What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a type of chair on wheels designed for babies from 6 months. They usually have seats that recline to lie flat and come with a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used with a car seats to create a travel systems. This lets your baby easily move from car to pushchair without disturbing them.
Safety
There are many security features to be looking for when selecting a car seat for a pushchair. No matter if you’re looking at a new or second-hand model it is essential to ensure that your chosen pushchair meets the required British standards and regulations.
Make sure that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 7409/1996 or Pushchair Car Seat BS 1888:2003. This will guarantee that it’s safe for babies and children to use. This includes making sure that it’s equipped with an effective locking device and that the brakes are working effectively (check them regularly).
It’s important to choose a car seat that can recline to a flat position when you are choosing a pushchair. This is particularly important for newborns, as studies have shown that babies who spend too much time in a straight position might have trouble breathing. This is due to the fact that their airways are impeded by the scrunched up shape of the car seat, and they struggle to get oxygen.
You can also choose a travel system that includes a baby car-seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller. This allows the transition between car and stroller a lot simpler, since you don’t have to wake your baby awake every time you want to switch between modes of transport.
Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to decrease the force of a crash by offering extra padding, energy-absorbing material and protecting your baby’s shoulders, chest, and head. This type of protection can be particularly important in the case of a side-on collision, which is more dangerous for infants.
Another safety feature that is beneficial is the top tether. This prevents car seats from spinning forward in an accident, and can also reduce the chance of head injuries. This is a legal requirement on every coach-built car seat.
Easy of Use
A pushchair car seat is one of the most used baby products so it’s essential that it has good comfort and convenience features. It doesn’t matter if it’s a comfortable cushion for your baby’s seat or a handlebar that can be adjusted for parents, there are many accessories to pick from!
Some pushchairs have the option of a carrycot, which is perfect for infants. It lets them sleep in a lie-flat position, which is recommended for their health and development. When they are older, a carrycot can be transformed into a pushchair. The majority can be used with the base of a car seat.
Choose a model that folds easily and compactly so that it can fit into small spaces or in the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat attached, making it more convenient to use. There are many different brake options that are available based on your preferences. A foot brake works well for everyday use, while an active handbrake is useful for those who are constantly stopping and starting on traffic-filled streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers that have three wheels to keep you on track while going downhill or uphill.
Most pushchairs that are “from birth” will let you choose which direction they face either towards the parent or world facing, and this can be changed by putting the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is an innovative product that elevates this to the next level, with the option of both. You can either insert the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat to a fully flat position for babies, pushchair car seat or use it as stroller. This feature is amazing because it can work without or with a base in your car and can be used on trains and planes!
If you plan on traveling frequently or using ride share vehicles, a lightweight and easy to install seat is essential. Ensure the base can be pushed in and out quickly and consider looking for an all-in-one travel system that includes all of your essentials.
Style
Style is a personal choice and you can find something that will suit both parents and babies. Depending on your budget and taste, you can choose a sleek and elegant appearance, or something that is 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 one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents decide to buy a travel system which includes both a car seat as well as a carrycot. This is the best in comfort and convenience for families that are always on the go.
Many pushchairs have a lie-flat seat option that allows newborns to rest in a flat position, which is suggested by experts as it helps with lung and spinal development. Some brands go above and beyond by offering a premium hand recliner that allows you to press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair for more comfortable posture.
Certain models of pushchairs have footrests, adjustable handlebars, and other features so that you can customize them to your child’s needs. Some even have a reversible seating option so that your baby can sit with you for reassurance, bonding, or face the world to explore their surroundings.
Finally, some brands provide a variety of pushchair accessories including feetmuffs for colder temperatures and sun parasols to protect your child from the sun. A sunshade is essential because it can stop your baby from overheating.
The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness designed to hold your child’s hips and shoulders, the most rigid points of their body. This is the safest and most secure way of restraining your child in their pushchair. You should only use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. There are many new one-pull systems, like the Cybex Pram, that allow you to precisely fit your child’s seatbelt using just a single pull. This guarantees a secure and secure fitting.
Storage
It’s a fact that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. In this regard the best method to ensure you have enough space is to go for one with an ample storage basket along with a tray for the parents and cup holders for your child’s seat. This will enable you to keep your essentials close at the ready when you’re traveling.
You may also search for a model that has an integrated weather canopy to protect your little one from the elements. Other useful features include lockable swivel front wheels to allow for greater maneuverability, an easy-access parent tray and a self-standing fold that means it’s easy to store away when not in use.
The ultimate in convenience and safety, a Doona travel system bundle allows you to seamlessly move your child from the car seat to the pushchair twin without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the vehicle car seat belt buckle, and then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system lets you to be ready from birth and cut down in running chores.
Another alternative is the egg3 – an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to place your baby in the egg car seat from birth and then swap them to a pushchair seat unit when they are big enough. This is a great option for those without the luxury of a car, as it comes with car seat adaptors that work with all major brands.
The egg3 can be transformed into a tandem with the optional egg2/3 adaptors in case you have twins or are looking to expand your family. With its smart SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will notify you via your smartphone in real-time when there are four potentially dangerous conditions: chest clip not buckled, temperature too cold or hot in the carrier or your baby is seated for too long.
Consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair is in top condition for your next trip. Start by vacuuming first, then wiping down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilizing fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.