What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a type of chair with wheels that is designed for infants starting at 6 months. They often feature an adjustable seat that can recline to lie flat and have a five point harness.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from the time of birth, by incorporating an appropriate car seat or carrycot to create a travel stroller system. This allows your baby to easily move from car to pushchair, without causing disturbance.

Safety

There are many safety features that you should look for when choosing a car seat to use as a pushchair. If you're thinking of buying a brand new or second-hand model, it's crucial to make sure that the pushchair you select meets the required British standards and regulations.

Make sure that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 7409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe for infants and children to use. This includes making sure it has an locking device that is safe and that the brakes work well.

When you are choosing a car seat, it's also worth looking for one that can recline to a lying-flat position. This is particularly important for newborns, as research has proven that babies who spend too much time in a straight position might have trouble breathing. The car seat's curly shape blocks their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

You can also choose an option that includes a baby car-seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller. This allows the transition between the stroller and car simpler, as you won't have to wake your child up every time you need to switch modes of transport.

Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to lessen the force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This type of protection can be particularly important in the case of a side-on collision, which is more dangerous for babies in the earliest stages of development.

Another useful safety feature is a top tether. This prevents the car seats from whirling forward in the event of an accident, and reduces the risk of head injuries. Make sure that your pushchair has this feature since it is a legal requirement for all coach-built car seats.

Simple to Use

A pushchair car seat is one of the most commonly used baby items so it's important to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. There are a variety of options available, including a cushion that is comfortable for the baby or an adjustable handlebar to suit parents' needs.

Some pushchairs include a carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It allows them to rest in a flat position, which is best for their health and growth. A carrycot can be swapped over for a pushchair seat when they're older, and many can be used with an automobile seat base as well.

Look for a pushchair that folds quickly and compactly so that it fits into tight spaces or the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat in place making it much simpler to use. A brake is a must-have and there are several different options to choose from based on your preferences. A foot brake is great for everyday use, while a hand brake that is active is a great option if you're often stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also jogger-style pushchairs that have three wheels that help you maintain momentum when going either uphill or downhill.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs allow you to select which direction the seat will face either the direction of the parent or the world facing. It is possible to change this by simply pressing the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however, is a game changer since it lets you choose both. You can choose to click the infant car seats into the Doona and then recline the seat into a lie-flat position for babies or sit it upright as stroller. It's a fantastic feature that works with or without the base of your car and can be utilized on trains and planes!

If you plan on traveling frequently or using ride share vehicles A lightweight and easy to install seat is a must. It is important to ensure that the base can be easily pushed into and out. Also, think about a travel system package which includes all the essentials.

Style

Style is a personal choice It is possible to find something that suits both parents and children. You can choose sleek, sophisticated design or something that is more attractive and fun, based on your preferences and budget. Top brands provide a wide variety of options to choose from a contemporary and vibrant or classic and contemporary.

You'll also need to consider how much you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents decide to purchase a travel system that comes with an infant car seat and a carrycot in one package. This gives you the most convenience and comfort from birth and is perfect for families that are busy pram and car seat have to be out and often.

Many pushchairs feature a lie-flat option that allows babies to lay on their backs. This is recommended by experts because it helps with the development of the spine and lung. Some brands even go the extra mile and offer an advanced one-handed reclining system that allows you to simply press the button to recline your pushchair's seat for a more comfortable position.

Certain models of pushchairs come with adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features so that you can tailor them to your child's requirements. Some models even have a reversible seat to allow your child to face you for reassurance and bonding or go out into the world to explore their surroundings.

Some brands also offer a range of accessories for pushchairs, including footmuffs for colder weather and sun parasols to protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade is especially important because it can stop your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness designed to restrain your child's shoulders and hips, the most rigid parts of their body. This is the safest and most secure way of restraining your child in their pushchair. You should only ever use twin pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. Be on the lookout for new harnesses that have a one-pull mechanism like that found on the Cybex Priam which allow you to precision-fit your baby's seat belt with only the pull of a strap, guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.

Storage

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. To ensure you have plenty of room, choose a car seat with an ample storage bin as well as a tray for parents and child seat cupholders. This will let you keep your essentials at fingertips when you're on the go.

You could also consider a model that has an integrated weather canopy to shield your child from the elements. Other features that are beneficial include locking front wheels to make it easier to maneuver as well as a tray for the parent that is easy to access and self-standing fold.

The ultimate in convenience and security, a Doona travel system bundle allows you to seamlessly move your infant from the car seat to the pushchair without causing any disturbance. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the car seat's belt buckle, then snaps on to the pushchair frame. This revolutionary system allows you to be ready from birth and save time on daily tasks.

Another alternative is the egg3 an award-winning, attractive 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to place your baby in the car seat for your egg from the moment they are born and switch them over to the twin pushchair seat when they're big enough. With adaptors for car seats that are compatible with the majority of major brands, this system is a great option for those who don't have cars.

The egg3 is able to be converted into a tandem with the optional egg2/3 adaptors if you have twins or are expanding your family. The egg car seat features intelligent SensorSafe technology that will alert you in real time via your smartphone if there are four potential dangers. These include sudden chest clip unbucklings, temperatures too warm or cold in the car seat or your child being in the carrier for too long.

If you want to ensure that your pushchair is in great condition for the next trip out, consider purchasing a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilizing fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.