The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Pushchair Car Seat

What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

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

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

Safety

There are several safety features that you should be looking for when selecting the right car seat for your pushchair. It's important that the pushchair you choose meets British standards and regulations, whether it's a brand new model or a second-hand model.

Make sure your pushchair meets BS 197409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will ensure that it's safe for babies and children to use. This will include ensuring that it's equipped with an effective locking device and that the brakes are operating well (check these regularly).

When you are choosing a car seat, it's also worth considering one that can recline to a lying-flat position. This is crucial for infants because research has shown that babies who spend a lot of time in a seated position can have breathing problems. This is due to the fact that their airways are restricted by the scrunched up design of the car seat and they struggle to take in oxygen.

Alternatively, you can choose a car seat that clicks seamlessly onto the chassis of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This allows you to switch between your the cheap stroller and car simpler, as you won't need to wake your baby up every time you need to switch between modes of transport.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to lessen the impact force by supplying extra padding, energy-absorbing materials and also protecting your baby's shoulders, chest, and head. This type of protection is especially crucial in the event of an accident on the side, which can be more fatal for infants.

A top tether strap is an additional important safety feature to look for, as this prevents the car seat from swaying forward in an accident and can reduce the chance of head strikes. Make sure that your pushchair is equipped with this feature, as it's a legal requirement in all car seats that are coach-built.

User-Friendliness

A pushchair car seat is among the most used baby products so it's important to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are a variety of accessories available, whether it's a cushion that is comfortable for the infant or a handlebar with an adjustable height to fit the needs of parents' needs.

Some pushchairs come with the option of a carrycot, which is perfect for newborns. It allows them to rest in a flat position, which is best for their health and growth. A carrycot can be exchanged for a pushchair seat when they're older and most can be used with the base of a car seat too.

When choosing a pushchair, look for one that folds easily and is able to fold that allows it to fit in tight places or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached, making it easier to use. A brake is essential and there are many options depending on your lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for daily use, and an active handbrake is beneficial for those who are constantly stopping and starting on traffic-filled streets. There are also jogger type pushchairs with three-wheeled designs which can help you keep the momentum when you go either uphill or downhill.

Most 'from birth' pushchairs will let you choose which direction they are facing either facing the parent or world facing and can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. However the Doona is an innovation that elevates this to a new level by allowing both. It is possible to plug in the infant car seat into the Doona and then put it upright as a stroller or recline it to a lying flat position for infants. It's an amazing feature that works with or without the base in your vehicle. 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 essential. Make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out. Also, consider a travel system package which includes all the essentials.

Style

Style is a personal preference, and you can find something that will suit both parents and children. You can choose an elegant, sleek look or something more eye-catching and fun, based on your taste and budget. Top brands provide a wide variety of options and you can pick from a modern and vibrant style or traditional and contemporary.

You'll also need to consider how much you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents opt to purchase a travel system that has both a car seat and a carrycot. This is the best in comfort and convenience for families who are always traveling.

Many pushchairs have a lie-flat seat option that allows newborns to sleep in a completely flat position, which is recommended by experts as it helps in the development of the lungs and spine. Some brands go the extra mile and include a top-quality one-handed recline system, allowing you to simply press an option to recline your pushchair's seat for a more comfortable position.

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

Certain brands also have accessories for pushchairs travel systems, like socks for colder weather, or sun parasols that protect your child from the sun. A sunshade will 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 points of their body. This is a safest and most secure way to restrain your child's body in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. Be on the lookout for new harnesses with one-pull systems similar to the Cybex Priam that allow you to precision-fit your child's seat belt using only the pulling of a strap, ensuring a safe and secure fit.

Storage

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. Therefore the best way to ensure you have enough space is to go for one with a large storage basket as well as a tray for parents and child seat cup holders. This will let you keep all your essentials on hand when you are traveling.

You may also search for models with a built-in weather canopy to shield your child from the elements. Other useful features include locking front wheels to make it easier to maneuver as well as a tray for the parent that is easy to access, and self-standing fold.

Doona travel systems bundles offer the most convenient 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, then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system means that you can be ready to start your journey from the moment you are born, and save time on daily tasks.

Egg3 is another option. This award-winning travel pram system allows you to put your baby in a car seat as they are born. You can then change them into an infant pushchair once they reach the right age. With car seat adaptors that work with all major brands, this model is a great option for those who don't own cars.

The egg3 can be converted into a tandem by using egg2/3 in 1 pram adaptors that are available in case you have twins or want to expand your family. With its intelligent SensorSafe technology, the egg car seat will alert you via your smartphone in real-time if there are any of the following conditions - unexpected chest clip not buckled, temperature too cold or hot in the carrier or your baby is sitting for too long.

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