What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is an infant chair with wheels specifically designed for babies as little as 6 months old. They typically have a seat that can recline to lay flat and come with a five-point harness.

Some prams pushchairs prams are able to be used from birth by incorporating a compatible car seat or carrycot to create a compact travel stroller system. This lets your baby effortlessly move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.

Safety

There are a number of important safety features to be looking for in a car seat. Whether you're considering a brand new or second-hand model it is essential to ensure that the pushchair you select meets the essential British standards and guidelines.

Make sure that your pushchair meets BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you purchase it. This will guarantee that it's safe for babies and children to use. This includes ensuring that it's equipped with a safe locking device and that the brakes are operating effectively (check these often).

It is important to look for car seats that recline to a flat, comfortable position when choosing a pushchair. This is essential for infants because research has shown that babies who spend a lot of time in a straight position may experience breathing issues. The car seat's wavy shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

Alternatively, you can opt for a baby car seat that snaps onto the chassis of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from car to stroller newborn much easier since you won't have to wake your child every time you change modes of transportation.

A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to decrease the force of a collision, by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to safeguard your baby's head, shoulders and chest. This type of protection is particularly important in the event collisions with the sides that could be deadly for young babies.

Another important safety feature is the top tether. This stops the car seats from spinning forward during an accident and can also reduce the chance of head hits. Make sure your pushchair has this feature as it's a legal requirement in all car seats that are coach-built.

Easy to 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 accessories available, whether it's a cushion that is comfortable for the infant or a handlebar with an adjustable height to accommodate parents' needs.

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

Choose a model that can be folded easily and compactly so that it can fit into small spaces or in the trunk of your car. Some models even fold with the seat still attached, making them much easier to use. There are many different brake options to choose from based on your needs. A foot brake is ideal for everyday use, while an active handbrake is beneficial if you are frequently stopping and starting on traffic-filled streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three wheels that keep you on track while going downhill or uphill.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' will allow you to select the direction they face either towards the parent or world facing and this can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. The Doona, however is a game changer because it allows you to choose both. You can either insert the infant car seats into the Doona and then recline the seat into a lie-flat position for babies or sit it upright as stroller. It's an incredible feature that can be used with or without the base inside your car and can be used on trains and planes!

If you are planning to frequent travel or ride-share vehicles A lightweight seat that is easy to install is a must. Make sure that the base is easy to click in and out. Also, think about the possibility of a travel system that includes all your essentials.

Style

A pushchair's style is a very personal choice and it's easy to find something that suits both parent and baby. You can go for sleek, sophisticated design or something more eye-catching and exciting, based on your taste and budget. There are a variety of choices available from top brands, so whether you're looking for something timeless and modern or modern and colourful you'll be sure to find it.

You'll also need to consider the amount you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents decide to buy a travel system which includes the car seat and the carrycot. This offers ultimate convenience and comfort right from the beginning and is ideal for families with busy schedules who have to be out and about on a regular basis.

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

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 needs. Some models come with a convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can face you to connect and assure them or go out into the world to explore.

Certain brands also have accessories for pushchairs such as footmuffs in colder weather or sun parasols to shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade will help keep your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness which is designed to hold your child at their hips and shoulders, the most rigid points on their body. This is a safest and secure method to restrain your child's body in their pushchair. You should only ever use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. Look out for new one-pull harness systems similar to the Cybex Priam, which allows you to precision-fit your child's seat belt with just the pulling of a strap, guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.

Stores

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. In this regard, the best way to ensure you have enough space is to opt for one that has an ample storage basket, 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.

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

Doona travel systems bundles offer the most convenient and security. It is easy to transfer your child from their car seat to their pushchair, without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX base attaches to the car seat's belt buckle, and then snaps on to the pushchair frame. This revolutionary system means you'll be ready to go right from birth, thereby making it easier to run your daily errands.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3 in one pushchair in 1 travel system that enables you to place your baby in the car seat of an egg from the moment they are born and switch the seat to a pushchair seat once they're large enough. With adaptors for car seats that work with all major brands, this system is the ideal choice for those who don't have an automobile.

If you are expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 comes with the ability to be converted into a tandem using the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. Equipped with intelligent SensorSafe technology, the egg car seat will alert you via your smartphone in real-time if there are 4 potentially unsafe conditions: chest clip not buckled temperatures that are too hot or cold in the carrier, or your baby being in a seated position for too long.

You should consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair will be in perfect condition for your next journey. Begin by vacuuming and then wipe the fabric with soapy water or sterilizing water.