Choosing a Car Seat Pram
Selecting the best car seat pram is one of the most important decisions that new parents will make. You’ll need something that is user-friendly and suited to your lifestyle.
Car seats and prams typically only be used for infants (new-born – 1 year) so you’ll need to purchase a new stroller once you reach that age.
Comfort
Both the child and the parents should feel comfortable in the car seat pram. It is crucial to have plenty of cushioning on the seat and the handlebar can be adjusted to provide an appropriate fit. Some models also have a stylish shade canopy as well as pockets to keep your baby snug. The pram should be simple to use, with straps that can be slid on with one hand and easily detached from the base.
It is also important that the pram set is easy to clean. This is especially important if the fabric can be machine washed. Our top picks, like the Mountain Buggy Nano, feature an adjustable seat made of fabric to clean. This is a fantastic feature for busy parents who don’t have lots of time for fussing with their equipment.
Graco 4Ever DLX and Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 and Graco Extend2Fit DLX are a few car seats that are relatively easy with LATCH to install. However, they only have average crash test scores and are not the best choice for those who want the best safety standards.
Other seats, such as the Clek Keyfit 35 and Clek Liing, have better than average crash test sensor results, and are more easy to install with LATCH. These seats are more expensive than seats with top performance but they provide premium comfort and quality that compensate for the higher cost.
Another option that offers superior crash test results and is easy to install in both the stroller and car is the Doona infant car seat and latch base. It is a popular choice for many families, with 90 percent of its Amazon reviews being five stars. It is a bit tricky to use the carrier without the base. It involves two steps which is to click in the carrier and attach it to the bottom. Some parents may not remember or forget this step.
If you are planning to use your car seat mostly in taxis, choose a model that is able to attach quickly and easily to its base so you can easily switch from car to stroller and back in a matter of seconds. The Mountain Buggy Nano, for example, is compatible with any of the car seats for infants we tested and is also compatible with the Cosco Scenera NEXT, making it ideal for Uber.
Flexibility
Car seat prams are essential for any parent. They’re designed to blend all the benefits of a stroller, along with the security and convenience of car seats. They’re very versatile and are the ideal option for walking or jogging around the town.
The most appealing aspect of these sets is that they’re able to transform from car seat to pram and back again in a matter of seconds, which means you can easily hop out of the car and into the street without disturbing your baby. This is an excellent benefit for parents that use ride-hailing services or taxis to get around. You can go on without having to wake up your baby each time you exit or enter the vehicle.
A lot of these car seat prams can be used with the parents or in 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 monitor your baby and also chat with them or sing to them.
There are a variety of car seat prams for sale, so you can pick the one that is best suited to your needs. Some are light and easy to push, while others have extra features such as large sunshades and easy-to-access baskets. Some come with a recliner to allow your child to lie flat in a safe and comfortable way.
If you’re looking for something super simple and user-friendly, then take a look at the Doona infant car seat and latch base. It’s the first complete travel system that’s a car seat and pram in one, making it much easier to navigate the busy streets without worrying about your child. Plus, it has an extremely secure click-in/click-out system that’s ready to go right out of the box.
Safety
Car seats are among the most important investment you can make for your baby because they protect them when they travel. Depending on the type of car seat that you pick, there are several different security features you could be looking for.
For example the carrycot that is attached to the chassis of a pram can allow your newborn to lie flat, which is beneficial for their lung and spine development. You will also want to make sure that your car seat is equipped with a five-point system. This is comprised of two straps for the shoulders and two others that connect the hips. You should also check whether your car seat comes with a front adjuster to help you tighten the harness, and an adjustable recline angle of 45 degrees to keep your child from becoming suffocated.
Another thing to consider is the weight and car seat pram height limitations of your infant car seat, which can differ based on the brand. Make sure your child fits within these limits as well as the specifications of the stroller you’re using with it. Stanton recommends that when purchasing a travel set, the car seat and stroller should click together seamlessly and meet federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Find a certified child safety technician at your local fire station or hospital in case you’re not sure what to do to install your car seat. They’ll be able to provide you with precise instructions and answer any questions you might have.
You’ll also have to decide whether you’d like your infant’s car seat to come with a top tether strap, which is a tether that connects to the seat using an attached hook in the vehicle’s back seat or trunk. The tether can prevent your child’s head from whipping forward in a crash, decreasing the risk of head injuries.
When selecting a car seat pram (Telegra blog article) make sure the car seat and base fit together snugly and that the locking mechanisms are easy to operate by hand. Also, ensure that you lock the chassis of your pram before folding it. This will prevent you from accidentally folding it when your child is in the seat.
Stores
A car seat is a great method of transporting children. It also allows you to keep the baby snug and close to you, which makes it easier to feed them and calm them if they need. However, these useful items aren’t cheap and can be difficult to store. If you’re thinking of purchasing a car seat pram, make sure you consider the cost of storage.
The best way to store car seats is in a space free of excessive moisture and pests. The back of a closet is the ideal however, if that’s not possible, look for an area within your home with a good airflow and ample room to move around. Another alternative is a garage or finished attic. Be sure to keep your car seat in a plastic bag or something similar when it’s not being used, and put it away from areas where rodents often hide.
If you are planning to use your car seat pram to serve as baby carrier, be sure to store all the additional parts that were included with it. This includes infant inserts, strap padding and any other bases you may have. You may also want to store stroller adaptors that fit the car seat in this same space. This will make it much easier to re-install the car seat at a later date.
Check for signs of wear before putting away your car seat. If you find cracks in the fabric or base or tears or stains in the fabric is the time to replace your seat.
A baby carrier or a stroller can offer the same benefits as car seat prams but they’re generally used for older infants. Some of them include frame backpack carriers, hip carriers, slings, or mei tais. If you plan to use a baby carrier, look for one that gives you the option of reclining to allow your baby to lay flat even when they’re asleep.
A travel system includes a car seat as well as stroller. The baby seat snaps onto an upright that stays in your car. This lets you transfer your child from your car to the stroller with little or no hassle and then back when you’re done for the day.