How To Save Money On Pushchairs Car Seats
How To Choose The Best Pushchairs And Car Seats
A pushchair can be a lifesaver for parents who are busy. There are many different categories of pushchairs to choose from: pushchairs, sale prams, buggies and travel systems.
Travel systems are a great choice for parents of newborns. They allow them 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 a seamless transition.
Removable hood
Our expert testers have classified this as the best stroller and car seat combo. This lightweight and compact system is easy to move and to store. Its clever shade and adjustable head support help babies feel safe on the go. It's also suitable for infants rear-facing to 35 lb and features four recline positions. It also comes with a quiet canopy to keep your baby calm in the car. It is also safe to use in any vehicle and has a built-in indicator for easy installation.
The Doona Combo scored 91 points out of 100. Its highest scores were for ease of use and comfort. The car seat and base are easy to install and detach and the base of the latch has an green light when it's aligned properly. The stroller includes two cup holders, and an ample basket for gear. The handlebar folds flat and is easy to move. Parents have a variety of options when using the stroller.
The 7AM Enfant Coon (shop family owned by the family or shop on Amazon) will 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 over your child's hands and face in the car. The Cocoon is 100% safe for car seats and can be used with light coats, so long as they aren't too puffy. The Cocoon is not recommended for Uber or taxi trips however, because it blocks the seat belt path of the car seat.
A similar option is the Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Hoodie (shop family-owned/shop Amazon) for infants and toddlers. This insulated jacket is constructed of super-warm 600-fill-power recycled down, and has a hood for extra warmth in colder weather. While it's suitable for use in the car seat when sized appropriately however, you'll need to compress all the puff when tightening the harness straps.
The KidCozy II is another option. It's an insulated blanket made of fleece with holes for necks and hands. It works on infant car seats, strollers 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 develops on organic materials, usually in dark and damp environments. Mold can produce a strong musty smell and can be difficult to get rid of. If the mould isn't removed it will continue to expand and grow. It is essential to regularly clean the area. The first step is to clean any dirt and debris that has accumulated from the fabric surface. This can be done either by hand or using a vacuum cleaner fitted with an nozzle that is flexible. This is a good prams time to clean pockets, compartments and other areas that are difficult to reach.
Then, wipe the entire surface using a clean cloth or scrub brush. It is crucial to do this outdoors in a well-ventilated space, and preferably while wearing a mask to avoid breathing in any mould or spores. After cleaning the fabric, you can spray it with a mildew remover or a diluted solution of white vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and it won't harm the fabric or any other materials that make up your pushchair. If you are unable to remove the mold, it might be necessary for you to dry the area and scrub it with an air dehumidifier.
Once the fabric has been cleaned, it is best to let it dry completely before placing it in storage. This can be accomplished by placing the fabric in a sunny area and then spraying it with an anti-fungal spray. Milton do a great child-friendly one.
If you have trouble removing difficult stains and mold make use of the MARBLELIFE (r) Mold & Mildew Stain Removers. This product is six times more effective than brands that you purchase in stores that have been sitting on the shelves for months. Just-in-time production ensures maximum effectiveness of this product at the time it is applied.
Cleaning
A car seat or pushchair is a tough item to clean, particularly in the event that it has been used on outdoor excursions and has tracked food crumbs, mud and other sand. A good start is to vacuum away loose dirt using crevice attachments or use a brush to smooth out any crevices and nooks. Spray on Clorox Free and Clean Multi-Surface spray cleaner or similar products, then apply a soft cloth work the product into any fabric parts, such as the basket, seat or hood.
Review the care instructions for any stains and marks to determine if it is possible to machine wash them. If not, a bucket of hot soapy water and a gentle baby-friendly detergent will be sufficient, or you could use a damp sponge to remove any stubborn marks and then let them dry in the sun (which will also help lighten staining).
Some pushchairs have fabric sections like seats and hoods that can be fully removed, allowing you to pop them in the washing machine or wash them using a hand wash. After they've been cleaned, lay them flat to dry them so that they don't lose their shape. Then, make sure they're 100% dry before placing them back on your child's play equipment.
The frame or chassis of your pushchair may need a little more attention than the parts made of fabric. If you've noticed mold spores growing on the plastic, it's important to get rid of it as soon as possible to ensure that the spores do not spread to your child in their sleep. A solution of vinegar and water is the ideal solution as it reduces the bacteria and can then be cleaned away. An old toothbrush is an excellent tool for getting into difficult-to-access or delicate areas.
If you're struggling with stains that seem resistant to removal, add a few drops of bicarbonate soda to wash or apply baking soda as a solution. This will not only neutralise any odours but also help lift stains that a first wash might miss.
Storage
A great pushchair should have ample interior and exterior storage to store all the necessities including drinks, snacks and toys. The main compartment should be big enough to hold tablets or laptops as well as be an extra smaller side storage compartment for small items such as keys, phone or other baby supplies. Some pushchairs even have a hidden storage compartment under the seat that is ideal for keeping those items from view when the baby is asleep.
A travel system bundle is an excellent option for new parents since it allows you to buy a car seat and stroller together in one purchase. The best travel systems will include compatible adaptors which enable the car seat to be fixed to the frame of the stroller-this allows you to easily transfer an infant who is sleeping from the vehicle to the stroller without causing any disturbance to them.
In our tests, the best combinations had a simple connection that felt as if it was made by itself. This is a huge advantage over combinations that require strap attachment in a second step, which could lead to mistakes. In actual fact, the combinations that use straps scored lower in our ratings for ease of use.
Some pushchairs come with a footmuff that is perfect for winter. It is essential to make sure that the one you choose is compatible with your pushchair car seat. Also, ensure it comes with a hood that will protect your baby from the weather.
There are a variety of pushchair accessories available like rain covers and a footmuff. Some of them are essential and others are optional according to your requirements. A rain cover is a must-have accessory to shield your baby from the elements when you're out and about. Likewise, a footmuff helps to keep babies warm in the cooler months.
Other accessories for pushchairs that are popular among new parents are baskets as well as a changing bag and the cup holder. The right pushchair and accessories will make your life with a newborn baby much easier, so make sure to take the time to look through all the options.