What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a type of chair on wheels specifically designed for infants up to 6 months. They usually come with a seat that can recline to lie flat, as well as a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth by incorporating the appropriate car seat or carrycot to create a travel system. This lets your child move easily from the car to the pushchair, without being interrupted.

Safety

There are many security features to consider when selecting a car seat for a pushchair. No matter if you're looking at a new or second-hand model it's crucial to make sure that the model you choose is in line with the essential British standards and requirements.

Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 197409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will guarantee that it's safe for infants and children to ride in. This will include ensuring that it's fitted with a secure locking device and that the brakes work properly (check these regularly).

It is worth looking for an automobile seat that can recline to a flat position when you are choosing a pushchair. This is essential for infants because research has shown that babies who spend a large amount of time in a seated position can have breathing problems. The car seat's scrunched-up shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.

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

Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to decrease the impact force by offering extra padding, energy-absorbing materials and protecting your baby's chest, shoulders and head. This kind of protection is especially important in the event an accident on the side, which can be more fatal for infants.

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

Easy of Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most used baby products so it's essential that it has good comfort and convenience features. Whether that's a comfortable cushion for your baby's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are also numerous accessories to pick from too!

Some pushchairs come with an infant carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It gives them the chance to sleep flat and is beneficial for their health and growth. A carrycot can be swapped over for a pushchair seat when they're older and most can be used with an automobile seat base as well.

When choosing a foldable pushchair, look for one that folds easily and has a compact fold so it can fit in small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat in place, making it more convenient to use. There are numerous brake options available depending on your needs. A foot brake is great for use in everyday life, while a hand brake that is active can be useful if you're often stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also jogger type pushchairs that have three wheels that help you maintain the momentum while going uphill or downhill.

Most 'from birth' pushchairs will allow you to select which direction they face, either parent facing or world facing and this can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. The Doona however is a game changer since it allows you to choose both. It is possible to plug in the infant car seat into the Doona and then set it upright, like stroller or recline it to a full lie-flat position for babies. It's a fantastic feature that can be used with or without the base in your vehicle. It can also be used on planes and trains!

If you plan on travelling frequently or using ride share cars, a lightweight and easy to set up seat is essential. Make sure the base can be clicked in and out quickly and think about purchasing an all-in-one travel system that includes all of your essentials.

Style

Style is a personal choice It is possible to find something that suits both parents and babies. Based on your budget and preference you can pick a sleek and sophisticated look, or something more eye-catching. There are plenty of options that are available from top brands so whether you want something classic and contemporary or modern and colourful you'll surely find it.

It is also important to think about how much you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents opt to purchase a travel strollers system that has both a car seat as well as a carrycot. This provides the ultimate convenience and comfort right from the beginning and is perfect for busy families who need to get out and out and.

Many pushchairs feature the option of lying flat, which allows newborn babies to lay flat. This is a recommendation from experts due to its benefits for spinal development and lung development. Some brands go an extra mile by including a premium one hand recliner that lets you push a button to recline the seat of your pushchair into more comfortable posture.

Some models of pushchair also come with footrests, adjustable handlebars, and other features so you can adapt the model to your child's requirements. Some models are reversible chair so that your child can either face you to bond with and reassure them or face the world to explore.

Some brands also offer a variety of pushchair accessories including the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols that protect your child from the sun. A sunshade will help keep your child from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness which is designed to restrain your child at their hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid parts of their body. This is a safest and secure method of securing your child in their pushchair and you should only use pushchair twin car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. There are new one-pull systems, like the Cybex pram sets that allow you to precisely adjust your baby's seatbelt in 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. As a result, the best way to make sure you have enough space is to go for one that has large storage baskets along with a tray for the parents and child seat cup holders. This will enable you to keep your essentials at hand when you are on the go.

You can also look for one with a built-in weather canopy to ensure your child's safety from the elements. Other useful features include locking swivel front wheels to allow for greater maneuverability, an easy-access parent tray and a self-standing fold that means it's super easy to store when not in use.

The most convenient and secure A Doona travel system bundle lets you to effortlessly transfer your child from the car seat to the pushchair, without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the belt buckle of the car seat, and then it snaps onto the pram pushchair frame. This innovative system allows you to be ready from birth and save time on daily tasks.

Another alternative is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to put your baby in the egg car seat from birth and then swap them over to the pushchair seat unit when they're big enough. This system is perfect for those who do not have cars, since it comes with car seat adaptors compatible with all major brands.

If you are expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the versatility to convert to a tandem using the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. The egg car seat comes with smart SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real-time through your smartphone if there are four potential dangers. These include unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or hot in the carrier, or your baby being seated for too long.

Consider purchasing a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure that your pushchair is in great condition for your next trip. Start by vacuuming, then clean the fabric using warm soapy or sterilising water.