What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is an infant chair with wheels that is made for babies as young as 6 months. They usually have seats that recline to lie flat and have a five point harness.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth by adding a compatible carrycot or car seat to create an entire travel system. This lets your child move easily from the car to the pushchair without being distracted.

Safety

There are several important safety features to be looking for in a pushchair car seat. Whether you're considering a brand new or second-hand model, it is essential to ensure that your chosen pushchair meets the required British standards and requirements.

Check if your pushchair complies with BS 197409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe for infants and children to use. This includes making sure that it's equipped with an effective locking device and that the brakes work well (check them frequently).

It is important to look for car seats that recline to a flat position when choosing a pushchair. This is important for newborns as research shows that babies who spend a lot of time in a straight position may experience breathing issues. The car seat's scrunched-up shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

You can also select a travel system that comes with the baby car seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller. This allows the transition between car and stroller a lot simpler, since you don't need to wake your baby awake every time you want to switch modes of transportation.

Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to reduce the force of a collision, by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to safeguard your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This kind of protection could be particularly important in the event of a collision on the side which is a greater risk for young babies.

Another useful safety feature is the top tether. This stops the car seats from whirling forward in the event of an accident, and reduces the risk of head injuries. This is a legal requirement on every coach-built car seat.

Easy of Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products therefore it's crucial to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are many options available, including an easy cushion for the baby or an adjustable handlebar to accommodate parents.

Some pushchairs have a carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It lets them sleep in a flat position that is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot can be exchanged to a pushchair seat once they're older and most are compatible with an automobile seat base as well.

When selecting a pushchair look for one that folds easily and is compact in its fold that allows it to fit in small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached, making them more user-friendly. There are many different brake options that are available based on your lifestyle. A foot brake is suitable for daily use, and an active handbrake can be useful for those who are constantly stopping and beginning your journey on busy streets. There are also pushchairs prams that resemble joggers that have three wheels to help you maintain momentum while going uphill or downward.

Most pushchairs that are "from birth" will allow you to select the direction they face, either parent facing or facing the world, and this can be changed by putting the seat into the chassis. However the Doona is a game changer that elevates this to the next level with the option of both. It is possible to plug in the infant car seat into the Doona and then put it upright like stroller or recline it into a lie-flat mode for babies. It's an amazing feature that works with or without the base inside your vehicle. It can also be used on planes and trains!

If you intend to travel frequently or use ride-share cars A light seat that is easy to install is essential. Make sure that the base can be clicked in and out quickly and consider looking for an all-in-one travel system that includes all of your essentials.

Style

Style is a personal preference and you can find something that will suit both parents and babies. Depending on your budget and taste you can pick a sleek and elegant look, or something more appealing. Top brands provide a wide range of options to choose from a contemporary and vibrant or classic and contemporary.

It is also important to consider the amount you're willing to invest in your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to buy an entire travel system that includes an infant car seat and a carrycot in the all-in-one package. This is the best in convenience and comfort for families who are always traveling.

Many pushchairs have a lie-flat seat option that allows newborns to rest in a flat position that is recommended by experts as it helps with lung and spinal development. Some brands go an extra mile by including a premium one hand recline system that allows you to simply press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair to a more comfy position.

Some models of pushchair also include adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features, so that you can customize them to your growing child's requirements. Some models have a reversible chair so that your child can face you to bond and assure them or go out into the world to explore.

Finally, some brands offer a variety of pushchair accessories including the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols that protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade is particularly important because it can keep your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness that is designed to secure your child's hips and shoulders, the most rigid points on their body. This is the safest and secure method to restrain your child's body in their pushchair. You should only ever use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. There are new one-pull systems, like the Cybex pram store near me, that allow you to precisely fit your baby's seatbelt with only one pull. This ensures a safe and secure fitting.

Stores

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. To ensure that you have enough space pick an infant car seat that has an ample storage bin, parent tray, and cup holders for your child's seat. This will ensure that you have everything you need when you're out and out and about.

You can also look for a model that has a built-in weather canopy to shield your child from the elements. Other helpful features include lockable swivel wheels on the front to allow for greater maneuverability and a parent tray that is easy to access and a self-standing fold that means it's easy to store away when not in use.

Doona travel systems bundles offer the ultimate in convenience and security. You can easily transfer your infant from their car seat to their pushchair, without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the vehicle car seat belt buckle, and then snaps onto the pushchair frame. This innovative system means that you can be ready to start your journey from the moment you are born, and save time on daily tasks.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, attractive 3-in-1 travel system that allows you to put your baby in the car seat of an egg from birth, and then switch them to a pushchair seat unit when they're big enough. This is a great option for those who do not have a car, as it comes with car seat adaptors that work with all major brands.

The egg3 can be transformed into a tandem with the egg2/3 adaptors available in case you have twins or are looking to expand your family. Equipped with smart SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will notify you via your phone in real-time when there are four potentially dangerous conditions - unexpected chest clip not buckled temperatures that are too hot or cold in the carrier, or your baby being sitting for too long.

Consider purchasing a Hood refresh kit or deep cleaning service to ensure that your pushchair is in great condition for your next journey. Begin by vacuuming, then wipe down the fabric with warm soapy or sterilizing water.