Choosing a Car Seat Pram

The right car seat pram will be one of the most important choices new parents make. You'll want something that's easy to use and compatible with your lifestyle.

The combination car seat/pram is typically only suitable for infants (newborns between 1 and 1 year old), so you will have to purchase a different stroller.

Comfort

Car seat prams need to be comfortable for both baby and parents to ensure that they feel comfortable on the road. It is crucial to have plenty of padding on the seat and a handlebar that can be adjusted to provide a snug fit. Some models also offer a smart shade canopy and pockets to keep your baby snug. It is also crucial that the pram and travel system is easy to use with a one-handed strap attachment and is easy to remove from the base to help you save time and effort.

It is also essential that the pram is easy to clean. This is especially important if the fabric can be machine washed. A few of our top picks, like the Mountain Buggy Nano have a removable fabric for cleaning. This is a great choice for parents who are busy and don't have time to fuss with their gear.

Some car seats, such as the Graco 4Ever DLX and the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-one are fairly simple to install using LATCH. However, they only have average crash test analysis scores and are not the best options for those looking for the highest security standards.

Other seats, such as the Clek Liing and Chicco Keyfit 35, have superior crash test results and are easier to install using LATCH. These seats are more expensive than the top-performing seats however they offer premium comfort and quality that make up for the higher cost.

Another option that has excellent crash test results and is easy to install in 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 can be a bit difficult to use without the base, as it requires a process of putting the base in the base and then securing it to the bottom portion of the carrier and some parents might not do or deliberately ignore (always follow the manufacturer's directions to avoid injury).

If you plan on using your car seat primarily in taxis, you should choose a model with a base you can attach quickly and easily to the car seat. This will allow you to move from stroller to car in seconds. The Mountain Buggy Nano, for instance is compatible with all of the infant car seats we tested and also works with the Cosco Scenera NEXT, making it ideal for Uber.

Flexibility

A car seat pram is a must for every parent. They offer the advantages of both a stroller and a car seat. They're incredibly versatile and are the ideal option for jogging, walking around town or travelling long distances.

These combos can be transformed from car seat into pram in seconds which allows you to effortlessly exit the car without disturbing your child. This is a great benefit for parents that utilize taxis or ride-hailing services to get around. You can keep going without waking your baby every 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 the world facing position. This is a great choice for families spending lots of time outdoors, especially when the weather is good. The idea of having your child face you as you walk will help you to keep your eye on them. It will allow you to talk or sing to them, and you'll be able observe them better.

There are many types of car seat prams, so you can choose one that suits your lifestyle. Some are light and easy to push, whereas others have additional features like big sunshades and easy-to-access baskets. Some have a recline seat so you can get your baby to lay flat in a way that's safe and comfortable.

If you're looking for something super simple and easy 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 much easier to navigate the busy streets without worrying about your child. It also features an easy-to-use click-in/click-out mechanism that can be used straight from the box.

Safety

The car seat is one of the best investments you can make for your child, because it ensures their safety when they travel. Based on the type of car seat that you select there are a variety of safety features that you may be looking for.

A carrycot that is attached to a pram chassis will allow your baby to lie flat. This is great for the spine and lung development. It is also important to ensure that your car seat is fitted with five-point harnesses that is comprised of two straps to secure the shoulders and two straps that cross over the hips. Also, make sure that your car seat has an adjustment on the front to help you tighten the harness and an adjustable recline angle of 45 degrees to keep your baby from being suffocated.

Another thing to think about is the weight and height limitations of your infant car seat, which may vary by brand. Make sure your child is in compliance with these requirements as well as those of the stroller. If you're buying a transport system, ensure that the car seat and stroller fit into each other without a hitch and are in compliance with federal motor vehicle standards, recommends Stanton.

Contact a certified child safety technician at your local fire station or hospital in case you're not sure how to install your car seat. They'll be able to provide you with specific instructions and answer any questions you might have.

You'll also have to decide whether you want your infant car seat to have a top tether strap, which is a tether that connects to the seat using a hook embedded in the back seat or trunk. The tether will stop your child's head whipping forward during an accident. This reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries.

When you are choosing a car seat pram make sure the car seat and base fit snuggly and that the locking devices are easy to use using just one hand. Always secure the chassis prior to folding your pram. This will prevent you from folding it accidentally while your child is in the seat.

Stores

A car seat is a great way to transport your child. You can also keep your baby close so that you can feed them and soothe them quickly if necessary. However, these handy pieces of equipment aren't cheap and difficult to store. Consider the cost of storage when considering a stroller for your car.

Stowing a car seat in a spot that is free of insects and moisture is the best choice. The back of a closet is ideal however, if that's not possible, look for an area within your home with good ventilation and ample room to move around. A garage or finished attic is another option. Place your car seat in plastic bags or similar containers when it's not being used. Also keep it out of areas where rodents can hide.

If you intend to use your car seat pram to serve as a baby carrier, make sure you store all accessories that were included with it. This includes infant inserts strap padding, straps, and any other bases you may have. It is also possible to keep stroller adaptors for your car seat in the same storage space. This will make it easier to install the car seat at a later time.

Check for signs of wear before putting away your car seat. If there's cracking on the base, tears or stains in the fabric, or problems with the latch or buckle systems, it's time to get new ones.

Baby strollers and baby carriers offer the same comfort as a car seat however, they are typically used for older babies. Some of these include frame backpack carriers, hip carriers, slings, or mei tais. If you're planning on using baby carriers, look for one that gives you the option of reclining so that your baby can rest in a flat position when they're not sleeping.

A travel system is both a car seat as well as a stroller. The baby seat snaps into a base which stays in your car. It is simple to transfer your child from the car to the stroller, and then back when you're done.