Why We Love Pushchairs Car Seats (And You Should Also!)

How To Choose The Best Pushchairs And Car Seats

A pushchair is an essential item for parents who are always on the go. There are a myriad of types of pushchairs to pick from, including prams, pushchairs, buggies and travel systems.

Travel systems are a fantastic choice for parents of newborns. They allow parents to transfer their sleepy baby from the car to the pushchair without disturbing him. Look for models with compatible car seat adaptors to allow for an effortless transition.

Hood can be removed

Our experts have classified this as the top stroller and car-seat combo. This lightweight and compact system is easy to transport and store. Its intelligent shade and adjustable head support help infants feel safe when they travel. It's also suitable for infants rear-facing to 35 pounds and comes with four recline positions. It also has an unobtrusive canopy to ensure your baby is not disturbed in the car. It is also safe to use in any vehicle and comes with a built-in indicator for easy installation.

The Doona Combo scored 91 points out of 100. The highest scores were scored for its ease of use and comfort. The car seat and base are easy to put together and remove and the base of the latch has a green light when it's properly aligned. The stroller has two cup holders, as well as a spacious basket to store gear. Its handlebar folds flat and is easy to move. Parents have multiple options when riding the stroller.

The 7AM Enfant Coon (shop family owned by or shop at Amazon) can keep your child warm in the car seat, if they are wearing a puffy coat. This "shower-cap" style cover prevents 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 with light coats as long as there is not 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.

A similar alternative is the Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Hoodie (shop family-owned/shop Amazon) for infants and toddlers. The jacket is insulated and includes a hood, and is made of recycled 600-fill-power down. It's super-warm in cold weather. While it's suitable for use in the car seat when it is properly sized it is necessary to compress all the puff before tightening the harness straps.

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

Removal of mildew and mold

Mold is a fungus which grows on organic materials, typically in damp and dark conditions. It can create a sour, musty smell, and can be very difficult to get rid of after it has taken hold. If the mold isn't eradicated, it will continue to expand and grow. It is essential to keep the area clean. The first step is to eliminate any dirt and debris that has accumulated from the fabric surface. This can be done manually or with the vacuum cleaner that has an adaptable nozzle attachment. It is also an excellent idea to use this time to clean any pockets, compartments or other small areas of fabric that cannot be reached easily.

The next step is to wipe down the entire surface of the pushchair with an unclean cloth or a scrubbing brush. This is best done outside, in a well ventilated area and wearing a mask to avoid inhaling mould and spores. After the surface of the fabric is cleaned then it can be sprayed with a mildew remover or a diluted white vinegar solution. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and it won't harm the fabric or any other materials that make up your pushchair. If you aren't able to remove the mould from the surface of the fabric it might be necessary to dry and scrub the area with a dehumidifier.

It is recommended to allow the fabric to completely dry prior to storing. Place the fabric in a sunny 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 using MARBLELIFE(r) Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. This product is up to six times more effective than brands that you purchase in stores that have been on the shelves for months. Just-in time production ensures the maximum effectiveness of this product when it is applied.

Cleaning

A car seat or pushchair can be a challenge to clean, especially in the event that it has been used on outdoor excursions and has tracked mud, food crumbs, and other debris. The best way to start is to vacuum away loose dirt using crevice attachments, or use a brush to clear out any nooks and crevices. Alternatively, spray on some Clorox Free and Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner, or a similar product and then use a cloth to rub it into any fabric parts like the basket, seat, or hood.

Review the care instructions for any marks or stains to see if you can machine wash the marks. Otherwise, a bucket filled with hot soapy water and gentle baby-friendly detergent should be sufficient, or you can use a sponge to remove any stubborn marks and then leave to dry in the sun (which also helps lighten up stains).

Some pushchairs travel systems come with fabric parts like seats and hoods that can be fully removed, allowing you to pop them in the washing machine or wash them with hand washing. Once these are cleaned, lay them flat to dry them so that they retain their shape. Then, make sure that they're dry before placing them back on your childcare accessory.

The chassis or frame of your pushchair might require a little more attention than the parts made of fabric. If you spot mould spores appearing on the plastic, it is important to be quick to stop the spores from spreading around to your child as they sleep. A solution of vinegar and water is ideal for this as it reduces the bacteria and can later be cleaned away. For difficult-to-access or delicate areas, an old toothbrush can aid in getting into tight corners and gaps.

If you're struggling with stains that seem resistant to removal, add a few drops of bicarbonate soda to wash or apply baking soda to remove the stain. This will not only neutralize odours, but also help lift stains a first wash might have missed.

Storage

A quality pushchair will come with plenty of exterior and interior storage for all the necessities such as snacks, drinks and toys. The main compartment of the pushchair should be large enough to accommodate tablets or laptops. There should also be a smaller compartment for smaller items such as keys, phones or other baby supplies. Some pushchairs come with hidden storage underneath the seat, which is perfect to store things when the baby sleeps.

A travel system bundle is an excellent option for new parents as it allows you to purchase the stroller and car seat together in one purchase. The most effective travel systems come with adaptors that allow the car seat and stroller to be connected to each other. This makes it much easier to transfer a sleeping child from the car to the pushchair newborn.

In our tests, the top combinations had a simple connection that almost felt like it was a self-installing. This is a major advantage over combinations that require strap attachment in the second step, which can lead mistakes. In reality, those combination with straps were rated lower in our ease of use ratings.

Some pushchairs come with a footmuff that is perfect for winter. It is essential to ensure that the footmuff is compatible with a car seat. Also, make sure it has a hood that will protect your child from weather.

There are a myriad of accessories for pushchairs like rain cover and footmuff. Certain are essential, while others can be a choice according to your requirements. A rain cover is an essential accessory to protect baby from the elements when you're out and about, while the footmuff can help keep babies warm during the colder winter months.

New parents also like baskets, changing bags, and cup holder. Choosing the right pram and accessories can make your life with a newborn or baby much easier, so be sure to research all options.