Choosing a Car Seat Pram
The ideal car seat is among the most important choices new parents make. You'll require a product that is easy to use and suits your lifestyle.
Car seat/pram combos generally only fit for infants (new-born - 1 year) so you'll need to invest in another stroller after that.
Comfort
Both the child and the parent must be at ease 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 have an attractive shade canopy and pockets for stowing to keep your baby warm. The pram should be simple to use, and come with a strap that can be attached by one hand and then easily detached from the base.
It is also essential that the pram is easy to clean. This is especially true when the fabric is machine washable. Some of 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 working and don't have time to fuss with their gear.
Some car seats, like the Graco 4Ever DLX and the Graco Extend2Fit 3 in one, are relatively easy to install with LATCH. They have average crash test scores and are not recommended for people who want the highest level of safety.
Other seats, such as the Clek Keyfit 35 and Clek Liing, have superior crash test sensor results, and are more easy to install with LATCH. These seats are more expensive than top-performing seats however they offer superior comfort and quality to make up for the higher cost.
The Doona infant seat and latch base is a different option that has superior crash test results, and is simple to use in both a stroller or a car. The Doona model that is highly rated is a popular choice for many families, with 90 percent of its Amazon reviews being five stars. It can be a bit difficult to use the carrier without a base. It requires a two step process that involves you clicking in to the carrier, and then place it on top of the base. Some parents not remember or forget this step.
If you 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 switch from car to stroller and back in just a few 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 perfect for Uber.
Flexibility
A car seat pram is essential for every parent. They offer the advantages of both a stroller and a car seat. They're incredibly adaptable and are the perfect choice for jogging, walking around town or taking long distances.
The best thing about these combos is that they can change from car seat to pram and back in a matter of seconds. This means you can easily hop out of the car and walk out onto the street without disturbing your baby. This is a great benefit for parents that use ride-hailing services or taxis to travel. You can keep going without waking your baby each time you exit or enter the vehicle.
Another benefit is that a lot of these car seat prams are able to be used in either a parent-facing or facing the world. This is a great choice for families that will spend a lot of their time outdoors, particularly when the weather is pleasant. Having your baby face you as you walk will help you keep an eye on them. It will make it easier to chat or sing to them and you'll be able see them better too.
There are a variety of car seat prams so you can choose one that best suits your needs. Some are lightweight and easy to push, whereas others come with extra features like big sunshades or easy-to-access baskets. Some models have a reclining seat to allow your child to lie down in a secure and comfortable way.
If you're looking for something super simple and simple to use, then check out the Doona infant car seat and latch base. It's also the very first travel system that combines car seats and a pram, making it much easier to travel on busy roads without worrying about your child. It also features a click-in/click-out system that is ready to use straight from the box.
Safety
Car seats are among the most important purchases you'll make for your child, because they protect them while travelling. Based on the type of car seat pram you choose there are a variety of security features you could need to consider.
For example a carrycot that is attached the chassis of a pram can allow your infant to lie flat, which is beneficial for their lung and spine development. It is also important to ensure that your car seat is fitted with a five-point system. It consists of two straps that are for the shoulders and two straps that cross the hips. Check that your car seat is equipped with a front adjustment to tighten the harness, as well as an adjustable maximum recline of 45 degrees to prevent the suffocation.
Another thing to consider is the weight and height limits of your infant car seat, which may vary by brand. Make sure your child is within these specifications as well as the specifications of the stroller that you are using with it. If you're purchasing a travel system, ensure that the car seat and stroller click into each other without a hitch and are in compliance with the federal standards for motor vehicles according to Stanton.
If you're unsure of how to install your car seat, talk to a certified child passenger safety technician in a hospital or fire department. They'll be equipped to provide specific instructions and answer any questions you have.
It is also important to think about whether you would like your child's car seat to have a top tether strap, which is a tether that attaches to the seat via an attached hook in the back of the car's seat or trunk. The tether prevents your child's head from whipping forward in a crash, making it less likely to suffer head injuries.
If you are choosing a car-seat pram, ensure that the car seat and base fit together snugly and that the locking mechanism is easy to operate using one hand. Always lock the chassis before folding your pram. This will stop you from accidentally folding it while your child is in the seat.
Storage
A car seat is a practical way to transport your child. It also allows you to keep the baby snug and close to you, making it easier to feed them and comfort them when needed. These essential items are expensive and difficult to store. If you're thinking about purchasing a car seat pram, make sure you consider the cost of storing it.
Stowing a car seat in a spot which is free of insects and moisture is the best option. The back of a closet is the ideal however if it's not possible, look for an area of your home with good ventilation and ample space to move around. Another alternative is a garage or finished attic. Make sure you keep your car seat in bags made of plastic or similar to it when not being used, and put it away from areas where rodents frequently hide.
If you are planning to use your car seat pram to carry a baby carrier, be sure to stow all the other accessories that come with it as well. Included in this are infant inserts, strap pads and any other bases you might have. You might also want to keep stroller adaptors to the car seat in the same place. This will make it easier to install the car seat in the event of a need.
Check for signs of wear before you put away your car seat. If you spot any cracks in the fabric or base or stains or tears in the fabric, it's time to replace the seat.
A baby carrier or a stroller can offer the same functionality as a car seat pram, but they're typically used for older infants. Some of them include frame backpack carriers, hip carriers, mei tais, or slings. If you're planning on using a baby carrier, look for one that gives you the option of reclined so that your baby can rest in a flat position when they're not asleep.
A travel system is a car seat and stroller in one and the baby seat snapping into a click here base that stays in your vehicle. This allows you to move your baby from your car to the stroller with little or no hassle, and back again when you're done for an outing.