How To Choose The Best Pushchairs And Car Seats

A pushchair can be a 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 strollers system is a fantastic option for parents of newborns that allow their babies to be moved from the car to the pushchair without disturbing them. Look for models with compatible car seat adaptors to ensure smooth transition.

Hood can be removed

This is the top-ranked babiie stroller and car seat combo, according to our experienced testers. The compact and lightweight design is easy to carry and to store. The clever shade and the adjustable support for the head aid to ensure that baby is safe while on the move. It is also rated for infants rear-facing to 35lbs and has four recline positions. It also comes with a quiet 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 inbuilt level indicator for easy installation.

The Doona Combo earned an overall score of 91 points out of 100. Its highest scores were for its ease of use and comfort. The base and car seat are easy to set up and remove and the latch base is illuminated when it is properly aligned. The stroller comes with two cup holders as well as an ample basket for gear. Its fold-flat handlebar is easy to move and provides multiple riding options for parents.

If your child wears an overcoat that is puffy, the 7AM Enfant Cocoon (shop family-owned/shop Amazon) might be a good option in keeping them warm when sitting in the car seat. This "shower-cap" style cover prevents the snow and wind from blowing over the hands and face of your child in the car. The Cocoon is safe for car seats and can be worn with thin coats so long as there is not too much puff. The Cocoon is not suitable for Uber or taxi rides, 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 or shop on Amazon). The jacket is insulated and includes a hood, and is made from recycled 600-fill-power down. It's extremely warm in cold weather. While it is suitable for use in the car seat when sized appropriately however, you'll need to compress the puff when tightening the harness straps.

The KidCozy II is another option. It's an insulated blanket made of fleece with holes for necks and hands. It works on strollers, infant car seats, and baby carriers (facing in or out) and is suitable for infants to 4 years old.

Removal of mildew and mold

Mold is a fungus which grows on organic materials, typically in damp and dark conditions. The spores can create strong musty odors and can be difficult to eliminate. If the mold isn't eliminated, it will continue to expand and grow. To avoid this it is essential to regularly clean the area. First, remove all loose dirt and debris from the surface. You can do this either by hand or using a vacuum cleaner fitted with an nozzle that is flexible. It is also a good idea to use this time to clean any pockets, compartments, or other small areas of fabric that are not accessible easily.

The next step is to wipe down the entire surface of the pushchair with a clean cloth or using a scrubbing brush. This is best done outside, in a well ventilated area, and wearing a mask to avoid inhaling mould or spores. After cleaning the fabric, you can spray it with a mildew-removal or a diluted solution of white vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and it will not damage the fabric or any other components of your folding pushchair. If you are unable to eliminate the mould, it could be necessary for you to dry the area and scrub it with an air dehumidifier.

Once the fabric is cleaned, it's best to let it dry completely before storing it. Place the fabric in a bright location and spray it with anti-fungal spray. Milton makes a child-friendly version.

If you're having difficulty removing difficult stains and mold and stains, you can use the MARBLELIFE (r) Mold & Mildew Stain Removers. This product is six times more effective than the brands that you purchase in stores that have sat on the shelves for months. This product's just-in-time manufacturing ensures that it is at its maximum effectiveness when you apply it.

Cleaning

A car seat or pushchair can be a challenge to clean, particularly in the event that it has been used for outdoor excursions, and has accumulated food crumbs, mud and other debris. A good start is to remove loose dirt with crevice attachments or use a brush to clear out any nooks and crevices. Spray on Clorox Free and Clean Multi-Surface spray cleaner or similar product, and then apply a soft cloth work the product into any fabric pieces like the seat, basket or the hood.

If you're looking to get rid of any marks or stains, it's worth taking a look at the instructions for cleaning to determine whether they can be machine washed. Otherwise, a bucket of hot soapy water and a gentle baby-friendly detergent will be sufficient, or you could use a damp sponge to remove any marks that are difficult to remove and allow to dry in the sun (which also helps lighten up stains).

If you have an infant foldable stroller with removable fabric parts, such as the hoods or seat supports, make sure to wash them and dry them thoroughly.

The frame or chassis may require a bit more attention than the fabric components. If you spot mould spores appearing on the plastic, you must be quick to stop the spores from spreading around to your child while they sleep. This can be done with water and vinegar which can break down bacteria and can be rinsed off. For difficult-to-access or delicate areas, an old toothbrush can be used to get into intricate spaces and corners.

If you're dealing with stains that are resistant to removal, add a few drops of bicarbonate soda to wash or use a baking soda solution. This will not only neutralise any odours but can also lift stains that the first wash may miss.

Storage

A great pushchair must have ample interior and exterior storage to store all the necessities including snacks, drinks and toys. The main compartment of the pushchair must be large enough to accommodate tablets or laptops. There should also be a smaller compartment for smaller items such as phones, keys or other baby supplies. Some Pushchairs car seats also have a hidden storage under the seat which can be useful for keeping those items out of the way when baby is asleep.

A travel system bundle can be a good option for new parents, as it allows them to purchase a car seat with a stroller all in one go. The best travel systems have adaptors that are compatible, allowing the car seat to be fixed onto the chassis of the stroller. This makes it easy to move a baby who is asleep from the vehicle to the pushchair without disturbing them.

In our tests, we found the most reliable combinations have a straightforward connection process which almost feels like it is a self-installing system. This is a huge plus compared to combinations which require a second stage of strap connection, which could result in mistakes. In reality, those combinations that use straps scored lower in our ease of use ratings.

Some pushchairs come with a footmuff that is perfect for winter. However, it is crucial to check that the chosen footmuff is compatible with a car seat. Also, make sure that it has a hood which will protect baby from the elements.

There are a myriad of accessories for your pushchair like a rain cover and a footmuff. Certain are essential, while others are optional, according to your preferences. A rain cover is an essential accessory to protect baby from the elements when you're out and about. Likewise, an infant foot warmer helps keep babies warm during the cooler months.

New parents also appreciate a basket, changing bag, and cup holder. Choosing the right pram pushchair and accessories will make your life as a new parent or baby easier, so make sure to take the time to research all the options.