What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a seat on wheels specifically designed for infants from 6 months. They usually have an adjustable seat that can recline and lie flat, and come with a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth by incorporating the appropriate carrycot or car seat to create a travel system. This lets your baby effortlessly move from car to pushchair without disturbing them.
Safety
There are a number of important safety features you should look for in a pushchair car seat. It is crucial that the pushchair you choose is in compliance with British standards and regulations, whether it's a brand new model or a second-hand one.
Make sure that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 749/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure it's safe for infants and children to ride in. This includes making sure it has a locking device that's secure and that the brakes work well.
When you are choosing a car seat, it's worth looking for one that can recline and lie flat position. This is essential for infants as research shows that babies who spend a large amount of time in a seated position may experience breathing issues. This is because their airways are impeded by the scrunched up design of the car seat and they struggle to get oxygen.
If you prefer, you can choose a car seat that is able to snap onto the frame of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This allows the transition between the stroller and car simpler, as you won't have to wake your baby awake every time you want to switch modes of transportation.
The best models of car seats for pushchairs offer side impact protection. This is designed to decrease the force of a collision by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's head, shoulders and chest. This kind of protection is especially crucial in the event of a side crash, which can be more dangerous for babies.
A top tether strap is a useful safety feature to look out for to prevent the car seat from moving forward in the event of an accident. It also can reduce the chance of head strikes. This is a legal requirement on all car seats that are coach-built.
Easy of Use
A pushchair car seats is among the most used baby products, so it's crucial that it comes with convenience and comfort features. If it's a comfy cushion for the baby's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are numerous accessories to pick from!
Some pushchairs have an infant carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It gives them the chance to sleep in a flat position, which is best for their health and growth. A carrycot can be swapped over for a pushchair seat when they're older. Most can be used with a car seat base too.
Choose a model that folds quickly and compactly, so that it can fit into tiny spaces or the trunk of your car. Some models can fold with the seat still attached, making them much easier to use. There are double stroller pushchairsandprams depending on your lifestyle. A foot brake works well for daily use, and an active handbrake is beneficial for those who are constantly stopping and starting on busy streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers with three wheels to keep you on track while moving upwards or downwards.
Most pushchairs that are "from birth" will let you choose which direction they face either towards the parent or world facing and can be changed by pressing the seat into the chassis. However the Doona is a game changer that elevates this to a new level, with the option of both. You can click the infant car seat into the Doona and then sit it upright, like stroller or recline it to a lying flat position for infants. This feature is amazing because it can work without or with the base of your car and can be used on trains and planes!
If you plan on traveling frequently or using ride-share cars A lightweight and easy to install seat is essential. Make sure the base is easy to click in and out. Also, consider the possibility of a travel system that includes all your essentials.
Style
Style is a personal preference and you can find something that will suit both parents and children. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose a sleek and elegant look, or something more appealing. There are plenty of options offered by top brands, so whether you want something timeless and modern or vibrant and modern, you'll surely find it.
You'll have to think about how much you're willing to spend on the car seat, as it will likely be your largest baby purchase. Many parents decide to buy a travel system that has both a car seat and the carrycot. This gives you the most convenience and comfort right from the beginning and is perfect for families with busy schedules who have to be out and out and.
Many pushchairs include the option of a lie-flat seat that allows newborns to sleep in a fully flat position that is recommended by experts for helping with lung and spinal development. Some brands even go the extra mile and include a premium one-handed reclining system that allows you to simply press the button to recline your pushchair's seat for a more comfortable position.
Certain models of pushchairs include footrests that can be adjusted, handlebars that are adjustable, and other features so that you can tailor them to your growing child's needs. Some models even come with a reversible seat, so that your baby can look at you for reassurance and bonding or can face the world to explore their surroundings.
Some brands also offer accessories for pushchairs, like footmuffs in colder weather or sun parasols to shield your child from the sun. A sunshade is essential because it can keep your baby from overheating.
The best car seats for pushchairs come with a 5-point harness designed to secure your child's hips and shoulders, the most rigid parts of their body. This is the most secure and most secure way of securing your child 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 which allow you to precision-fit your child's seat belt using just the release of a strap guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.
Stores
A pushchair car seat is a large item. Therefore the best way to make sure you have enough space is to go for one with large storage baskets, parent tray and child seat cup holders. This will help keep everything you need when you are out and about.
You could also consider one with an built-in weather canopy that will protect your little one 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 is super-easy to store when not in use.
Doona travel systems bundles offer the most convenient and security. You can easily transfer your infant from their car seat to their pushchair without disrupting them. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the vehicle belt buckle on the car seat and then clicks onto the pushchair frame. This revolutionary system allows you to be ready from birth and save time in running errands.
Egg3 is another option. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system allows you to place your newborn in a car seat at the time they are born, and change them to the pushchair when they reach the proper age. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with most major brands, this system is a great option for those who don't own a car.
If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 comes with the versatility to convert to tandem using the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. The egg car seat features an intelligent SensorSafe technology that will alert you in real time via your smartphone when there are four potential dangers. This includes unexpected chest clip buckles that are not secured, temperatures too cold or hot in the car seat or your baby sitting for too long.
If you're looking to ensure your pushchair is in great condition for your next trip out, think about investing in a hood refresh kit or a complete clean service. Start by vacuuming and then wiping it down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilising fluid. Be sure to dry the fabric in the sunlight.