10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Pushchair Car Seat

What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is an infant chair with wheels made for babies as little as 6 months old. They usually have an adjustable seat that can recline and lie flat, and feature a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs are compatible with a carrycot or car seats to create a travel systems. This allows your baby to easily move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.

Safety

There are many essential safety features you should look for in a car seat. Whether you're considering a brand new or second-hand model it's important to ensure that the model you choose is in line with the necessary British standards and guidelines.

Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 7409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it is safe for babies and children to travel in. This includes making sure it has a locking device that's secure and the brakes function properly.

When you are choosing a car seat, it's worth looking for one that can recline to a lying-flat position. This is crucial for infants because research has shown that babies who spend a significant amount of time in a straight position can have breathing problems. The car seat's wavy shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

You can also choose a car seat that is able to snap onto the chassis of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This allows you to switch between your car and stroller a lot simpler, as you won't have to wake your child up each time you need to switch modes of transport.

Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to lessen the force of a crash by offering extra padding, energy-absorbing material and protecting your baby's chest, shoulders and head. This type of protection can be crucial in the case of a side-on collision which is more risky for young babies.

A top tether strap is a useful safety feature to look out for, as this prevents the car seat from swaying forward in an accident and can help reduce the risk of head injury. Make sure your pushchair has this feature, as it's a legal requirement in all car seats that are coach-built.

Simple to Use

A pushchair car seat is one of the most commonly used baby items therefore it's crucial to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. If it's a comfy cushion for your baby's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are also numerous accessories to pick from!

Some pushchairs have the option of a carrycot, which is perfect for infants. It lets them rest in a reclining position that is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot can be swapped over for a pushchair seat when they're older and most can work safely with the base of a car seat too.

Look for a pushchair that folds quickly and compactly so that it fits into small spaces or in the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat attached making it much more convenient to use. There are numerous brake options available depending on your needs. A foot brake is suitable for daily use, and an active handbrake can be useful if you are frequently stopping and starting in traffic-filled streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers that have three wheels to keep you on track while going uphill or downward.

Most pushchairs that are "from birth" will allow you to select which direction they are facing either facing the parent or world facing, and this can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. However the Doona is a game changer that takes this to the next level by allowing both. You can either click the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat into a flat position for babies, or sit it upright as a stroller. This feature is remarkable because it works with or without a base in your car and can be utilized on planes and trains!

If you plan to travel frequently or use ride-share cars A lightweight seat that is simple to install is a necessity. Make sure the base is easy to click in and out. Also, consider a travel system package that includes all your essentials.

Style

The style of a compact pushchair is a very personal choice and it's easy to find a style that is suitable for both parent and baby. You can go for an elegant, sleek look or something that is more attractive and exciting, based on your personal preferences and budget. There are a variety of choices that are available from top brands so whether you want something timeless and modern or contemporary and vibrant, you'll be sure to find it.

You'll also have to consider how much you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents opt to purchase a compact travel stroller system that includes a car seat and carrycot all in all-in-one package. This offers ultimate convenience and comfort from birth and is ideal for families with busy schedules who have to be out and about on a regular basis.

Many pushchairs have the option of lying flat, which allows babies to lie in a flat position. This is recommended by experts because it helps with spinal development and lung development. Some brands go above and beyond by including a premium one hand recliner that lets you press a single button to recline the seat of your pushchair to more comfortable posture.

Some models have adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features to let you customize the seat to meet your child's changing needs. Some models come with a reclined chair so that your child can face you to connect and reassure them or face the world for exploration.

Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs such as footmuffs in colder weather or sun parasols to shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade is essential because it can keep your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness designed to restrain your child's shoulders and hips, the most rigid parts of their body. This is the safest and most secure way of securing your child in their pushchair. You should only 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 precisely fit your child's seat belt using only the pull of a strap, ensuring a safe and secure fit.

Storage

It's not a secret that a pushchair pram car seat can be quite bulky. To ensure that you have plenty of room make sure you choose car seats with an ample storage bin along with a tray for parents as well as cup holders for your child's seat. This will enable you to keep your essentials close at fingertips when you're traveling.

Look for models that have a canopy built-in to shield your child from the weather. Other helpful features include lockable swivel front wheels to give you more manoeuvrability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold that means it's super easy to store when not in use.

Doona travel systems bundles provide the most convenient and security. You can easily move your infant from their car seat to their pushchair, without disrupting them. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the vehicle's car seat belt buckle, then snaps on to the pushchair frame. This innovative system means you can be ready to start your journey from the moment you are born, making it easier to run your daily running errands.

Egg3 is another option. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system allows you to put your baby in a car seat at the time they are born, and change them into the pushchair when they reach the proper age. This is a great option for those who don't have a car, as it comes with car seat adaptors that work with all major brands.

The egg3 is able to be converted into a tandem with egg2/3 adaptors that are available in case you have twins or want to expand your family. The egg car seat comes with intelligent SensorSafe technology that will alert you in real-time through your smartphone if there are four potentially dangerous conditions. These include unexpected chest clip buckles that are not secured, temperatures too warm or cold in the car seat or your baby sitting for too long.

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