What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a baby chair with wheels that is made for babies as little as 6 months old. They are often equipped with a seat that reclines to lay flat, and a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth by adding an appropriate carrycot or car seat to create a travel system. This allows your baby to easily transfer from car to pushchair, without causing disturbance.

Safety

There are several essential safety features to look for in a car seat. It is crucial that the pushchair you choose is in compliance with British standards and regulations, no matter if it's brand new or a second-hand model.

Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 197409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will guarantee that it's safe for babies and children to use. This includes ensuring that it has an locking device that is safe and that the brakes are working properly.

When selecting a pushchair car seat, it's 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 large amount of time in a straight position may experience breathing issues. This is due to the fact that their airways become restricted due to the squishy shape of the car seat and they struggle to take in oxygen.

You can also opt for a travel system that comes with a baby car-seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your compact stroller. This allows you to switch between your car and stroller a lot simpler, since you don't have to wake your baby awake every time you want to switch modes of transportation.

Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to decrease the force of a collision, by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This type of protection can be especially important in the event of a side collision which is more risky for babies in the earliest stages of development.

A top tether strap is an additional useful security feature to search for, as this prevents the car seat from swaying forward in an accident and can help reduce the risk of head injuries. This is a legal requirement for all coach-built car seat.

Easy to Use

A pushchair car seat is one of the most frequently used baby products so it's important to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are many options available, including a comfortable cushion for the baby or an adjustable handlebar to fit the needs of parents' needs.

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that is ideal for infants. It allows them to rest in a flat position, which is best for their health and growth. A carrycot is a great alternative to a pushchair when they're older. Most are compatible with the base of a car seat too.

Look for a pushchair that folds easily and compactly so that it fits into tight spaces or the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat attached, making them easier to use. There are many different brake options to choose from based on your lifestyle. A foot brake is perfect for use in everyday life, and an active hand brake is a great option when you're frequently stopping and starting on busy streets. There are also jogger style pushchairs with three-wheeled designs which can help you keep momentum when going either uphill or downhill.

Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to select which direction the seat faces, either parent facing or facing the world. This can be changed by simply putting the seat onto the chassis. However, the Doona is a game changer 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 into a lie-flat position for babies or set it up as a stroller. This is a fantastic feature because it can be used without or with the base of your car. It can also be used on trains and planes!

If you plan on traveling frequently or using ride share vehicles A lightweight and easy to set up seat is a must. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out. Also, think about an all-in-one travel pushchair system which includes all the essentials.

Style

Style is a personal choice and you can find something that is suitable for both parents and infants. Based on your budget and preference you can select a sleek and sophisticated look, or something more eye-catching. There are lots of options offered by top brands, so whether you're looking for something timeless and modern or vibrant and modern, you'll find it.

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

Many pushchairs have a seat that is lie-flat that allows newborns to sleep in a fully flat position that is recommended by experts as it helps with spinal and lung development. Some brands go an extra mile by offering a premium hand recline system that allows you to simply push a button to recline the seat of your pushchair for an even more comfortable position.

Certain models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars, and other features that allow you to customize the seat to meet your child's changing needs. Some even have a reversible seat so that your baby can look at you for reassurance and bonding or can face the world to explore their surroundings.

Additionally, some brands offer a range of accessories for your pushchair, such as the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols to shield your child from the sun. A sunshade can prevent your child from overheating.

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 a safest and secure method to restrain your child's body in their pushchair and you should only use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. You can find new one-pull systems, such as the Cybex double pram that permit you to precisely fit your child's seatbelt using just a single pull. This ensures a safe and secure fitting.

Storage

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. To ensure you have plenty of room pick an infant car seat that has large storage bins along with a tray for parents as well as child seat cupholders. This will help keep all your essentials at hand when you are out and about.

Find models with a built-in canopy to shield your child from the weather. Other handy features include lockable swivel front wheels to give you more manoeuvrability and a parent tray that is easy to access and a self-standing fold so it's easy to store away when not in use.

The ultimate in convenience and security A Doona prams travel system system bundle allows you to seamlessly move your infant from the car seat to the pushchair without causing any disturbance. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the vehicle belt buckle on the car seat and then it snaps onto the pushchair frame. This innovative system means that you can be ready to go right from birth, thereby saving valuable time on everyday tasks.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3 in 1 travel system that allows you to take your newborn in the egg car seat from birth, and then switch them over to the pushchair seat once they are large enough. This system is ideal for those who don't have the luxury of a car, as it comes with car seat adaptors that work with all major brands.

If you are expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the versatility to convert to tandem with the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. With its intelligent SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will alert you via your phone in real-time if there are any of the following situations - chest clip not buckled temperatures that are too hot or too cold in the carrier, or your baby being seated for too long.

If you're looking to ensure that your pushchair is in top condition for the next trip out, you should consider purchasing an hood fabric refresh kit or a thorough cleaning service. Begin by vacuuming and then wipe down the fabric using warm soapy or sterilising water.