What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a baby chair with wheels that is made for babies as young as 6 months old. They usually have an adjustable seat that can recline and lie flat, and feature a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used right from birth by adding the appropriate car seat or carrycot to create an entire travel pushchair system. This allows your child to move effortlessly from the car to the pushchair, without being distracted.

Safety

There are a number of essential safety features you should look for in a pushchair car seat. If you're thinking of buying a brand new or second hand model, it's important to ensure that your chosen pushchair meets the necessary British standards and requirements.

Check that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will ensure that it is safe for children and babies to use. This will include ensuring that it's fitted with an effective locking device and that the brakes work properly (check them often).

It is important to look for a car seat that can recline into a flat position when you are choosing a pushchair. This is important for newborns because research has shown that babies who spend a large amount of time in a seated position can experience breathing problems. The car seat's scrunched-up shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.

You can also select an option that includes the baby car seat that fits perfectly into the frame of your stroller. This will make the transition from triple stroller to car much easier as you won't have to wake your child every time you change modes of transport.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to lessen the force of a crash by offering additional padding, energy-absorbing materials and protecting your baby's shoulders, chest, and head. This type of protection can be particularly important in the event of a side-on collision, which is more dangerous for infants.

Another important safety feature is a top tether. This prevents car seats from whirling forward during an accident and can also reduce the chance of head hits. Make sure that your pushchair comes with this as it is a legal requirement for all car seats that are coach-built.

User-Friendliness

A pushchair car seat is one of the most frequently used baby products so it's essential to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are numerous options for accessories, whether it's an easy cushion for the infant or a handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents.

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot which is perfect for infants. It allows them the opportunity to sleep flat which is ideal for their health and growth. A carrycot can be swapped over for a pushchair seat when they're older and most can work safely with the base of a car seat too.

When you are choosing a stroller, make sure you choose one that folds easily and has a compact fold that allows it to fit in tight spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models even fold with the seat still attached, making them much easier to use. There are many different brake options to choose from based on your lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for everyday use, while an active hand brake is useful if you're often stopping and starting on busy streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers that have three wheels to aid in maintaining your momentum when moving upwards or downwards.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs allow you to select which direction the seat is facing, either parent facing or the world facing. It is possible to change this by simply clicking the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however is a game changer as it allows you to select both. You can plug the infant car seat into the Doona and then set it upright, like stroller, or recline it into a lie-flat position for babies. This feature is remarkable because it can be used without or with the base of your car. It is also utilized on planes and trains!

If you plan to travel frequently or use ride-share cars A lightweight seat that is easy to put in is a must. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out. Also, consider an all-in-one travel system that includes everything you need.

Style

Style is a personal preference It is possible to find something that will suit both parents and babies. Depending on your budget and taste, you can choose an elegant and stylish look, or something more eye-catching. There are a variety of choices offered by top brands, so whether you're looking for something classic and contemporary or vibrant and modern, you'll find it.

It is also important to consider how much you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to purchase an entire travel system that includes both a car seat as well as the carrycot. This is the ultimate in comfort and convenience for families that are constantly traveling.

A lot of pushchairs come with a lie-flat seat option which allows babies to sleep in a fully flat position, which is recommended by experts to help with lung and spinal development. Some brands go the extra mile and offer a premium one-handed reclining system, allowing you to simply press an option to recline your pushchair's seat for Strollers a more comfortable position.

Some pushchairs come with adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features, so you can adapt them to your growing child's requirements. Some models are reversible chair so that your child can face you to bond and be reassured or face the world for exploration.

Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs, such as feetmuffs for colder weather or sun parasols that protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade is especially important because it can prevent your baby overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness which is designed to restrain your child's shoulders and hips, the most rigid parts of their body. This is the safest and most secure method of securing your child in their pushchair. You should only use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. Look out for new harnesses that have a one-pull mechanism similar to the Cybex Priam which allow you to precision-fit your child's seat belt with just the release of a strap making sure it is secure and safe fit.

Stores

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. Therefore, the best method to ensure you have enough space is to go for one that has large storage baskets along with a tray for the parents and cup holders for your child's seat. This will let you keep your essentials close at the ready when you're on the go.

You could also consider one with an built-in weather canopy that will shield your child from the elements. Other helpful features include lockable swivel front wheels to allow for greater maneuverability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold that means it is super-easy to store away when not in use.

Doona travel systems bundles offer the best in convenience and security. It is easy to transfer your infant from their car seat to their pushchair, without disrupting them. The Doona ISOFIX base attaches to the vehicle's car seat belt buckle and then clicks onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system lets you to be ready from the moment you are born and save time in running chores.

Egg3 is another option. This award-winning travel system allows you to put your infant in a car seat as they are born. You can then switch them to a pushchair unit once they reach the appropriate age. This system is ideal for those who do not have cars, since it includes car seat adaptors that are compatible with all major brands.

The egg3 can be transformed into a tandem using the optional egg2/3 adaptors when you have twins or want to expand your family. The egg car seat is equipped with intelligent SensorSafe technology that will notify you in real time via your smartphone if there are four potential dangers. These include unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or warm in the car seat or your baby being seated for too long.

If you want to make sure your pushchair is in top condition for your next trip out, consider investing in a hood fabric refresh kit or a thorough clean service. Begin by vacuuming, then wipe down the fabric with soapy water or sterilizing water.