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 categories of pushchairs to choose from; buggies, prams and Pushchairs Car Seats and travel systems.

Travel systems are a fantastic option for parents with newborns. They let parents transfer their sleeping baby from the car to the pushchair without causing any disturbance to him. For a smooth transition look for models that have compatible car seat adaptors.

Removable hood

Our expert testers have rated this as the best stroller and car seat combo. This versatile system is lightweight and compact for easy transport and storage. Its intelligent shade and adjustable head support help babies feel safe when they travel. It is also rated for infants rear-facing to 35lbs and has four recline positions. It also comes with an unobtrusive canopy to ensure your baby is not disturbed in the car. In addition, this seat is safe to use in any vehicle and it has an integrated level indicator to allow to make it easy to install.

The Doona Combo scored 91 points out of 100. The highest scores were given for ease of use and comfort. The car seat and base are easy to install and remove and the base of the latch is illuminated when properly aligned. The stroller comes with two cup holders and a spacious basket for gear. The handlebar folds flat and is easy to move and offers multiple riding options for parents.

The 7AM Enfant Coon (shop family owned by the family or shop on Amazon) can keep your child warm in the car seat, if they wear a puffy coat. This "shower cap" style cover can help stop the wind and snow from blowing across your child's hands and face in the car. The Cocoon is 100% safe for car seats and is suitable for use with thin coats, provided that they don't have too much puff. The Cocoon is not recommended for Uber or taxi trips however, due to its blocking of the belt path of the car seat.

Another option is the Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Hoody (shop family-owned/shop Amazon) for infants and toddlers. This insulated jacket is made of super-warm 600-fill power recycled down and includes an hood to provide extra warmth in colder weather. It is safe to use in a car seat provided it's properly sized, however you will need to compress the puff when tightening up the harness straps.

Another alternative is the KidCozy II, which is a fleece blanket with comfortable neck holes as well as holes to accommodate the hands. It can be used by infants as young as 4 years of age and can be used on infant car seats (facing inward or outward), strollers and baby carriers.

Removal of mildew and mold

Mold is a fungus that grows on organic matter, usually in dark and damp environments. Mold can produce strong musty odors and be difficult to remove. If the mould isn't removed it will continue to expand and grow. To prevent this it is vital to regularly clean the area. First, clean all loose dirt and Triple pushchair debris from the surface. This can be done manually or using a vacuum cleaner with a flexible nozzle attachment. This is a great opportunity to clean compartments, pockets and other small spaces that are difficult to reach.

Then, clean the entire surface with a clean cloth or scrub brush. This should be done outside in a well-ventilated space, with a mask on to avoid 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 won't harm the fabric or any other materials used in your pushchair. If you are unable to remove the mold from the surface of the fabric it might be necessary to dry and scrub the area with the aid of a dehumidifier.

After the fabric has been cleaned, it's a good idea to allow it to dry completely before placing it in storage. Place the fabric in a bright area and spray it with anti-fungal spray. Milton makes a child-friendly version.

If you are having trouble getting rid of stains that are difficult to remove or mould, try MARBLELIFE(r) Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. This product has been proven to be as much as 6 times more effective than the store-bought brands that sit on shelves for months before you buy them. Just-in-time production ensures maximum effectiveness of this product at the time it is used.

Cleaning

A car seat or pushchair can be quite dirty item to clean, particularly when it's used for outdoor adventures and has been dragged along food crumbs, mud, and other debris. A good start is to remove dirt that has accumulated with crevice attachments, or employ a brush to clean out any nooks and crannies. Spray on Clorox Free and Clean Multi-Surface spray cleaners or similar product, and then employ a soft cloth to apply the product to any fabric parts, such as the seat, basket or the hood.

If you're looking to remove any stains or marks that are causing you trouble, take an examination of the instructions for cleaning to determine if they can be machine washed. If you want to tackle any marks or stains, it's best to read the care instructions to see whether they can be washed.

Some pushchairs have fabric parts like the hoods and seat supports that can be removed completely so that you can put them into the washing machine or wash them with hand washing. After they've been cleaned, lie them flat to dry, so that they retain their shape and then make sure they're completely dry before you put them back onto your child's toy.

The chassis or frame of your pushchair may require some more attention than the parts made of fabric. If you've observed mould spores forming on the plastic, it's crucial to tackle this promptly to ensure that the spores don't be passed on to your child in their sleep. A solution of vinegar and water is the ideal solution as it reduces the bacteria and can then be washed away. For difficult-to-access or delicate areas, a toothbrush can aid 3 in 1 pram getting into the tight spaces and corners.

If you're struggling with stains that seem stubborn, add a little bicarbonate of soda to your wash or use a baking soda solution. This will not only neutralise the smell, but also lift stains a first wash might have missed.

Stores

A good pushchair should have plenty of exterior and interior storage to hold all the essentials, such as snacks, drinks and toys. The main compartment of the pushchair should be large enough to fit a tablet or laptop. There should also be a smaller compartment for smaller items such as keys, phones or other baby items. Some pushchairs have storage compartments hidden under the seat, which is perfect to store items while the baby sleeps.

A travel system bundle can be a good option for parents who are new, since it lets them purchase a car seat along with a stroller all in one purchase. The most effective travel systems have adaptors that allow the car seat and stroller to be attached to one another. This makes it much easier to transfer a sleeping child from the car to the stroller.

In our tests, the best combinations had a straightforward connection that almost felt like it installed itself. This is a huge advantage over combinations that require a strap attachment in the second step, which can lead errors. In reality, those combinations that use straps scored lower in our ease of use ratings.

Some pushchairs come with an air-tight footmuff that is ideal for winter. However, it is crucial to make sure that the footmuff is compatible with a car seat. Also, ensure that it comes with a hood that will protect your child from the elements.

There are a myriad of accessories for your pushchair, such as a rain cover and a footmuff. Some of them are essential and others may be optional depending on your needs. A rain cover will shield your baby from the elements while you're out and about. A footmuff is a great way to keep them warm during the colder months.

Other accessories for pushchairs that are popular among new parents are baskets as well as a changing bag and the cup holder. A good pushchair will simplify life for you and your baby. Make sure you explore all the options.