The Worst Advice We've Been Given About Car Seat Pram
The Worst Advice We've Been Given About Car Seat Pram
Blog Article
Choosing a Car Seat Pram
Selecting the best car seat pram is one of the most important decisions new parents will make. You'll want something that's easy to use and compatible with your lifestyle.
Car seat/pram combos generally only be used for infants (new-born 1-year old) so you'll have to purchase a new stroller later on.
Comfort
Both the baby and the parent must feel comfortable in the car seat pram. This means plenty of seat padding and a handlebar that can be adjusted to allow for a snug fit that is secure. Some models also have a stylish shade canopy as well as pockets to keep your newborn cozy. The pram should be easy to use, with straps that can be secured with one hand and easily removed from the base.
It is also crucial that the pram is easy to clean. This is especially important when the fabric is machine washable. Our top picks, including the Mountain Buggy Nano, feature seats that can be removed to clean. This is a great option for parents who are busy and don't have time worry about their equipment.
Certain car seats, such as the Graco 4Ever DLX and the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-one are fairly simple to install with LATCH. However, they have average crash test scores and aren't the best options for those looking for the highest safety standards.
Other seats, like the Clek Liing and Chicco Keyfit 35, have higher than average crash test sensor scores and are easy to install with LATCH. These seats are more expensive than top-performing seats but they provide the best comfort and quality to compensate for the higher cost.
The Doona infant seat and latch base is a different option that offers superior crash test results, and is easy to use in both a stroller and a car. It is highly rated by Amazon customers, with over 90% of them giving it five stars. It's a little difficult to use the carrier without the base. It requires two steps, where you click in the carrier, and then attach it to the bottom. Some parents overlook or miss this step.
If you intend to use your car seat mostly in taxis, select a model with a base that you can easily and quickly attach to the car seat. This will allow you to move from stroller to car in seconds. The Mountain Buggy Nano is compatible with all the infant car seat models we tested, and is compatible with Cosco Scenera NEXT. This makes it ideal for Uber.
Flexibility
A car seat pram is essential for every parent. They're designed to bring together all the advantages of a stroller along with the safety and convenience of a car seat. They're very versatile, and the best option for jogging, walking, or running around the city.
These combinations can be transformed from a car seat to a pram in just a few seconds and allow you to quickly exit the car without disturbing your child. This is a great benefit for parents who utilize taxis or ride-hailing services to travel. You can keep going without having to wake your baby every time you enter or exit the vehicle.
Another great feature is that many of these car seat prams can be configured to be used either a parent facing or world facing position. This is a great choice for families who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially when the weather is nice. You can watch your baby and also chat to them or sing to them.
There are a variety of car seat prams, so you can choose the one that is best suited to your needs. Some are extremely light, making them easy to push. Others come with extra features like large sunshades and easy-to-access storage baskets. Some have a reclining chair so that you can get your child to lie flat in a secure and comfortable way.
If you're looking for something super simple and user-friendly, then look into the Doona infant car seat and latch base. It's also the first travel system to combine car seats and a pram which makes it easier to navigate the busy roads without worrying about your child. Additionally, it comes with an extremely secure click-in/click-out system that is ready to go right out of the box.
Safety
Car seats are one of the most important investments you will make for your baby as they keep them safe while travelling. There are many safety features to consider when selecting a car seat pram.
A carrycot that is attached to the chassis of a pram allows your baby to lay flat. This is good for the spine and lung development. You will also need to make sure that the car seat comes with a five-point harness system that is comprised of two straps that are secured to the shoulders and two straps that cross over the hips. Check that your car seat is equipped with a front adjustment that can tighten the harness, as well as a maximum recline of 45 degrees to avoid death by suffocation.
Brands will have different height and weight restrictions for their infant car seats. Make sure your child meets these specifications and also those of the stroller. If you're purchasing a travel system, make sure the car seat and stroller click into each other seamlessly and meet the federal standards for motor vehicles, recommends Stanton.
Consult a certified child safety technician at your local fire station or hospital if you are unsure how to set up your car seat. They will provide you with precise instructions and answer any questions that you may have.
You'll also have to decide whether you'd like your infant's car seat to include the top tether strap which is a tether which connects from the seat to an attached hook in the vehicle's back seat or trunk. The tether will stop your child's head from whipping forward during the event of a crash. This decreases the chance of sustaining head injuries.
When you are choosing a car seat pram ensure that the car seat and base fit together comfortably and that the locking mechanisms are easy to operate by hand. Always secure the chassis prior to folding your pram. This will stop you from accidentally folding it while your child is in the seat.
Stores
A car seat pram is a convenient method of transporting your child. It also lets you keep the baby snug and close to you, which makes it easier to feed them and soothe them when needed. These handy pieces of equipment can be expensive and difficult to store. If you're thinking of purchasing the purchase of a car seat, make sure you consider the cost of storage.
The best way to stow car seats is in a place free from excessive moisture and pests. The back of a closet is ideal however if it's not feasible, consider an area in your house with good ventilation and ample space to move around. A finished attic or garage is another option. Place your car seat in plastic bags or similar containers when it's not in use. Also be sure to keep it away from areas where rodents can hide.
If you intend to use your car seat pram with baby carriers, be sure to stow all of the additional parts that are included. Included in this are infant inserts, strap pads and any additional bases you have. You might also want to keep stroller adaptors for your car seat in the same storage area. This will allow you to easily reinstall the car seat at a later time.
Find signs of wear before you stow away your car seat. If you spot pushchair any cracks in the fabric or base or tears or stains in the fabric, it's time to replace the seat.
Baby carriers and strollers can offer the same comfort as car seats, but are usually used for older infants. They include frame backpacks as well as hip carriers, slings and mei tais. If you're planning on using a baby carrier, look for one that offers the option of reclined so that your baby can rest in a flat position when they're not sleeping.
A travel system includes a car seat, and a stroller. The baby seat snaps into an upright that stays in your car. This allows you to move your baby from your car to the stroller with little or no fuss and then back after a day out and about.