What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a seat with wheels that is designed for infants up to 6 months. They often feature an adjustable seat that can recline to lay flat and feature a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used right from birth by incorporating a compatible car seat or carrycot to create an entire travel system. This allows your baby to easily transfer from car to pushchair, without causing disturbance.

Safety

There are a number of essential safety features you should look for in a car seat. It is essential that the car seat you select is compliant with British standards and regulations, whether it's brand new or a second-hand one.

Check if your pushchair complies with BS 749/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will guarantee that it's safe for babies and children to travel in. This includes ensuring that it's fitted with an effective locking device and that the brakes work properly (check them regularly).

When you are choosing a car seat, it's also worth considering one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is important for newborns because research has shown that babies who spend a lot of time in an upright position can experience breathing problems. This is due to the fact that their airways become restricted by the curly shape of the car seat, and they struggle to take in oxygen.

If you prefer, you can opt for a baby car seat that snaps onto the frame of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This makes the transition between car and stroller a lot simpler, since you don't have to wake your child 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 supplying additional padding, energy-absorbing materials and protecting your baby's shoulders, chest and head. This kind of protection could be crucial in the event 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 during an accident and can reduce the risk of head injuries. This is a legal requirement on all car seats that are coach-built.

Simple to Use

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

Some pushchairs include an infant carrycot that is ideal for babies. It allows them to sleep in a flat position, which is recommended for their health and development. When they are older it is possible to have a carrycot transformed into a pushchair. It is also used with the base of a car seat.

When you are choosing a twin stroller, look for one that folds easily and is compact in its fold that allows it to fit in small spaces or the boot of your car. Some models even fold with the seat still attached, making them more user-friendly. A brake is also an essential item and there are several different options to choose from based on your preferences. A foot brake is great for everyday use, and an active hand brake is useful for those who are frequently stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three wheels that can help you maintain the momentum while going either uphill or downhill.

Most 'from birth' pushchairs will allow you to select which direction they face either towards the parent or facing the world and can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is a game changer that takes this to the next level with the option of both. You can click the infant car seat into the Doona and then set it upright like stroller, or recline it into a lying flat position for infants. This feature is amazing because it can work without or with the base of your car. It is also utilized on planes and trains!

If you are planning to frequent travel or use ride-share vehicles A lightweight seat that is easy to put in is essential. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out. Also, consider the possibility of a travel system that includes all your essentials.

Style

Style is a personal choice, and you can find something that suits both parents and babies. You can opt for sleek, sophisticated design or something more eye-catching and exciting, based on your personal preferences and budget. Top brands offer a wide selection of choices and you can pick from a contemporary and vibrant or classic and contemporary.

You'll also have to think about how much you're willing to invest in your pushchair car seat (check out this site) 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 the carrycot. This is the best in comfort and convenience for families that are constantly traveling.

Many pushchairs have a lie-flat feature that lets newborns lay in a flat position. This is recommended by experts due to its benefits for spinal development and lung development. Some brands go the extra mile by including a premium one hand recline system that allows you to press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair into an even more comfortable position.

Some pushchairs come with footrests, adjustable handlebars, and other features so that you can tailor the model to your child's requirements. Some models are reversible chair so that your child can either face you to connect and assure them or go out into the world for exploration.

Additionally, some brands offer a variety of accessories for your pushchair, such as the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols to protect your little one from the sun. A sunshade is especially important because it can keep your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness designed to hold your child's shoulders and hips, the most rigid points of their body. This is a safest and secure method to restrain your child's body in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. Be on the lookout for new one-pull harness systems like that found on the Cybex Priam that allow you to precision-fit your baby's seat belt with just the pull of a strap, making sure it is secure and safe fit.

Stores

There's no denying that a pushchair pram car seat can be pretty bulky. To ensure you have plenty of space, choose an infant car seat that has a large storage bin along with a tray for parents as well as child seat cupholders. This will allow you to keep everything you need while you are out and about.

Find models with a canopy built-in to shield your child from the elements. Other useful features include locking swivel front wheels to provide you with more maneuverability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold that means it is super-easy to store away when not in use.

Doona travel systems bundles offer the ultimate in convenience and security. You can easily transfer your child from their car seat to their pushchair without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the car seat belt buckle, and then it snaps onto the pushchair frame. This innovative system allows you to be ready from the moment you are born and save time for running errands.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to take your pram newborn in the car seat for your egg from birth, and then switch them over to the pushchair seat when they are large enough. This is a great option for those who do not have a car, as it includes car seat adaptors compatible with all major brands.

If you are expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the versatility to convert to tandem using the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. The egg car seat comes with an intelligent SensorSafe technology that will notify you in real-time through your smartphone if there are four potentially dangerous conditions. These include sudden chest clip buckles that are not secured, temperatures too cold or hot in the carrier, or your baby being seated for too long.

If you want to make sure your pushchair is in good condition for your next trip out, consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service. Begin by vacuuming, then wipe the fabric with warm soapy or sterilizing water.