What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a chair on wheels designed for babies from 6 months. They usually come with a seat that reclines to lie flat, as well as a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used right from birth by adding an appropriate carrycot or car seat to create a travel system. This allows your baby to effortlessly move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.
Safety
There are many essential safety features you should look for in a pushchair car seat. If you’re thinking of buying a brand new or second-hand model, it’s crucial to make sure that the model you choose is in line with the required British standards and guidelines.
Make sure your pushchair is in compliance with BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you purchase it. This will ensure that it’s safe for babies and children to use. This includes ensuring it has a locking device that is safe and that the brakes function properly.
When you are choosing a car seat, it’s worth considering one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is especially important for infants, since studies have shown that babies who spend a lot of time in a straight position might have trouble breathing. The car seat’s scrunched-up shape blocks their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.
Alternatively, you can choose a baby car seat that is able to snap onto the frame of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from stroller to car much easier as you won’t have to wake your child every time you change modes of transportation.
Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to decrease the force of a crash by offering additional padding, energy-absorbing materials and securing your baby’s shoulders, chest and head. This type of protection is especially important in the event of an accident on the side, which can be more deadly for young babies.
Another useful safety feature is a top tether. This prevents the car seats from whirling forward in an accident, and can reduce the risk of head hits. Make sure your pushchair comes with this as it is a legal requirement for all coach-built car seats.
Easy to Use
A pushchair car seat is among the most commonly used baby items so it’s important to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. If it’s a comfy seat padding for baby or a handlebar that can be adjusted for parents, there are plenty of accessories to choose from too!
Some prams pushchairs prams include a carrycot that is ideal for babies. It allows them to sleep in a flat position, which is best for their health and growth. A carrycot can be exchanged to a pushchair seat once they’re older. Most are compatible with an automobile seat base as well.
When you are choosing a stroller, ensure that it folds easily and is able to fold, so it can be tucked away into small spaces or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat still attached, making them much more user-friendly. A brake is also a must-have and there are a variety of options depending on your lifestyle. A foot brake is perfect for everyday use, while an active hand brake can be useful if you’re often stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers with three wheels that help you maintain momentum while moving upwards or downwards.
Most ‘from birth’ pushchairs will allow you to select the direction they face either facing the parent or world facing, and this can be changed by pressing the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is a game changer that elevates this to a new level by allowing both. You can either click the infant car seats into the Doona and then recline the seat to a fully lie-flat position for babies or sit it upright as a stroller. This feature is remarkable because it works without or with an existing base in your car and can be utilized on planes and trains!
If you plan to travel frequently or use ride-share vehicles A light seat that is easy to install is essential. Make sure that the base can be clicked in and out quickly, and think about purchasing a travel system bundle which includes all the essentials.
Style
Style is a personal preference, and you can find something that suits both parents and infants. Depending on your budget and preference you can pick an elegant and stylish appearance, or something that is more striking. Top brands offer a broad variety of options, so you can choose from a modern and vibrant style or traditional and modern.
You’ll also need 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 purchase a travel system that includes an infant car seat and a carrycot all in all-in-one package. This gives you the most convenience and comfort right from the beginning and is perfect for families with busy schedules who require to be out and often.
Many pushchairs feature a lie-flat option that allows newborn babies to lay 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 by incorporating a premium hand recliner that allows you to simply press a button to recline the seat of your folding pushchair into an even more comfortable position.
Some pushchairs come with footrests, adjustable handlebars, and other features, so you can adapt them to your child’s needs. Some models have a reversible chair so that your child can sit in front of you to bond with and reassure them or face the world for exploration.
Certain brands also have accessories for pushchairs, such as feetmuffs for colder weather or pushchair car seat sun parasols that shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade is essential as it will help to keep your baby from overheating.
The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness designed to secure your child at their hips and shoulders, Pushchair Car Seat the most rigid points of their body. This is the 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. Look out for new one-pull harness systems like that found on the Cybex Priam, which allows you to precision-fit your child’s seat belt using just the release of a strap ensuring a safe and secure fit.
Storage
There’s no denying that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. To ensure that you have plenty of space make sure you choose an infant car seat that has an ample storage bin along with a tray for parents as well as cup holders for the child seat. This will ensure that you have all your essentials at hand while you are out and out and about.
Find models with a built-in canopy to protect your child from the elements. Other useful features include lockable front wheels for better maneuverability, a parent tray 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 disrupting them. The Doona ISOFIX base is secured to the car seat’s belt buckle and then clicks onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system means you’ll be ready go from birth, saving valuable time on everyday tasks.
The egg3 is a different alternative. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system lets you to place your newborn in a car seat at the time they are born and then switch them to an infant pushchair once they reach the right age. This system is ideal for those who don’t have a car, as it comes with car seat adaptors that are compatible with all major brands.
The egg3 can be converted into a tandem using the optional egg2/3 adaptors when you have twins or are expanding your family. The egg car seat comes with intelligent SensorSafe technology that will notify you in real time via your smartphone in case of four potential dangers. These include sudden chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or warm in the car seat or your baby being seated for too long.
You should consider purchasing a rejuvenation kit for your hood or a deep cleaning service to ensure that your pushchair will be in perfect condition for your next journey. Begin by vacuuming and then wipe down the fabric with warm soapy or sterilizing water.