What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a baby chair with wheels that is designed for babies as little as 6 months old. They usually come with a seat that can recline to lay flat, and a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used with a carrycot or car seats to create a travel systems. This allows your baby to easily move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.
Safety
There are many essential safety features to look for in a car seat. It is crucial that the pushchair you select is compliant with British standards and regulations, no matter if it’s a new model or a second-hand model.
Make sure that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 197409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it’s safe for babies and children to use. This includes ensuring that it’s equipped with a secure locking device and that the brakes are operating effectively (check them often).
It’s worth looking for car seats that recline to a flat position when you choose a stroller. This is particularly important for newborns, as studies have shown that infants who spend a lot of time in a straight position can have difficulty breathing. The car seat’s scrunched-up shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.
You can also opt for a travel system that comes with a baby car-seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller. This allows the transition between stroller and car easier, as you won’t need to wake your baby up every time you need to switch modes of transport.
Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to reduce impact force by supplying extra padding, energy-absorbing materials and protecting your baby’s chest, shoulders and head. This type of protection is especially important in the event of a side crash that 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 injuries. Make sure your child’s pushchair is equipped with this feature as it’s a legal requirement for all coach-built car seats.
User-Friendliness
A pushchair car seat is one of the most used baby products therefore it’s crucial that it has good comfort and convenience features. It doesn’t matter if it’s a comfortable seat padding for pushchair car seat baby or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are also many accessories to pick from!
Some pushchairs include the option of a carrycot, which is ideal for infants. It allows them the opportunity to sleep flat and is beneficial for their health and growth. A carrycot can be exchanged for a pushchair seat when they’re older. Most can be used with an automobile seat base as well.
When you are choosing a stroller, ensure that it folds easily and has a compact fold so it can fit into small places or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached, making them easier to use. A brake is also an essential item and there are a variety of options depending on your lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for daily use, and an active handbrake is useful when you’re frequently stopping and starting in busy streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers with three wheels to aid in maintaining your momentum when moving upwards or downwards.
The majority of pushchairs that are ‘from-birth’ allow you to choose which direction the seat is facing either the direction of the parent or facing the world. It is possible to change this by simply clicking the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however is a game changer because it allows you to select both. It is possible to plug in the infant car seat into the Doona and then set it upright as stroller or recline it to a lie-flat mode for babies. This feature is remarkable because it works with or without the base of your car. It can also be used on trains and planes!
If you are planning to frequent travel or use ride-share vehicles A light seat that is simple to install is a necessity. Make sure the base can be pushed in and out quickly, and think about purchasing a travel system bundle that includes all the necessary items.
Style
Style is a personal preference and you can find something that will suit both parents and babies. You can go for a sleek, sophisticated look or something more striking and exciting, based on your personal preferences and budget. There are lots of options that are available from top brands so whether you want something timeless and modern or vibrant and modern, you’ll find it.
It is also important to consider how much you’re willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it’s likely to be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents decide to buy a travel system that has the car seat as well as the carrycot. This provides the ultimate comfort and convenience from the moment of birth and is perfect for families with busy schedules who need to get out and often.
Many pushchairs feature a lie-flat option that allows newborn babies to lie in a flat position. This is recommended by experts due to its benefits for lung development and spinal development. Some brands go the extra mile and include a top-quality one-handed recline system that allows you to simply press the button to recline your pushchair’s seat to a more comfortable sitting position.
Some models have adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features to let you customize them to your child’s evolving needs. Some models have a convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can either face you to bond with and assure them or go out into the world to explore.
Finally, some brands offer a variety of pushchair accessories including feetmuffs for pushchair car seat colder temperatures and sun parasols that protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade is especially important as it can help prevent your baby overheating.
The best travel pram pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness that is designed to hold your child’s shoulders and hips, the most rigid points on their body. This is the most secure and most secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. There are many new one-pull systems, such as the Cybex pram sets that allow you to precisely fit your baby’s seatbelt in only one pull. This ensures a safe and secure fitting.
Stores
There’s no denying that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. In this regard the best way to make sure you have enough space is to go for one that has large storage baskets, parent tray and cup holders for your child’s seat. This will ensure that you have all your essentials at hand when you are out and about.
Find models that have a canopy built-in to shield your child from the weather. Other helpful features include lockable swivel front wheels to give you more manoeuvrability, an easy-access parent tray and a self-standing fold that means it’s easy to store when not in use.
Doona travel systems bundles provide the best in convenience and security. It is easy to transfer your child from their car seat to their pushchair, without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the vehicle’s car seat belt buckle, and then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This revolutionary system means you can be ready to go right from birth, thereby saving valuable time on everyday errands.
Another alternative is the egg3 an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to place your baby in the car seat of an egg from birth and then swap the seat to a pushchair seat once they are large enough. This is a great option for those who don’t have a car, as it includes car seat adaptors that work with all major brands.
If you’re looking to expand your family or have twins, the egg3 offers the versatility to convert to tandem using the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. The egg car seat features intelligent SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real time via your smartphone in case of four potential dangers. This includes unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperature too warm or cold in the carrier, or your baby sitting for too long.
If you want to ensure that your pushchair is in top condition for the next time you take it out, consider investing in a hood fabric refresh kit or a deep clean service. Start by vacuuming and then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.