What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a baby chair with wheels designed for babies as young as 6 months. They usually come with a seat that reclines to lie flat, and a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth by adding an appropriate carrycot or car seat to create an entire travel system. This allows your baby to effortlessly move from car to pushchair without disturbing them.

Safety

There are several safety features you need to be looking for when selecting a car seat to use as a pushchair. It is essential that the car seat you choose is in compliance with British standards and regulations, no matter if it's brand new or a second-hand one.

Make sure your pushchair is in compliance with BS 197409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you purchase it. This will ensure that it's safe for babies and children to ride in. This includes ensuring that it's equipped with a secure locking device and that the brakes are operating properly (check these regularly).

When you are choosing a car seat, it's important to choose a seat that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is crucial for infants because research has shown that babies who spend a lot of time in a straight position can experience breathing problems. The car seat's scrunched-up shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.

You can also choose a travel system that includes the baby car seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller. This allows you to switch between your the stroller and car simpler, since you don't have to wake your child up every time you need to switch modes of transportation.

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

Another useful safety feature is a top tether. This prevents the car seats from spinning in the event of an accident, and can reduce the risk of head hits. This is a legal requirement on all car seats that are coach-built.

Easy of Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products therefore it's crucial that it has good comfort and convenience features. There are a variety of accessories available, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the baby or a handlebar with an adjustable height to accommodate parents' needs.

Some pushchairs include an infant carrycot that is ideal for babies. It allows them to sleep flat and is beneficial for their health and growth. A carrycot is a great alternative 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 boot of your vehicle. Some models even fold with the seat still attached, making them much more user-friendly. There are many different brake options available depending on your needs. A foot brake is great for general everyday use and an active hand brake is useful for those who are frequently stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also jogger type cheap pushchairs with three-wheeled designs that can help you maintain momentum when going uphill or downhill.

Most 'from birth' pushchairs will allow you to select the direction they face either towards the parent or world facing and can be changed by putting the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is an innovative product that elevates this to a new 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 set it up as a stroller. It's an incredible feature that works with or without the base inside your car and can be utilized on trains and planes!

If you intend to travel frequently or use ride-share cars A light seat that is simple to install is a necessity. It is important to ensure that the base is easy to click into and out. Also, consider a travel system package that includes everything you need.

Style

A pushchair's style is a very personal choice and it's easy to find a style that is suitable for both parents and children. You can choose sleek, sophisticated design or something that is more attractive and fun, depending on your personal preferences and budget. There are plenty of options available from top brands, so whether you want something classic and contemporary or contemporary and vibrant, you'll find it.

You'll also need to consider the amount you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to buy an entire travel system that includes the car seat and carrycot in the all-in-one package. This is the best travel pram in comfort and convenience for families who are always on the go.

Many pushchairs include a lie-flat seat option, Double Stroller allowing newborn babies to rest in a flat position that is recommended by experts to help with spinal and lung development. Some brands go the extra mile by offering a premium hand reclining system that allows you to push a button to recline the seat of your pushchair to an even more comfortable position.

Some pushchairs include adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features so that you can customize them to your growing child's needs. Some even have a reversible seating option so that your child can face you for reassurance and bonding, or face the world to explore their surroundings.

Some brands also offer a range of accessories for pushchairs, including feetmuffs for colder temperatures and sun parasols to shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade is especially important as it can help stop your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness that is designed to restrain your child's hips and shoulders, the most rigid points of their body. This is a safest and most secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair. You should only use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. Look out for new harnesses that have a one-pull mechanism like that found on the Cybex Priam, which allows you to precision-fit your baby's seat belt with just the release of a strap making sure it is secure and safe fit.

Stores

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. Therefore the best method to ensure you have enough space is to opt for one with an ample storage basket along with a tray for the parents and cup holders for the child's seat. This will ensure that you have all your essentials at hand when you are out and out and about.

You could also consider one with an integrated weather canopy to ensure your child's safety from the elements. Other helpful features include locking swivel front wheels to allow for greater maneuverability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold that means it's super easy to store away when not in use.

The ultimate in convenience and safety, a Doona travel system bundle lets you to effortlessly move your infant from the car seat to the pushchair without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX base attaches to the car seat's belt buckle, then snaps on to the pushchair frame. This innovative system means that you'll be ready to go from birth, and save time on daily running errands.

Another alternative is the egg3 an award-winning, eye-catching 3 in 1 travel system that allows you to take your newborn in the car seat for your egg from birth, and then switch them over to the compact pushchair seat when they are big enough. With adaptors for car seats that work with all major brands, this product is the ideal choice for those who don't own a car.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the capacity to convert into a tandem using the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. The egg car seat is equipped with smart SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real-time through your smartphone in case of four possible dangers. These include unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperatures too warm or cold in the carrier, or your child being in the carrier for too long.

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