What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is an infant chair with wheels made for babies as young as 6 months. They are often equipped with a seat that can recline to lay flat, and a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth by incorporating a compatible carrycot or car seat to create an entire travel system. This lets your child move effortlessly from the car to the pushchair, without being disturbed.

Safety

There are many essential safety features you should look for in a pushchair car seat. It is crucial that the pushchair you choose is in compliance with British standards and regulations, regardless of whether it's brand new or a second-hand model.

Check that your pushchair is compliant with BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will ensure that it's safe for infants and stroller newborn children to use. This includes ensuring that it's equipped with an effective locking device and that the brakes work properly (check these frequently).

When you are choosing a car seat, it's worth considering one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is especially crucial for babies, as research has shown that young babies who spend too much time in a straight position might have trouble breathing. The car seat's wavy shape blocks their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

You can also opt for a travel system that includes the baby car seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller. This makes the transition between stroller and car easier, as you won't need to wake your baby up each time you need to switch modes of transport.

A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to reduce impact force by offering extra padding, energy-absorbing material and also protecting your baby's shoulders, chest and head. This type of protection is particularly crucial in the event of collisions with the sides which could be dangerous for babies.

A top tether strap is another useful security feature to search for to prevent the car seat from moving forward in the event of an accident. It also can reduce the risk of head injuries. Make sure that your pushchair is equipped with this feature since it's a legal requirement in all car seats made by coaches.

Simple to Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products therefore it's crucial to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. It doesn't matter if it's a comfortable cushion for the baby's seat or a handlebar that can be adjusted for parents, there are plenty of accessories to choose from too!

Some pushchairs come with an infant carrycot that is ideal for babies. It allows them to rest in a reclining position, which is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot can be swapped over to a pushchair when they're older, and many can work safely with an automobile seat base as well.

Look for a pushchair that can be folded easily and compactly so that it fits into small spaces or in the trunk of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached making it much more convenient to use. A brake is an essential item and there are many options based on your needs and lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for general everyday use while a hand brake that is active is a great option if you're often stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also jogger type pushchairs that have three wheels which can help you keep momentum when going either uphill or downhill.

Most 'from birth' pushchairs will let you choose which direction they face, either parent facing or facing the world, and this can be changed by pressing the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is an innovation that elevates this to a new level with the option of both. You can choose to click the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat into a lying position for infants or sit it upright as a stroller. It's an incredible feature that works with or without the base in your vehicle and can even be utilized on trains and planes!

If you plan on traveling frequently or using ride share cars, a lightweight and easy to install seat is essential. Ensure the base can be pushed in and out quickly, and think about purchasing a travel system bundle that includes all the essentials.

Style

The design of a pushchair is a matter of personal preference and it's not difficult to find one that will suit both parents and children. You can choose a sleek, sophisticated look or something more striking and fun, depending on your taste and budget. There are plenty of options available from top brands, pushchairs so whether you're looking for something classic and contemporary or vibrant and modern, you'll surely find it.

You'll also have to consider the amount you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents decide to purchase a travel system that comes with an infant car seat and a carrycot all in one package. This is the ultimate in comfort and convenience for families who are always in motion.

Many pushchairs have a seat that is lie-flat, allowing newborn babies to rest in a flat position, which is suggested by experts for helping in the development of the lungs and spine. Some brands go above and beyond by offering a premium hand reclining system that allows you to simply press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair into more comfortable posture.

Some models of pushchair also include footrests that can be adjusted, handlebars that are adjustable, and other features, so that you can tailor them to your growing child's requirements. Some models have a convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can face you to connect and reassure them or face the world to explore.

Additionally, some brands offer a variety of accessories for your pushchair, such as feetmuffs for colder temperatures and sun parasols to shield your child from the sun. A sunshade can prevent your baby from becoming overheated.

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

Storage

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. To ensure that you have enough space make sure you choose an infant car seat that has a large storage bin as well as a tray for parents and child seat cupholders. This will ensure that you have everything you need when you're out and about.

Look for models with a built-in canopy to shield your child from the elements. Other useful features include locking front wheels for greater maneuverability, a parent tray that is easy to access, and a self standing fold.

The ultimate in convenience and security The ultimate in convenience and safety, a Doona travel system bundle lets you to effortlessly move your child from the car seat to the pushchair without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the belt buckle of the car seat, and then it snaps onto the pushchair frame. This revolutionary system allows you to be ready from birth and cut down in running tasks.

Another alternative is the egg3 an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to place your baby in the egg car seat from birth and then swap the seat to a pushchair seat when they're large enough. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with the majority of major brands, this model is the ideal choice for those who don't have a car.

The egg3 is able to be converted into a tandem using the optional egg2/3 adaptors when you have twins or want to expand your family. The egg car seat features an intelligent SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real-time via your smartphone if there are four possible dangers. This includes unexpected chest clip buckles that are not secured, temperatures too cold or warm in the carrier or your child being in the carrier for too long.

If you're looking to ensure that your pushchair is in good condition for your next trip out, think about purchasing a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service. Begin by vacuuming, then wipe down the fabric using warm soapy or sterilizing water.