What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

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

Some pushchairs can be used right from the time of birth, by incorporating the appropriate car seat or carrycot to create a travel system. This lets your baby effortlessly move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.

Safety

There are many security features to look for when choosing a car seat to use as a pushchair. It's important that the pushchair you choose meets British standards and regulations, whether it's a brand new model or a used one.

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

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

If you prefer, you can opt for a baby car seat that snaps onto the chassis of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from stroller travel to car much easier as you won't need to wake your baby each time you change modes of transport.

Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to lessen the force of a collision, by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing material to protect your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This kind of protection is especially crucial in the event of a side crash, which can be more deadly for young babies.

Another important safety feature is the top tether. This stops the car seats from spinning during an accident and can also reduce the chance of head collisions. This is a legal requirement for all car seats that are coach-built.

Simple to Use

A pushchair car seat is one of the most commonly used baby items so it's essential to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. If it's a comfy cushion for your baby's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are numerous accessories to pick from!

Some pushchairs have an infant carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It allows them to rest in a flat position which is ideal for their health and growth. If they get older the carrycot can be converted into a pushchair. It is also used with an automobile seat base.

When selecting a pushchair look for one that folds easily and has a compact fold so it can fit in tight spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat tucked in making it much simpler to use. A brake is also an essential item and there are several different options to choose from based on your preferences. A foot brake is suitable for everyday use, while an active handbrake is beneficial for those who are constantly stopping and beginning your journey on busy streets. There are also jogger type pushchairs with three wheels that help you maintain the momentum while going 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. It is possible to change this by simply clicking the seat onto the chassis. The Doona however, is a game changer because it allows you to select both. It is possible to plug in the infant car seat into the Doona and then put it upright as my babiie stroller or recline it into a lie-flat mode for babies. This feature is remarkable because it can work with or without an existing base in your car. It can also be used on trains and planes!

If you plan to travel frequently or use ride-share cars A lightweight seat that is easy to put in is essential. It is important to ensure that the base can be easily pushed into and out. Also, consider an all-in-one travel system which includes all the essentials.

Style

The style of a pushchair is a matter of personal preference and it's easy to find something that suits both parents and children. You can go for an elegant, sleek look or something more eye-catching and fun, based on your personal preferences and budget. Top brands offer a wide variety of options to choose from a contemporary and vibrant or traditional and contemporary.

You'll also have to consider the amount you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to purchase a travel system which includes the car seat and the carrycot. This gives you the most convenience and comfort from birth and is perfect for families with busy schedules who require to be out and out and.

Many pushchairs have the option of a lie-flat seat that allows newborns to sleep in a completely flat position that is recommended by experts to help with spinal and lung development. Some brands even go the extra mile and offer a premium one-handed reclining system, allowing you to simply press a button to recline your pushchair's seat for a more comfortable and comfortable position.

Some pushchairs come with 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 reversible chair so that your child can sit in front of you to connect and reassure them or face the world for exploration.

Finally, some brands offer a variety of accessories for your pushchair, such as feetmuffs for colder temperatures and sun parasols to shield your little one from the sun. A sunshade is essential as it will help to prevent your baby overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness which is designed to secure your child's hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid points on their body. This is the safest and most secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair and 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 with car seat that allow you to precisely adjust your baby's seatbelt in only one pull. This ensures a safe and secure fitting.

Stores

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. In this regard the best way to make sure you have enough space is to opt for one that has a large storage basket along with a tray for the parents and cup holders for the child's seat. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at hand when you are traveling.

Find models that have a canopy built-in to protect your child from the weather. Other helpful features include locking front wheels for better maneuverability, a parent tray that is easy to access, and an auto-standing fold.

Doona travel systems bundles provide the best in convenience and security. It is easy to transfer your child from their car seat to their pushchair without having to disturb them. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the vehicle belt buckle of the car seat, and then snaps onto the pushchair frame. This innovative system means you'll be ready to go from birth, making it easier to run your daily running errands.

The egg3 is a different option. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system lets you to place your newborn in a car seat as they are born, and switch them to an infant pushchair once they reach the right age. This system is perfect for those who don't have cars, since it includes car seat adaptors compatible with all major brands.

The egg3 is able to be converted into a tandem using egg2/3 adaptors that are available when you have twins or are looking to expand your family. The egg car seat comes with smart SensorSafe technology that will notify you in real-time through your smartphone when there are four potential dangers. These include sudden chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or warm in the car seat or your baby sitting for too long.

If you want to ensure that your pushchair is in top condition for your next trip out, consider purchasing an hood fabric refresh kit or a deep clean service. Begin by vacuuming and then wipe the fabric with soapy water or sterilizing water.