What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a baby chair with wheels specifically designed for babies as young as 6 months old. They are often equipped with a seat that can recline to lie flat, and a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth by adding a compatible car seat or carrycot to create an entire travel system. This lets your baby effortlessly move from car to pushchair, without causing disturbance.

Safety

There are many important safety features you should look for in a pushchair car seat. Whether you're considering a brand new or second hand model, it's important to ensure that the pushchair you select meets the necessary British standards and requirements.

Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will guarantee that it's safe for infants and children to ride in. This includes ensuring that it has an locking device that is secure and that the brakes work well.

It is important to choose car seats that recline into a flat position when you are choosing a pushchair. This is important for newborns as research shows that babies who spend a large amount of time in a straight position may experience breathing issues. This is because their airways become restricted due to the squishy design of the car seat, and they struggle to take in oxygen.

You can also choose a travel system that comes with a baby car-seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller newborn. This allows the transition between car and stroller a lot simpler, since you don't have to wake your child up each time you need to switch between modes of transport.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to lessen the impact force by providing extra padding, energy-absorbing material and also protecting your baby's shoulders, chest, and head. This type of protection is especially crucial in the event of a side crash that could be deadly for young babies.

Another safety feature that is beneficial is the top tether. This prevents car seats from whirling forward in the event of an accident, and can also reduce the chance of head injuries. Make sure your child's pushchair comes with this as it's a legal requirement for all coach-built car seats.

Easy to Use

A pushchair car seat is one of the most frequently used baby products so it's essential to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. Whether that's a comfortable cushion for your baby's seat or a handlebar that can be adjusted for parents, there are also plenty of accessories to choose from!

Some pushchairs come with the option of a carrycot, which is perfect for babies. It allows them the opportunity to sleep flat, which is best for their health and growth. As they age the carrycot can be converted into a pushchair. Most can also be used with an automobile seat base.

When you are choosing a stroller, look for one that folds easily and is able to fold so it can fit in tight spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models can fold with the seat attached, making them more user-friendly. A brake is also essential and there are many options depending on your lifestyle. A foot brake is suitable for daily use, and an active handbrake can be useful for those who are constantly stopping and starting on busy streets. There are also pushchairs prams pushchairs that resemble joggers with three wheels that help you maintain momentum while going downhill or uphill.

Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to select which direction the seat will face either the direction of the parent or the world facing. This can be changed by simply clicking the seat onto the chassis. However the Doona is an innovative product that elevates this to the next level, with the option of both. You can choose to click the infant car seats into the Doona and then recline the seat to a lie-flat position for babies or sit it upright as stroller travel. This feature is amazing because it can be used without or with an existing base in your car. It is also used on trains and planes!

If you plan to travel frequently or use ride-share vehicles, a lightweight seat that is easy to install is essential. Ensure the base can be pushed in and out quickly and look into an all-in-one travel system that includes all the essentials.

Style

A pushchair's style is a matter of personal preference and it's easy to find something that suits both parent and baby. You can go for an elegant, sleek look or something more eye-catching and fun, depending on your taste and budget. There are plenty of options that are available from top brands so whether you're looking for something timeless and modern or vibrant and modern, you'll be sure to find it.

It is also important to consider how much you're willing to invest in your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to purchase a travel system which includes both a car seat and a carrycot. This provides the ultimate convenience and comfort right from the beginning and is perfect for busy families who require to be out and about on a regular basis.

Many pushchairs have a seat that is lie-flat which allows babies to rest in a flat position, which is recommended by experts for helping with spinal and lung development. Some brands go the extra mile and include a premium one-handed reclining system so that you can simply press the button to recline your pushchair's seat to a more comfortable sitting position.

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

Some brands also offer a variety of pushchair accessories including feetmuffs for colder temperatures and sun parasols that protect your child from the sun. A sunshade can prevent your baby from becoming overheated.

The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness which is designed to hold your child at their hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid points of their body. This is the most secure and most secure way to restrain your child's body 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 with car seat that permit you to precisely fit your baby's seatbelt with just a single pull. This will ensure a safe and secure fitting.

Storage

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. In this regard the best method to ensure you have enough space is to go for one with a large storage basket as well as a tray for parents and cup holders for your child's seat. This will ensure that you have everything you need while you are out and out and about.

Choose models that have a canopy built-in to protect your child from the weather. Other useful features include lockable front wheels for better maneuverability and a tray for parents that is easy to access and self-standing fold.

The ultimate in convenience and safety A Doona travel system bundle lets you to seamlessly move your infant from the car seat to the pushchair, without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the vehicle's car seat belt buckle, and then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system means you'll be ready start your journey from the moment you are born, making it easier to run your daily tasks.

Another alternative is the egg3 an award-winning, attractive 3-in-1 travel system that allows you to put your baby in the car seat for your egg from birth and then swap them to a pushchair seat once they're big enough. This is a great option for those without a car, as it comes with car seat adaptors that are compatible with all major brands.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the capacity to convert into a tandem using the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. Equipped with the intelligent SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will alert you via your smartphone in real-time when there are any of the following conditions - unexpected chest clip not buckled temperatures that are too hot or too cold in the car seat, or your baby being seated for too long.

Consider investing in a Hood refresh kit or deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair is in top condition for your next journey. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilizing fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.