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 variety of categories of pushchairs to choose from: prams, pushchairs, buggies and travel systems.

A travel system is a great option for parents with newborns, allowing them to move sleepy babies from their car to their pushchairs without having to worry about them. For a smooth transition search for models with adaptors for car seats that are compatible with the vehicle.

Removable hood

Our test-drivers have given this the top rating as the best stroller and car seat combo. This versatile system is lightweight and compact for easy transport and storage. The intelligent shade and a movable support for the head aid to keep baby safe on the move. It can also be used for infants who are rear-facing and weigh up to 35 pounds. It features four recline positions. It also features a quiet canopy design to keep baby undisturbed in the vehicle. The seat is safe to use in any vehicle and comes with an integrated indicator that makes it easy for installation.

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

The 7AM Enfant Coon (shop family owned/shop Amazon) can keep your child warm in the car seat, if they are wearing a puffy coat. This "shower cap" style cover helps to prevent the wind and snow from blowing on your child's face and hands in the car. The Cocoon is 100% car seat safe and is suitable for use with thin coats, provided that they aren't too puffy. The Cocoon is not suitable for taxi/Uber trips, however, due to its blocking of the path for belts to the car seat.

Another option is the Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Hoodie (shop family-owned/shop Amazon) for infants and toddlers. This jacket is insulated and made of super-warm 600-fill-power recycled down, and has a hood for extra warmth in colder weather. It's safe to use in a car seat as long as it's correctly sized, but you'll need to reduce the puff when tightening up the harness straps.

The KidCozy II is another option. It is a fleece-based blanket that has holes for necks and hands. It works on strollers, infant car seats, and baby carriers (facing either way) and is suitable for infants up to 4 years old.

Removal of mildew and mould

Mold is a fungus that grows on organic material, typically in dark and damp environments. Mold can give off strong musty odors and can be difficult to get rid of. If the mould isn't eliminated, it will continue to grow and spread. It is crucial to keep the area clean. The first step is to remove any loose dirt and debris from the fabric surface. This can be done by hand or using a vacuum cleaner with an adjustable nozzle attachment. It is also recommended to make use of this time to clean 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 using an unclean cloth or scrubber. It is essential to do this outdoors in a well-ventilated area, and preferably while wearing a mask to avoid breathing in mould spores. Once the surface of the fabric has been cleaned then it can be sprayed with either mildew removal products or a dilute white vinegar solution. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and it will not damage the fabric or any other materials used in your pushchair. If you aren't able to eliminate the mould from the fabric's surface it is possible to dry and scrub the area with a dehumidifier.

It is recommended that you allow the fabric to completely dry before storing. Place the fabric in a bright area and spray it with anti-fungal spray. Milton makes a child-friendly version.

If you have trouble removing stubborn stains and mould, make use of MARBLELIFE (r) Mold & Mildew Stain Removers. This product has been proven to be six times more effective than store-bought brands that sit on shelves for months before you buy them. The product's manufacturing process is just-in-time, which ensures that it is at its maximum effectiveness when you apply it.

Cleaning

A car seat or a folding pushchair can be a messy item to clean, particularly when it's been used for outdoor trips and has been dragged along mud, food crumbs and other sand. A good start is to vacuum away loose dirt using a crevice attachment or simply use a brush to smooth out any nooks and crevices. Alternatively, spray on some Clorox Free and Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner or a similar product, and then employ a cloth to work it into any fabric sections such as the basket, seat or hood.

If you want to tackle any stains or marks that are causing you trouble, take a look at the care instructions to determine whether they can be machine washed. If not, a bucket of hot soapy water and gentle baby-friendly soap should be fine, or you could use a moist sponge to get rid of any stubborn marks and then let them dry in the sun (which can also help lighten the stains).

If you own an inflatable pushchair that has removable fabric parts, like seats or hoods ensure that you clean and dry them thoroughly.

The frame or chassis may require a bit more attention than the fabric components. If you spot mold spores on the plastic, it is important to act quickly to prevent the spores from spreading to your child during their sleep. A solution of vinegar and water is ideal for this because it can break down the bacteria and can later be cleaned away. For difficult-to-access or delicate areas, an old toothbrush can help get into intricate gaps and corners.

For stains that don't be able to go away Try adding a small amount of bicarbonate of soda to the wash or using a baking soda solution to wash it off. This will not only neutralise any odours but can also lift stains that aren't visible in the first wash.

Storage

A good pushchair will come with plenty of exterior and interior storage for all the necessities like drinks, snacks and toys. The main compartment of the pushchair should be large enough to accommodate tablets or laptops. There should also be a smaller compartment to store small items like phones, keys, or other baby items. Some pushchairs car seats come with hidden storage underneath the seat, which is ideal to store things when the baby is sleeping.

A travel system bundle could be a fantastic option for parents who are new, since it lets them purchase a car seat along with a stroller all in one go. The most effective travel systems come with adaptors that allow the car seat and stroller to be linked to one another. This makes it much easier to move a child who is sleeping from the vehicle into the stroller.

In our tests, the top combinations had a straightforward connection that felt as if it was a self-installing. This is a major advantage over combinations that require a strap attachment in a second step, which could result in errors. In fact, those combinations that use straps were rated lower in our ratings for ease of use.

Some pushchairs come with an accessory for feet that is ideal for winter. It is crucial to ensure that the footmuff you select is compatible with your pushchair car seat. Also, make sure that it comes with a hood that will shield your baby from the elements.

There are numerous accessories for pushchairs, including rain covers and a footmuff. Some are essential, whereas others can be a choice according to your preferences. A rain cover is a must-have accessory to shield your infant from the elements when you are out and about. Likewise, an infant foot warmer helps keep babies warm during cooler months.

New parents also appreciate a basket, changing bag, and cup holders. Choosing the right pram and car seat and accessories can make your life as a new parent or baby much simpler, so make sure to take the time to explore all the options.