What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a type of chair on wheels designed for babies up to 6 months. They typically have an adjustable seat that can recline to lie flat and have a five point harness.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth by incorporating a compatible car seat or carrycot to create a travel system. This allows your baby to effortlessly move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.

Safety

There are a variety of 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 used one.

Make sure that your pushchair meets BS 749:1996 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 has an locking device that is secure and the brakes function properly.

It is important to look for a car seat that can recline to a flat, comfortable position when you are choosing a pushchair. This is crucial for infants because research has shown that babies who spend a large amount 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.

Alternatively, you can choose a baby car seat that clicks seamlessly onto the chassis of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from car to stroller much simpler since you don't need to wake your baby each when you switch modes of transportation.

A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to lessen the force of a crash by providing extra padding, energy-absorbing material and protecting your baby's shoulders, chest, and head. This kind of protection is especially crucial in the event of collisions with the sides that could be deadly for young babies.

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

User-Friendliness

A pushchair car seat is among the most commonly used baby items so it's essential to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are a variety of options for accessories, whether it's a cushion that is comfortable for the infant or an adjustable handlebar to suit parents.

Some pushchairs include an infant carrycot that is ideal for infants. It lets them sleep in a lie-flat position that is recommended for their health and development. If they get older it is possible to have a carrycot converted into a pushchair. It is also used with a car seat base.

When choosing a pushchair, look for one that folds easily and has a compact fold that allows it to fit in small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached, making them easier to use. There are a variety of brake options available depending on your needs. A foot brake is suitable for everyday use, while an active handbrake is beneficial if you are frequently stopping and starting on traffic-filled streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers that have three wheels to help you maintain momentum while going downhill or uphill.

Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to select which direction the seat faces, either parent facing or the world facing. It is possible to change this by simply clicking the seat onto the chassis. However the Doona is a game changer that elevates this to a new level with the option of both. It is possible to plug in the infant car seat into the Doona and then sit it upright, like stroller or recline it to a lie-flat mode for babies. This feature is remarkable because it can work without or with the base of your car and can be used on trains and planes!

If you plan on travelling frequently or using ride share vehicles A lightweight and easy to set up seat is essential. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out. Also, consider an all-in-one travel system that includes everything you need.

Style

The design of a pushchair is a personal preference and it's easy to find a style that is suitable for both the baby and the parent. You can go for an elegant, sleek look or something more striking and fun, based on your taste and budget. There are plenty of options that are available from top brands so whether you want something classic and contemporary or contemporary and vibrant, you'll surely find it.

You'll also need to consider the amount you're willing to invest in your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents choose to buy a travel system that comes with an infant car seat and a carrycot in the all-in-one package. This is the best in comfort and convenience for families that are constantly in motion.

Many pushchairs have a seat that is lie-flat that allows newborns to rest in a flat position, which is suggested by experts to help with lung and spinal development. Some brands go an extra mile and include a top-quality one-handed recline system so that you can simply press an option to recline the seat of your pushchair for a more comfortable position.

Some models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features that let you customize the seat to meet your child's changing needs. Some even come with a reversible seat, to allow your child to face you for reassurance and bonding or go out into the world to explore the.

Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs, like feetmuffs for colder weather or sun parasols that shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade can help prevent your baby from becoming overheated.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness designed to restrain your child's hips and shoulders, the most rigid parts of their body. This is the most secure and secure method of securing your child in their pushchair and you should only use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. Be on the lookout for strollers new one-pull harness systems like that found on the Cybex Priam, which allows you to fit your child's seat belt with just the release of a strap guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.

Storage

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. In this regard the best method to ensure you have enough space is to opt for one with large storage baskets along with a tray for the parents and cup holders for the child's seat. This will enable you to keep your essentials close at hand when you are on the go.

You could also consider one with an integrated weather canopy to shield your child from the elements. Other useful features include lockable swivel wheels on the front to give you more manoeuvrability, an easy-access parent tray and a self-standing fold so it's super easy to store when not in use.

The most convenient and secure 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 without causing any disturbance. The Doona ISOFIX base is secured to the vehicle's car seat belt buckle, then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system allows you to be prepared from the moment you are born and save time in running tasks.

Egg3 is another alternative. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system allows you to place your newborn in a car seat when they are born and then change them into the pushchair when they reach the proper age. With adaptors for car seats that work with all major brands, this system is the ideal choice for those who don't have an automobile.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the capacity to convert into tandem using the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. With its the intelligent SensorSafe technology, the egg car seat will notify you via your smartphone in real-time if there are any of the following situations - chest clip buckle not being secured, temperature too hot or too cold in the carrier or your baby is in a seated position for too long.

If you want to make sure your pushchair is in good condition for the next trip out, you should consider investing in an hood fabric refresh kit or a complete clean service. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilising fluid. Be sure to dry the fabric in the sunlight.