What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a seat on wheels specifically designed for infants starting at 6 months. They typically come with a seat that reclines to lie flat, and a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs are compatible with a carrycot or car seats to create travel system. This lets your child move effortlessly from the car to the pushchair, without being interrupted.

Safety

There are a number of essential safety features to look for in a car seat. If you're thinking of buying a brand new or second hand model, it's crucial to make sure that the pushchair you select meets the required British standards and requirements.

Make sure that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 749/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe for children and babies to travel strollers in. This will include ensuring that it's equipped with a secure locking device and that the brakes are working properly (check them frequently).

When selecting a pushchair car seat, it's also worth looking for one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is especially important for newborns, as studies have shown that babies who spend too much time in an upright position may have difficulty breathing. The car seat's scrunched-up shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.

You can also select an option that includes a baby car-seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your folding stroller. This will make the transition from car to stroller much easier since you won't have to wake up your child every when you switch modes of transport.

Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to reduce the force of a collision by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This kind of protection can be crucial in the case of a side collision which is a greater risk for babies in the earliest stages of development.

Another useful safety feature is the top tether. This prevents car seats from spinning in the event of an accident, and reduces the risk of head collisions. Make sure your pushchair comes with this since it's a legal requirement for all car seats made by coaches.

Simple to Use

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

Some pushchairs include a carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It lets them rest in a reclining position that is recommended for their health and development. If they get older, a carrycot can be converted into a pushchair. The majority can be used with the base of a car seat.

Find a pushchair that can be folded quickly and compactly, to fit into tiny spaces or the trunk of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached, making it more convenient to use. A brake is essential and there are several different options to choose from based on your preferences. A foot brake is ideal for general everyday use while an active hand brake can be useful if you're often stopping and starting on busy streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers that have three wheels to aid in maintaining your momentum when going downhill or uphill.

Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature let you choose which direction the seat faces, either parent facing or the world facing. It is possible to change this by simply putting the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however is a game changer because it allows you to choose both. You can choose to click the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat to a fully lying position for infants or use it as a stroller. It's an amazing feature that can be used with or without the base of your vehicle and can even be used on trains and planes!

If you plan on travelling frequently or using ride share cars, a lightweight and easy to install seat is essential. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out. Also, consider the possibility of a travel system which includes all the essentials.

Style

The design of a pushchair is a matter of personal preference and it's easy to find a style that is suitable for both parents and children. You can choose a sleek, sophisticated look or something that is more attractive and exciting, based on your preferences and budget. There are lots of options offered by top brands, so whether you want something classic and contemporary or modern and colourful you'll find it.

You'll also have to consider the amount you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents decide to buy a travel system which includes the car seat and the carrycot. This is the best in convenience and comfort for families that are always in motion.

Many pushchairs feature a lie-flat feature that lets newborns lie flat. This is a recommendation from experts because it helps with the development of the spine and lung. Some brands go the extra mile by offering a premium hand recliner that allows you to press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair to a more comfy position.

Certain models of pushchairs include footrests that can be adjusted, handlebars that are adjustable, and other features, so that you can customize the model to your child's requirements. Some models even have a reversible seat so that your baby can look at you for reassurance and bonding, or face the world around them to explore.

Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs such as feetmuffs for colder weather or sun parasols that shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade is especially important as it can help keep your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness that is designed to restrain your child at their hips and shoulders, the most rigid parts of their body. This is a safest and most secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair and you should only use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. There are many new one-pull systems, like the Cybex pram double that allow you to precisely fit your baby's seatbelt with only one pull. This will ensure a safe and secure fitting.

Storage

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. Therefore the best method to ensure you have enough space is to opt for one with large storage baskets, parent tray and child seat cup holders. This will ensure that you have everything you need when you're out and about.

You may also search for models with an built-in weather canopy that will shield your child from the elements. Other helpful features include locking front wheels that allow for better maneuverability as well as a tray for the parent that is easy to access and a self standing fold.

Doona travel systems bundles provide the best in convenience and security. It is easy to transfer your baby from their car seat to their pushchair without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the car seat's belt buckle and then clicks on to the pushchair frame. This innovative system allows you to be ready from birth and cut down on daily chores.

Another alternative is the egg3 an award-winning, attractive 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to put your baby in the car seat of an egg from birth and then swap the seat to a pushchair seat once they are big enough. This is a great option for those who do not have the luxury of a car, as it comes with car seat adaptors that work with all major brands.

If you're looking to expand your family or have twins, the egg3 comes with the versatility to convert to tandem using the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. Featuring smart SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will notify you via your smartphone in real-time when there are any of the following conditions: chest clip not buckled the chest clip, a temperature that is too hot or too cold in the carrier, or your baby being in a seated position for too long.

Consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair is in great condition for your next journey. Begin by vacuuming, then wipe the fabric with warm soapy or sterilising water.