Choosing a Car Seat Pram
The ideal car seat will be one of the most important choices new parents make. You'll want something that's easy to use and suits your lifestyle.
Car seat/pram combos usually only work for infants (new-born - 1 year) therefore you'll need to purchase a new stroller after that.
Comfort
Car seat prams must be comfortable for both the child and parents to ensure that they are comfortable on the road. This implies plenty of cushioning for the seat and a movable handlebar to ensure a comfortable, secure fit. Some models have shade canopy that's simple to use and has a stow pocket for your baby's comfort. It is also crucial that the pram is easy to use using a single strap attachment and that it easily detaches from the base to save you time and effort.
It is also important that the pram is easy to clean. This is especially important when the fabric is machine washed. A few of our top picks such as the Mountain Buggy Nano have a removable fabric for cleaning. This is a great option for parents who are busy and don't have time fuss with their gear.
Some car seats, such as the Graco 4Ever DLX and the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-one, are relatively easy to install with LATCH. However, they have average crash test scores and aren't the best option for those who want the best safety standards.
Other seats, such as the Clek Keyfit 35 and Clek Liing, offer better than average crash test sensor results, and are easy to install with LATCH. These seats are more expensive than the top-performing seats, but offer the best comfort and quality to offset the higher price.
Another option that has superior crash test results and is easy to install in the stroller and a car is the Doona infant car seat and latch base. It is highly reviewed by Amazon customers, with 90% of them giving it five stars. It is a bit tricky to use the carrier without a base. It involves two steps that involves you clicking in to the carrier and attach it to the bottom. Some parents forget or skip this step.
If you plan to use your car seat most of the time in taxis, choose one that can be attached easily and quickly to its base so that you can easily switch from stroller to car and back in a matter of just a few seconds. The Mountain Buggy Nano is compatible with all of the infant car seat models we tested, and is compatible with Cosco Scenera NEXT. This makes it perfect for Uber.
Flexibility
Car seat prams are a must-have for parents of any age. They offer the advantages of both a stroller and a car seat. They are super adaptable, and the best option for walking or jogging around the town.
The great thing about these combos is that they're able to change from car seat to pram and back again in seconds which means you can quickly get out of the car and onto the street without disturbing your baby. This is an excellent advantage for parents who use ride-hailing services or taxis to travel. You can keep going without having to wake your baby every when you leave or enter the vehicle.
A lot of these car seat prams are facing the parent or the world. This is an excellent option for families who will be spending lots of time outside, particularly when the weather is nice. You can keep an eye on your child, and chat to them or sing to them.
There are a myriad of types of car seat prams to choose from to choose one that's right for your needs. Some are light and easy to push, and others come with extra features such as large sunshades or baskets that are easy to access. Some come with a recliner so that you can allow your child to lay flat in a secure and comfortable way.
If you're looking for something simple and easy to use then take a look at the Doona infant car seat and latch base. It's also the very first travel system that combines the car seat and pram making it easier to navigate the busy roads without having to worry about your child. It also features a click-in/click out mechanism that can be used right out of the box.
Safety
The car seat is one of the best investments you could make for your child as it keeps them safe while traveling. There are many security features to take into consideration when selecting the right car seat.
For example the carrycot that is attached to the chassis of a pram allows your infant to lie flat, which is good for their spine and lung development. It is also important to ensure that your car seat is fitted with a five-point system. It consists of two straps for shoulders and two straps that connect the hips. It is also important to ensure that your car seat is equipped with a front adjuster to help you tighten the harness, and an adjustable recline angle of forty-five degrees to prevent your baby from being suffocated.
Another thing to take into consideration is the weight and height limits of your infant car seat, which can differ based on the brand. Make sure your child is within these guidelines, as well as the specifications of the stroller that you are using with it. If you're buying a travel system, make sure the car seat and stroller connect seamlessly into one another and meet federal motor vehicle standards according to Stanton.
If you're not sure of how to install your car seat, ask a certified child safety technician in a hospital or fire department. They'll be equipped to provide specific instructions and answer any questions you might have.
You'll need to decide if you would like your child's car seat with a top tether, which is a tether linking the seat to the hook on the back seat or trunk of the vehicle. The tether prevents your child's head from whipping forward in the event of a crash, thus making it less likely to suffer head injuries.
When selecting a car seat pram, make sure the car seat and base are snugly joined and that the locking mechanism is easy to operate with just one hand. Also, make sure to lock the pram's chassis before folding it. This will stop you from folding it accidentally while your child is in the seat.
Storage
A car seat can be a convenient way to transport children. You can also keep your baby close so that you can feed and soothe them easily if necessary. These useful items can be expensive and difficult to store. Consider the cost of storage when you're looking at a stroller for your car.
The best method to store a car seat is in a location free of excess humidity and pests. The back of a closet is ideal however if it's not feasible, consider an area within your home that has good ventilation and ample space to move around. Another option is a garage, or a completed attic. Keep your car seat in plastic bags or similar containers when not being used. Also keep it out of places where rodents hide.
If you plan to use your car seat pram as baby carriers, be sure to secure all push chair of the additional accessories that come with it as well. This includes infant inserts, strap padding and any other bases you might have. It is also possible to keep stroller adaptors for the car seat in this same space. This will make it much easier to install the car seat when the time comes.
Check for signs of wear before you stow away your car seat. If you find cracks in the fabric or base or stains or tears in the fabric is the time to replace the seat.
Baby carriers and strollers can offer the same comfort as car seats, but are usually used for older infants. Some of these include frame backpack carriers, hip carriers, mei tais, or slings. If you're planning on using a baby carrier, search for one that gives you the option of reclining to allow your baby to rest in a flat position when they're not sleeping.
A travel system is a stroller and car seat in one and the baby seat snapping into a base which stays in your vehicle. This lets you move your baby from your car to the stroller with little or no fuss and back to your car after an outing.