Choosing a Car Seat Pram
The right car seat pram will be one of the most important decisions new parents make. You'll want something that's easy to use and is compatible with your lifestyle.
Car seat/pram combos generally only fit for infants (new-born 1-year old) so you'll have to buy a different stroller once you reach that age.
Comfort
Both the child and the parent should feel comfortable in the car seat pram. It is essential to have plenty of padding on the seat as well as a handlebar that can be adjusted for a snug fit. Some models also come with a stylish shade canopy as well as pockets to keep your baby warm. It is also essential that the pram is easy to use with a one-handed strap attachment and can be easily removed from the base to save you time and effort.
In addition to being comfortable, it is important that a pram be easy to clean. This is particularly true when the fabric is machine washable. Our top picks, including the Mountain Buggy Nano, feature an adjustable seat made of fabric to clean. This is a great option for parents who are busy and don't have time to worry about their equipment.
Some car seats, like the Graco 4Ever DLX and the Graco Extend2Fit 3 in one are relatively simple to install using LATCH. However, they only have average crash test scores and are not the best options for those who want the best security standards.
Other seats, like the Clek Keyfit 35 and Clek Liing, offer higher than average crash test results from sensors and are more easy to install using LATCH. They are a bit more expensive than the other top-performing seats however they provide above-average quality and comfort to make up for the higher price.
The Doona infant seat and latch base is an additional option that has superior crash test results and is easy to use in both the car and stroller. The Doona model is highly rated by Amazon customers, with 90% rating five stars. It is difficult to use without the base since it requires a process of putting the base in place, and then strapping it over the bottom part of the carrier that some parents overlook or even do not (always follow the manufacturer's directions to avoid injury).
If you are planning to use your car seat mostly in taxis, you should look for a model that is able to attach easily and quickly to its base, so you can switch from car to stroller and back again in seconds. The Mountain Buggy Nano, for instance is compatible with any of the car seats for infants we tested and is also compatible with the Cosco Scenera NEXT, making it perfect for Uber.
Flexibility
Car seat prams are essential 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 town.
These combos can be transformed from car seat to pram in just a few seconds which allows you to effortlessly get out of the car without disturbing your child. This is a great advantage for parents who use ride-hailing services or taxis to get around. You can keep going without having to wake up your baby every time you enter or exit the vehicle.
A lot of these car seat prams can be used either facing the parent or the world. This is an excellent option for families who will spend a lot of time outdoors, especially when the weather is good. If your child is facing your way while walking will help you to keep an eye on them and will also allow you to talk or sing to them, plus you'll be able to be able to see them more clearly.
There are a myriad of types of car seat prams to choose from to choose one that is best suited to your needs. Some are super light which makes them easy to push. Others come with extra features like large sunshades and easy-to access storage baskets. Some even have a reclining seat, allowing your child to lie flat in a manner that is secure and comfortable.
Doona infant car seats and latch bases are an excellent choice when you're looking for something simple and simple to use. It's the first complete travel system that's an infant car seat and pram in one, making it so much easier to navigate the busy streets without worrying about your child. Plus, it has a secure click-in/click out mechanism that's ready to go straight out of the box.
Safety
The car seat is among the most beneficial investments you can make for your child as it keeps them safe while traveling. Depending on the type of car seat that you select there are many different safety features you might need to consider.
A carrycot that is attached to a pram chassis will allow your baby to lie flat. This is great for lung and spine development. It is also important to ensure that your car seat is equipped with a five-point system. This is comprised of two straps for shoulders and two others that connect the hips. Check that your car seat is equipped with a front adjustment that can tighten the harness, and a maximum recline of 45 degrees to avoid death by suffocation.
Another thing to consider is the weight and height limitations of your infant car seat, which will vary by brand. Be sure that your child's height and weight are in line with these standards and also those of the stroller. Stanton suggests that when buying a travel set the car seat and stroller should connect seamlessly and be in compliance with the safety standards of motor vehicles in the United States.
Find a certified child safety technician at your local hospital or fire more info department in case you're not sure how to install your car seat. They can provide detailed instructions as well as answer any questions that you may have.
You'll also need to consider whether you want your infant car seat to include a top tether strap, which is a tether that connects to the seat using an attachment in the back of the car's seat or trunk. The tether prevents your child's head from whipping forward in the event of the event of a crash. This decreases the chance of head injury.
When selecting a car seat pram, ensure that the car seat and base fit together comfortably and that the locking mechanisms are easy to use with one hand. Always lock the chassis before folding your pram. This will prevent you from accidentally folding the pram when your child is still in the seat.
Storage
A car seat pram is a great method of transporting your child. It also lets you keep your baby warm and close to you, making it easier to feed them and comfort them if needed. However, these handy pieces of equipment aren't cheap and can be difficult to store. Consider the cost of storage when considering the cost of a car seat stroller.
Storing a car seat in a place which is free of moisture and pests is the best solution. If you can't store it in the back of your closet, you need to find a place in your home with plenty of space and air circulation. Another option is a garage, or a completed attic. Make sure you keep your car seat in bags made of plastic or similar while it's not being used, and put it away from areas where rodents often are able to hide.
If you plan on using your car seat pram a baby carrier, make sure you store all accessories that came with it. This includes infant inserts, strap padding and any additional bases you may have. You might also want to keep stroller adaptors for the car seat in the same storage space. This will make it easier to reinstall the car seat at a later time.
Check for signs of wear before you put away your car seat. If you notice cracks in the base, tearing or stains in the fabric, or issues with the latch or buckle systems, it could be the time to purchase new ones.
Baby carriers and strollers can offer the same comfort as a car seat however, they are typically used for older infants. They include frame backpacks as well as hip carriers, slings and mei tais. If you're considering using a baby carrier, choose one that lets you recline the seat so that your baby can rest flat when not asleep.
A travel system is a car seat and stroller in one with the baby's seat snapping into a base that stays in your car. This allows you to transfer your child from your car to the stroller with minimal or no hassle and then back after the day.