The No. 1 Question That Anyone Working In Car Seat Pram Should Know How To Answer
Choosing a Car Seat Pram
The choice of the best car seat pram is among the most important decisions new parents will make. You'll require a product that is user-friendly and suited to your lifestyle.
Car seat/pram combos usually only work for infants (new-born - 1 year) so you'll have to buy a different stroller later on.
Comfort
Both the child and the parents must be at ease in the car pram. This implies plenty of cushioning for the seat and a movable handlebar to provide a comfortable, secure fit. Some models come with shade canopy that is simple to use and has a stow pocket for your baby's comfort. The pram should be easy to use, with straps that can be slid on with one hand and easily removed from the base.
It is also important that the pram is easy to clean. This is especially true if it has fabric that is machine washable. Some of our top picks, like the Mountain Buggy Nano have a removable fabric that can be cleaned. This is a great feature for busy parents who don't have plenty of time for fussing with their equipment.
Graco 4Ever DLX, Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 and the Graco Extend2Fit DLX are some of the car seats that are easy with LATCH to install. They have average crash test scores and are not recommended for people who require the highest level of safety.
Other seats, like the Clek Keyfit 35 and Clek Liing, have higher than average crash test results from sensors and are easier to install with LATCH. They are a little more expensive than the other top-performing seats but they offer above-average quality and comfort that offset the cost.
Another option that has superior crash test results and is easy to install in both the stroller and car is the Doona infant car seat and latch base. This top-rated model is a favorite of many families with 90 percent of its Amazon reviews being five stars. It is difficult to use without the base, as it requires a two-step process of putting the base in place, and then strapping it over the bottom portion of the carrier that some parents overlook or even do not (always follow the manufacturer's directions to avoid injury).
If pram and travel system plan to use your car seat primarily in taxis, look for one that can be attached quickly and easily to its base, so you can change from car to stroller and back again in minutes. The Mountain Buggy Nano, for instance is compatible with any of the infant car seats we tested and is also compatible with the Cosco Scenera NEXT, making it ideal for Uber.
Flexibility
Car seat prams are a must-have for parents of any age. They're designed to blend all the benefits of a stroller along with the safety and convenience of a car seat. They're super adaptable and are the perfect option for jogging, walking around town, or traveling long distances.
These combos can be converted from car seat into pram in a matter of seconds and allow you to quickly exit the car without disturbing your child. This is an excellent benefit for parents that use ride-hailing services or taxis to travel. You can continue to travel without having to wake up your baby each time you enter or exit the vehicle.
A lot of these car seat prams can be used parent-facing or world-facing. This is a great choice for families who will be spending a lot of time outdoors, especially when the weather is pleasant. If your child is facing you as you walk will help you keep an eye on them and will allow you to talk or sing to them and you'll be able observe them better.
There are many different types of car seat prams on the market to choose one that is best suited to your needs. Some are light and easy to push, while others have extra features like big sunshades or baskets that are easy to access. Some have a recline seat to allow your baby to lie-flat in a way that's secure and comfortable.
If you're looking for something super simple and simple to use, then take a look at the Doona infant car seat and latch base. It's the first complete travel system that's a pram and car seat in one, making it so much easier to navigate the busy streets without worrying about your little one. 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 one of the best investments you can make for your child, because it ensures their safety while traveling. There are a variety of safety features to consider when choosing a car seat pram.
A carrycot that is attached to the chassis of a pram will allow your baby to lay flat. This is beneficial for lung and spine development. Also, you should make sure that your car seat is equipped with a five-point system. This is comprised of two straps for shoulders and two others that cross the hips. Make sure that your car seat comes 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 weight and height restrictions for their infant car seats. Be sure that your child fits within these guidelines as well as the specifications of the stroller you are using with it. If you're purchasing a travel system, ensure that the car seat and stroller connect into each other seamlessly and conform to federal motor vehicle standards, recommends Stanton.
If you're not sure of how to properly install your car seat, ask a certified child passenger safety technician at a hospital or a fire department. They'll be in a position to give you detailed instructions and answer any questions you might have.
You'll have to decide if you want your car seat for your child to come with a top tether, which is a tether connecting the seat to the hook on the trunk or back seat of the vehicle. The tether prevents your child's head from bouncing forward during a crash, thereby reducing the chances of head injuries.
If you are choosing a car-seat pram, make sure that the car seat and base are able to be slid in together and the locking mechanism is easy to operate using one hand. Always secure the chassis prior to folding your pram. This will help you avoid accidentally folding it while your child is in the seat.
Stores
A car seat is a great method of transporting a child. It also lets you keep your baby safe and close to you, which makes it easier to feed them and calm them when needed. These essential pieces of equipment can be costly and difficult to store. Think about the cost of storage when considering a car seat stroller.
The best method to store a car seat is in a location free of excess moisture and pests. The back of a closet is the ideal however, if that's not feasible, consider an area within your home with a good airflow and plenty of room to move around. Another alternative is a garage or completed attic. Make sure you keep your car seat in an airtight bag or something similar while it's not in use, and keep it away from areas where rodents commonly have a place to hide.
If you intend to use your car seat pram baby carrier, make sure you keep all the additional parts that were included with it. This includes infant inserts strap padding, straps 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 allow you to easily reinstall the car seat at a later time.
Check for signs of wear before you stow away your car seat. If there's cracking on the base, tearing or stains in the fabric, or problems with the latch or buckle systems, it may be time to buy a new one.
A baby carrier or a stroller can provide the same convenience as car seat prams however, they're usually used for older infants. There are frame backpack carriers, hip carriers, slings, or mei tais. If you're planning on using a baby carrier, search for one that has the option of recline so that your baby can lay flat when they're not sleeping.
A travel system is a stroller and car seat in one, with the baby seat snapping into a base that stays in your vehicle. You can easily transfer your child from the car to the stroller and back when you're done.