What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a type of chair on wheels specifically designed for infants starting at 6 months. They usually have seats that recline to lay flat and feature a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used with a carrycot or car seats to form a travel systems. This lets your baby effortlessly move from car to pushchair without disturbing them.

Safety

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

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

When choosing a pushchair car seat, it's worth considering one that can recline and lie flat position. This is crucial for infants as research shows that babies who spend a large amount of time in a straight position can have breathing problems. This is because their airways are restricted by the scrunched up design of the car seat and they struggle to absorb oxygen.

If you prefer, you can choose a car seat that is able to snap onto the chassis of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This allows you to switch between your the stroller and car simpler, since you don't have to wake your baby up every time you need to switch modes of transportation.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to decrease the force of a crash by offering extra padding, energy-absorbing material and protecting your baby's chest, shoulders and head. This kind of protection could be crucial in the case of a side collision which is a greater risk for young babies.

Another safety feature that is beneficial 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 your pushchair comes with this since it's a legal requirement in all coach-built car seats.

Easy of Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most commonly used baby items so it's essential that it has good comfort and convenience features. There are a variety of accessories available, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the infant or a handlebar that can be adjusted to suit parents' needs.

Some pushchairs car seats include the option of a carrycot, which is ideal for newborns. It lets them sleep in a lie-flat position that is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot can be swapped over for a pushchair seat when they're older, and many are compatible with an automobile seat base as well.

When selecting a pushchair make sure you choose one that folds easily and is compact in its fold, so it can be tucked away into small places or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat in place making it much more convenient to use. A brake is a must-have and there are many options based on your needs and lifestyle. A foot brake is great for everyday use, and an active hand brake is useful if you're often stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also jogger-style pushchairs that have three wheels which can help you keep momentum when going either uphill or downhill.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from-birth' allow you to choose which direction the seat is facing, either parent facing or world facing. This can be changed by simply pressing the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however, is a game changer because it lets you choose both. You can plug the infant car seat into the Doona and then sit it upright, like stroller or recline it to a full lie-flat position for babies. It's an incredible feature that works with or without the base inside your car and can be used on trains and planes!

If you are planning to frequent travel or use ride-share cars A lightweight seat that is easy to put in is a necessity. Make sure the base is easy to click in and out. Also, think about an all-in-one travel system that includes all your essentials.

Style

Style is a personal choice and you can find something that will suit both parents and babies. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose a sleek and elegant look, or something more striking. There are lots of options that are available from top brands so whether you're looking for something classic and contemporary or vibrant and modern, you'll find it.

You'll also need to consider how much you're willing 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 an infant car seat and a carrycot in all-in-one package. This is the ultimate in comfort and convenience for families that are constantly on the go.

A lot of pushchairs come with a lie-flat seat option which allows babies to rest in a flat position that is recommended by experts to help with lung and spinal development. Some brands go an extra mile by including a premium one hand recline system that lets you press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair to a more comfy position.

Some models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars, running Pushchair and other features to allow you to customize the seat to meet your child's changing needs. Some even have a reversible seating option so that your child can sit with you for reassurance, bonding or go out into the world around them to explore.

Additionally, some brands offer a variety of accessories for your pushchair, such as feetmuffs for colder temperatures and sun parasols to protect your child from the sun. A sunshade is essential as it can help prevent your baby overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness which is designed to hold your child at their shoulders and hips, the most rigid parts of their body. This is a safest and secure method to restrain your child's body in their pushchair and you should only use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. You can find new one-pull systems, such as the Cybex Pram, which permit you to precisely fit your baby's seatbelt in only one pull. This guarantees a secure and secure fitting.

Storage

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat (Recommended Browsing) can be quite heavy. To ensure you have plenty of room pick car seats with large storage bins, parent tray, and cup holders for your child's seat. This will help keep all your essentials at hand when you are out and out and about.

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

Doona travel systems bundles offer the best in convenience and security. You can easily transfer your child from their car seat to their pushchair, without having to disturb them. The Doona ISOFIX base is secured to the car seat's belt buckle and then clicks onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system means that you can be ready to go from birth, and save time on daily running errands.

Egg3 is another alternative. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system allows you to put your infant in a car seat when they are born. You can then change them to a pushchair unit once they reach the appropriate age. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with the majority of major brands, this product is a great option for those who don't own an automobile.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 offers the capacity to convert into tandem with the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. With its the intelligent SensorSafe technology, the egg car seat will notify you via your phone in real-time if there are 4 potentially unsafe conditions - unexpected chest clip not buckled, temperature too hot or cold in the carrier or your child being sitting for too long.

If you want to ensure your pushchair is in great condition for your next trip out, you should consider purchasing an hood fabric refresh kit or a complete clean service. Start by vacuuming first, then wiping it down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilizing fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.