What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a seat with wheels that is designed for infants from 6 months. They often feature seats that recline to lie flat and feature a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth by adding the appropriate car seat or carrycot to create a travel system. This allows your baby to easily transfer from car to pushchair without disturbing them.

Safety

There are many essential safety features to look for in a pushchair car seat. No matter if you're looking at a new or second-hand model, it's crucial to make sure that your chosen pushchair meets the essential British standards and regulations.

Check that your pushchair is compliant with BS 7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you buy it. This will ensure that it is safe for children and babies to travel in. This includes ensuring that it has a locking device that is secure and that the brakes work well.

It's worth looking for an automobile seat that can recline to a flat position when you are choosing a pushchair. This is essential for infants as research shows that babies who spend a significant amount of time in a seated position can experience breathing problems. The car seat's wavy shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.

You can also opt for a travel system that includes an infant car-seat that can fit perfectly into the frame of your stroller. This will make the transition from stroller to car much simpler since you don't need to wake your child every when you switch modes of transportation.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to lessen the impact force by providing extra padding, energy-absorbing materials and also protecting your baby's shoulders, chest, and head. This type of protection is particularly important in the event collisions with the sides, which can be more dangerous for babies.

Another important safety feature is the top tether. This prevents the car seats from spinning in the event of an accident, and can also reduce the chance of head injuries. Make sure your pushchair comes with this, as it is a legal requirement for all coach-built car seats.

Simple to Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most used baby products so it's essential to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are a variety of accessories available, whether it's a cushion that is comfortable for the baby or a handlebar with an adjustable height to fit the needs of parents.

Some pushchairs come with the option of a carrycot, which is perfect for newborns. It allows them to sleep in a flat position which is ideal for their health and growth. If they get older the carrycot can be converted into a pushchair seat. The majority can be used with an automobile seat base.

When you are choosing a stroller, make sure you choose one that folds easily and is able to fold, so it can be tucked away into small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached making it much more convenient to use. A brake is also an essential item and there are a variety of options to choose from based on your preferences. A foot brake works well for daily use, and an active handbrake is beneficial if you are frequently stopping and starting in busy streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three wheels to help you maintain momentum while moving upwards or downwards.

Most pushchairs that are "from birth" will let you choose the direction they face either facing the parent or world facing and can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. The Doona, however, is a game changer as it allows you to choose both. You can choose to click the infant car seats into the Doona and then recline the seat to a lying position for infants or set it up as stroller. This feature is remarkable because it can work with or without a base in your car. It can also be used on planes and trains!

If you plan on traveling frequently or using ride-share cars A lightweight and easy to set up seat is essential. Make sure the base can be pushed into and out easily. Also, look into a travel system bundle which includes all of your essentials.

Style

Style is a personal preference and you can find something that is suitable for both parents and children. Based on your budget and taste, you can choose a sleek and elegant look, or something more eye-catching. There are a variety of choices that are available from top brands so whether you want something classic and contemporary or contemporary and vibrant, you'll be sure to find it.

You'll also have to consider the amount you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents opt to purchase a travel system that comes with the car seat and carrycot in one package. This is the ultimate in comfort and convenience for families who are always on the go.

Many pushchairs include a lie-flat seat option that allows newborns to sleep in a fully flat position, which is recommended by experts to help with spinal and lung development. Some brands 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 and comfortable position.

Some pushchairs include adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features so that you can customize them to your growing child's needs. Some models even have a reversible seat so that your child can sit with you for reassurance, bonding or can face the world around them to explore.

Finally, some brands provide a variety of pushchair accessories including the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols that protect your child from the sun. A sunshade is especially important as it can help prevent your baby overheating.

The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness that is designed to restrain your child at their hips and pushchair car Seat shoulders, the most rigid points of their body. This is a safest and most secure method to restrain your child's body in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. Be on the lookout for new harnesses that have a one-pull mechanism similar to the Cybex Priam that allow you to precision-fit your child's seat belt with only the pulling of a strap, ensuring a safe and secure fit.

Storage

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. To ensure that you have enough space, choose car seats with large storage bins along with a tray for parents as well as cup holders for the child seat. This will let you keep your essentials close at hand when you are traveling.

Choose models with a built-in canopy to protect your child from the weather. Other useful features include lockable swivel front wheels to give you more manoeuvrability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold so it is super-easy to store when not in use.

Doona travel systems bundles provide the most convenient and security. You can easily move your baby from their car seat to their pushchair without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the belt buckle of the car seat, and then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair with car seat. This revolutionary system means you'll be ready to start your journey from the moment you are born, making it easier to run your daily errands.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3 in 1 travel system that enables you to take your newborn in the car seat for your egg from the moment they are born and switch them to a pushchair seat unit when they're large enough. This system is perfect for those who do not have cars, since it comes with car seat adaptors that work with all major brands.

If you are expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the ability to be converted into tandem using the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. The egg car seat is equipped with an intelligent SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real time via your smartphone in case of four potential dangers. These include sudden chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or hot in the carrier, or your baby sitting for too long.

If you want to ensure your pushchair is in good condition for the next trip out, think about purchasing a hood fabric refresh kit or a complete 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 sunlight.