What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a chair on wheels specifically designed for infants up to 6 months. They are often equipped with a seat that can recline to lay flat, and a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used with a car seats to form a travel systems. This allows your child to move easily from the car to the pushchair without having to be interrupted.

Safety

There are several safety features that you should look for when choosing a car seat to use as a pushchair. Whether you’re considering a brand new or second-hand model it is essential to ensure that your chosen pushchair meets the required British standards and regulations.

Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 197409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it’s safe for infants and children to use. This includes making sure that it’s fitted with an effective locking device and that the brakes work effectively (check these often).

When choosing a pushchair car seat, it’s also important to choose a seat that can recline to a lying-flat position. This is particularly crucial for babies, as research has shown that young babies who spend too much time in a straight position might have trouble breathing. The car seat’s curly shape blocks their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

You can also select a travel system that comes with a baby car-seat that fits perfectly into the frame of your stroller. This will make the transition from car to stroller much easier as you won’t have to wake up your baby every time you change modes of transportation.

A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to lessen the force of a collision, by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby’s shoulders, head and chest. This kind of protection can be particularly important in the case of a collision on the side which is a greater risk for babies in the earliest stages of development.

Another safety feature that is beneficial is a top tether. This prevents the car seats from whirling forward during an accident and reduces the risk of head injuries. Make sure your pushchair has this feature as it’s a legal requirement for all car seats made by coaches.

Easy of Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products so it’s essential to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are a variety of options available, including an easy cushion for the infant or an adjustable handlebar to accommodate parents’ needs.

Some pushchairs include a carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It gives them the chance to sleep in a flat position, which is best prams for their health and growth. As they age the carrycot can be transformed into a pushchair. Most can also be used with the base of a car seat.

Look for a pushchair that folds easily and compactly to fit into tiny spaces or the trunk of your car. Some models fold with the seat tucked in, making it more convenient to use. There are numerous brake options to choose from based on your lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for everyday use, whereas an active handbrake can be useful when you’re frequently stopping and starting in traffic-filled streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three wheels to help you maintain momentum while going downhill or uphill.

The majority of pushchairs that are ‘from birth’ will allow you to select the direction they face, either parent facing or facing the world 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 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 stroller. This feature is amazing because it can work without or with a base in your car. It can also be utilized on planes and trains!

If you plan to travel frequently or ride-share vehicles, a lightweight stroller seat that is easy to install is a necessity. Make sure the base is easy to click in and out. Also, think about a travel system package which includes all the essentials.

Style

A pushchair’s style is a very personal choice and it’s not difficult to find one that will suit both the baby and the parent. Based on your budget and preferences, you can choose a sleek and elegant look, or something more striking. Top brands offer a broad variety of options and you can pick from a contemporary and vibrant or traditional and modern.

It is also important to consider how much you’re willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents decide to buy a travel system which includes the car seat as well as a carrycot. This is the ultimate in comfort and convenience for families that are always traveling.

Many pushchairs include a lie-flat seat option, allowing newborn babies to sleep in a completely flat position that is recommended by experts to help with spinal and lung development. Some brands even go the extra mile and offer an advanced one-handed reclining system, allowing you to simply press a button to recline your pushchair’s seat to a more comfortable sitting position.

Certain models of pushchairs have adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features, so that you can tailor the model to your child’s requirements. Some even come with a reversible seat, so that your child can sit with you for reassurance, bonding, or face the world to explore the.

Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs, like feetmuffs for colder weather or sun parasols that protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade is especially important because it can keep your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness that is designed to hold your child at their hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid points on their body. This is a safest and most secure way of restraining your child in their pushchair. You should only use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. There are new one-pull systems, such as the Cybex pram double that permit you to precisely fit your baby’s seatbelt in just a single pull. This will ensure a safe and secure fitting.

Storage

It’s not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. To ensure you have plenty of room, choose an infant car seat that has a large storage bin as well as a tray for parents and cup holders for the child seat. This will ensure that you have everything you need when you’re out and out push chairs and prams about.

You can also look for a model that has an integrated weather canopy to protect your little one from the elements. Other handy features include locking swivel front wheels to give you more manoeuvrability and a parent tray that is easy to access and a self-standing fold so it’s easy to store away 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 disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX base attaches to the vehicle’s car seat belt buckle, and then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system allows you to be prepared from birth and save time in running tasks.

The egg3 is another alternative. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system allows you to put your infant in a car seat when they are born. You can then switch them to the pushchair when they reach the proper age. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with most major brands, this model is a great option for those who don’t have cars.

If you’re expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 comes with the capacity to convert into tandem with the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. Featuring smart SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will notify you via your smartphone in real-time if there are 4 potentially unsafe conditions: chest clip buckle not being secured, temperature too hot or too cold in the car seat or your child being in a seated position for too long.

Consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure that your pushchair is in great condition for your next trip. Begin by vacuuming and then wipe the fabric with soapy water or sterilising water.