What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a type of chair on wheels designed for babies starting at 6 months. They typically have seats that recline and lie flat, and feature a five-point harness.

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

Safety

There are several safety features that you should look for when choosing a car seat to use as a pushchair. Whether you're considering a brand new or second-hand model, it is essential to ensure that the pushchair you select meets the required British standards and guidelines.

Make sure that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 7409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will guarantee that it's safe for infants and children to ride in. This includes ensuring that it has a locking device that is secure and that 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 because research has shown that babies who spend a lot of time in a seated position can have breathing problems. The car seat's scrunched-up shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

You can also opt for a travel system that comes with a baby car-seat that fits perfectly into the frame of your foldable stroller. This will make the transition from stroller to car much easier as you won't have to wake your baby every time you change modes of transportation.

Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to lessen the impact force by supplying extra padding, energy-absorbing material and securing your baby's shoulders, chest, and head. This kind of protection could be crucial in the case of a collision on the side which is more risky for babies in the earliest stages of development.

A top tether strap is a important safety feature to look out for to prevent the car seat from whipping forward in an accident, and can reduce the chance of head injuries. This is a legal requirement for all car seats that are coach-built.

Easy of Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most commonly used baby items therefore it's crucial to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. If it's a comfy cushion for your baby's seat or a handlebar that can be adjusted for parents, there are numerous accessories to pick from!

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

When choosing a pushchair, ensure that it 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 attached, making it simpler to use. A brake is an essential item and there are many options depending on your lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for general everyday use while an active hand brake can be useful if you're often stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also jogger style pushchairs with three wheels that help you maintain the momentum when you go either uphill or downhill.

Most 'from birth' pushchairs will let you choose the direction they face either towards the parent or world facing, and this can be changed by pressing the seat into the chassis. The Doona, however, is a game changer because it allows you to choose both. You can plug the infant car seat into the Doona and then put it upright, like stroller or recline it to a full lie-flat mode for babies. It's an amazing feature that can be used with or without the base in your vehicle and can even be used on trains and planes!

If you plan on traveling frequently or using ride-share cars, a lightweight and easy to set up seat is essential. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed in and out. Also, think about the possibility of a travel system that includes everything you need.

Style

The style of a pushchair is a very personal choice and it's easy to find a style that is suitable for both parents and children. Based on your budget and taste, you can choose an elegant and stylish style, or something more striking. Top brands provide a wide range of options and you can pick from something modern and colourful or classic and contemporary.

It is also important to consider the amount 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 an entire travel system that includes an infant car seat and a carrycot in all-in-one package. This is the ultimate in convenience and comfort for families that are constantly traveling.

Many pushchairs have a seat that is lie-flat, allowing newborn babies to rest in a flat position, which is suggested by experts as it helps in the development of the lungs and spine. Some brands go the extra mile and offer a top-quality one-handed recline system so that you can simply press an option to recline your pushchair's seat for a more comfortable position.

Some models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars, and other features to let you customize them for your child's growing needs. Some models come with a reclined chair so that your child can face you to bond and assure them or go out into the world to explore.

Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs such as socks for colder weather, or sun parasols to shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade is essential because it can prevent your baby overheating.

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

Stores

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. As a result the best way to make sure you have enough space is to opt for one that has a large storage basket as well as a tray for parents and cup holders for your child's seat. This will enable you to keep your essentials close at fingertips when you're on the go.

You can also look for a model that has a built-in weather canopy to ensure your child's safety from the elements. Other useful features include lockable swivel wheels on the front to provide you with more maneuverability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold, so it's easy to store when not in use.

The ultimate in convenience and safety The ultimate in convenience and safety, a Doona travel system bundle allows you to effortlessly transfer your infant from the car seat to the pushchair without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the car seat's belt buckle, and then snaps on to the pushchair frame. This innovative system allows you to be ready from birth and save time in running pushchair chores.

Egg3 is another option. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system allows you to place your newborn in a car seat when they are born, and change them to the pushchair when they reach the proper age. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with most major brands, this model is the ideal choice for those who don't have a car.

The egg3 can be converted into a tandem with the egg2/3 adaptors available if you have twins or are expanding your family. With its the intelligent SensorSafe technology, the egg car seat will alert you via your smartphone in real-time if there are any of the following conditions - unexpected chest clip unbuckling the chest clip, a temperature that is too hot or too cold in the car seat or your child being in a seated position for too long.

If you're looking to ensure your pushchair is in top condition for the next trip out, think about purchasing a hood refresh kit or a complete cleaning service. Begin by vacuuming and then clean the fabric with soapy water or sterilising water.