How To Choose The Best Pushchairs And Car Seats

A pushchair is a lifesaver for parents who are always in motion. There are a variety of types of pushchairs car seats available to choose from; buggies, prams and pushchairs and travel systems.

A travel system is a great option for parents with newborns that allow their babies to be moved from their car to their pushchairs without disrupting them. Look for models that have compatible car seat adaptors for smooth transition.

Hood can be removed

This is the top-ranked stroller and car seat combo as per our experts who tested it. This compact and lightweight system is easy to carry and put away. The smart shade and adjustable support for the head aid to ensure that baby is safe while on the move. It's also rated for infants rear-facing to 35 lb and features four recline positions. It also features a quiet canopy that will ensure your baby is not disturbed in the car. In addition, this seat is safe for use in any vehicle and it comes with an inbuilt level indicator for easy installation.

The Doona Combo earned an overall score of 91 out 100. The highest scores were given for comfort and ease of use. The car seat and base are easy to attach and remove, and the base of the latch has a green light when it's properly aligned. The stroller comes with two cup holders, and an ample basket for gear. Its handlebar can be folded flat and is easy to maneuver. Parents have multiple options when riding the stroller.

If your child is wearing a puffy winter coat, the 7AM Enfant Coon (shop family-owned/shop Amazon) might be a good option to keep them warm while riding in the car seat. This "shower-cap" style cover helps to stop the wind and snow blowing over the hands and face of your child in the car. The Cocoon is 100% safe for your car seat and is suitable for use with thin coats, provided that they don't have too much puff. It is not ideal for Uber or taxi rides however, since it blocks the car seat's belt path.

Patagonia Hi Loft Down Hoody is an identical option for infants and children (shop family owned or shop on Amazon). This jacket is insulated and constructed of super-warm 600-fill-power recycled down, and has an hood to provide extra warmth in cold weather. It's 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 option is the KidCozy II, which is a fleece blanket with comfy neck holes as well as holes for the hands. It works on strollers, infant 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 that grows on organic materials, typically in damp and dark conditions. It can produce a strong musty odor, and can be a challenge to get rid of after it has taken grip. If the mould isn't eliminated it will continue to expand and grow. It is crucial to clean the area regularly. The first step is to eliminate any loose dirt and debris from the fabric surface. This can be done manually or using a vacuum cleaner with an adjustable nozzle attachment. It is also an excellent idea to make use of this time to clean pockets, compartments or other tiny areas of the fabric that cannot be reached easily.

Then, wipe the entire surface with a clean cloth or scrub brush. It is essential to perform this outside in a well-ventilated space, and preferably while wearing a mask to avoid breathing in any 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 will not harm the fabric or other materials used in your pushchair travel system. If you are not able to eliminate the mould from the fabric's surface it might be necessary to dry and scrub the area with a dehumidifier.

Once the fabric has been cleaned, it's best to allow it to dry completely before storing it. This can be done by placing the fabric in a sun-lit area or spraying with an anti-fungal spray - Milton is a fantastic, child-friendly one.

If you're having trouble getting rid of stubborn stains or mould, you can try MARBLELIFE(r) Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. It has been proven to be 6-times more effective than store-bought products that have sat on shelves for months before you buy them. Just-in time production ensures the maximum effectiveness of this product when it is used.

Cleaning

A pushchair or car seat can be a messy item to keep clean, especially when it's used for outdoor adventures and has dragged along food crumbs, mud, and other debris. To begin, you must vacuum off the dirt with a crevice tool or brushes. Alternatively, spray on some Clorox Free and Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner, or a similar product, then employ a cloth to work it into any fabric section such as the basket, seat, or hood.

If you're looking to get rid of any marks or stains, it's worth taking an examination of the care instructions to see if they can be machine washed. If not, a bucket of hot soapy water and gentle baby-friendly soap should suffice. You could use a damp sponge to remove any marks that are stubborn and allow to dry in the sun (which also helps lighten up staining).

Some pushchairs have fabric parts like seat supports and hoods that can be removed completely, allowing you to pop them in the washing machine or wash them via hand washing. Once these are cleaned, lay them flat to dry so that they retain their shape. Make sure they're completely dry before placing them back on your child's toy.

The frame or chassis may require a little more attention than the fabric components. If you've observed mould spores forming on the plastic, you must tackle this promptly so that the spores don't spread to your child in their sleep. A solution of vinegar and water is ideal for this because it reduces the bacteria and can later be cleaned away. An old toothbrush is an excellent tool to get into difficult to reach or delicate areas.

If you have stains that are difficult to remove, add a bit of bicarbonate soda to wash or apply baking soda as a solution. This will not only neutralise any odours but also lift any stains a first wash might miss.

Storage

A good pushchair will come with plenty of exterior and interior storage for all the essentials like snacks, drinks and toys. The main compartment of the pushchair should be large enough to fit tablets or laptops. There should also be a smaller side compartment for smaller items such as keys, phones or other baby toys. Some pushchairs have storage compartments hidden under the seat, which is great for storing items when the baby is sleeping.

A travel system bundle could be a good option for parents who are new, since it allows them to purchase a car seat with a stroller all in one go. The most effective travel systems have adaptors that allow the car seat and twin stroller to be connected to one another. This makes it easier to transfer a sleeping child from the vehicle into the stroller.

In our tests, we found that the most effective combinations have a simple connection process that feels like it is a self-installing system. This is an enormous advantage when compared to combinations which require a second stage of strap attachment, which could result in errors. In fact, combinations with straps scored lower in our evaluations of user-friendliness.

Some pushchairs prams pushchairs also come with a footmuff which is ideal for winter. It is crucial to ensure that the footmuff you choose is compatible with your car seat. Also, ensure it comes with a hood that will shield your baby from the weather.

There are many different pushchair accessories available, such as rain covers and a footmuff. Some are essential, whereas others are optional, depending on your needs. A rain cover can protect your baby from the elements while you're out and about. A footmuff will keep them warm during colder months.

New parents also like a basket, a 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 look through all options.