean off the dirt with a crevice tool or use a brush. Spray on Clorox Free and Clean Multi-Surface spray cleaner or similar products, then apply a soft cloth work the product into any fabric pieces, baby products such as the seat, basket or the hood.
If you're looking to remove any stains or marks that are causing you trouble, take a look at the care instructions to see if they can be machine washed. If not, a bucket of hot soapy water and a gentle baby-friendly detergent will be sufficient, or you can use a sponge to get rid of any marks that are difficult to remove and allow to dry in the sun (which also helps lighten up stains).
If you own an inflatable pushchair that has removable fabric parts, like the hoods or seat supports ensure that you wash and dry them thoroughly.
The frame or chassis may require a bit more focus than the fabric components. If you've noticed mold spores forming on the plastic, it's important to tackle this as soon as possible to ensure that the spores do not get to your child during their sleep. This can be done using the use of vinegar and water which can break down bacteria and can be rinsed off. For Parent facing pram more difficult to reach or difficult areas, an old toothbrush can aid in getting into tight corners and gaps.
If you have stains that are difficult to remove, add a bit of bicarbonate soda to wash or use baking soda to remove the stain. This will not only neutralise any odours but also help lift stains that aren't visible in the first wash.
Stores
A quality pushchair should have plenty of exterior and interior storage to hold all the essentials including snacks, drinks and toys. The main compartment should be big enough to hold a laptop or baby Essentials tablet and there should be a smaller compartment to store small items like keys, phone or other baby items. Some pushchairs have hidden storage under the seat, which is ideal to store items while the baby sleeps.
A travel system bundle can be a great choice for parents who are new, since it lets them purchase a car seat with a stroller in one go. The best travel systems include adaptors that allow the car seat and stroller to be linked to one another. This makes it easier to move a child who is sleeping from the car to the stroller.
In our tests, the best combinations had a straightforward connection that felt as if it was a self-installing. This is a big plus over combinations that require a strap attachment in a second step, which could result in errors. In fact, those combinations with straps scored lower in our ease of use ratings.
Some pushchairs car seats come with a footmuff which is ideal for winter. It is essential to ensure that the footmuff you choose is compatible with your car seat. Also, make sure that it has a hood that will protect baby from the elements.
There are many different accessories for pushchairs, such as rain covers and a footmuff. Some are essential, while others can be a choice according to your requirements. A rain cover will shield your baby from the elements while you're out and out and about. A footmuff will keep them warm during the winter months.
Other pushchair accessories that are popular with new parents include baskets as well as a changing bag and a cup holder. A good pushchair will simplify the life of you and your baby. Make sure you look through all the options.