9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Pushchair Car Seat
What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a baby chair with wheels made for babies as young as 6 months old. They typically have a seat that can recline and lie flat, and come with a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs are compatible with a car seats to create travel system. This lets your baby easily transfer from car to pushchair pram, without causing disturbance.
Safety
There are several security features to consider when selecting a car seat to use as a pushchair. It is essential that the car seat you select is compliant with British standards and regulations, whether it's a new model or a second-hand one.
Check that your pushchair is compliant with BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will ensure it's safe for infants and children to use. This will include ensuring that it's equipped with an effective locking device and that the brakes work properly (check these frequently).
When choosing a pushchair car seat, it's also worth looking for one that can recline and lie flat position. This is especially important for infants, since research has proven that babies who spend too much time in an upright position can have difficulty breathing. The car seat's curly shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.
You can also select an option that includes the baby car seat that fits perfectly into the frame of your stroller. This will make the transition from stroller to car much easier since you won't have to wake up your baby every when you switch modes of transport.
Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to decrease the impact force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing material to protect your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This type of protection can be particularly important in the event of a side-on collision which is a greater risk for babies in the earliest stages of development.
A top tether strap is an additional important safety feature to look for to prevent the car seat from whipping forward in the event of an accident. It also can reduce the risk of head injuries. This is a legal requirement on all coach-built car seat.
Easy of Use
A pushchair car seat is among the most used baby products therefore it's crucial to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. Whether that's a comfortable cushion for the baby's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are plenty of accessories to choose from too!
Some pushchairs include the option of a carrycot, which is ideal for infants. It allows them to rest in a flat position and is beneficial for their health and growth. A carrycot is a great alternative for a pushchair seat when they're older. Most are compatible with a car seat base too.
When choosing a pushchair, make sure you choose one that folds easily and has a compact fold so it can fit into small spaces or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached, making them easier to use. There are a variety of brake options to choose from based on your needs. A foot brake is perfect for general everyday use while a hand brake that is active is a great option if you're often stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs that have three wheels to aid in maintaining your momentum when going uphill or downward.
Most pushchairs that are "from birth" will let you choose which direction they face either towards the parent or facing the world, and this can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. However the Doona is an innovative product 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 flat position for babies, or sit it upright as stroller. It's a fantastic feature that works with or without the base inside your car and can be used on trains and planes!
If you intend to travel frequently or use ride-share cars A lightweight seat that is simple to install is essential. Make sure the base can be pushed in and out quickly and look into a travel system bundle that includes all the essentials.
Style
A pushchair's style is a matter of personal preference and it's easy to find a style that is suitable for both parent and baby. You can go for a sleek, sophisticated look or something more eye-catching and fun, based on your taste and budget. There are a variety of choices that are available from top brands so whether you want something timeless and modern or vibrant and modern, you'll surely find it.
It is also important to consider the amount you're willing to invest in your pushchair car seat as it will probably be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents decide to purchase an entire travel system that includes a car seat and carrycot in the one package. 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 about on a regular basis.
Many pushchairs have a seat that is lie-flat, allowing newborn babies to rest in a flat position, which is suggested by experts to help with lung and spinal development. Some brands go the extra mile and include a top-quality one-handed recline system that allows you to simply press a button to recline your pushchair's seat for a more comfortable position.
Some models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars, and other features to let you customize the seat to meet your child's changing requirements. Some models have a convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can sit in front of you to bond with and be reassured or face the world to explore.
Additionally, some brands provide a variety of pushchair accessories including the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols to shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade can prevent your child from overheating.
The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness which is designed to restrain your child's hips and shoulders, the most rigid points on their body. This is a safest and most secure method of securing your child in their pushchair. You should only use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. Look out for new harnesses that have a one-pull mechanism like that found on the Cybex Priam which allow you to precision-fit your baby's seat belt with just the release of a strap guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.
Stores
There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. To ensure that you have enough space make sure you choose car seats with large storage bins along with a tray for parents as well as cup holders for your child's seat. This will let you keep all your essentials on hand when you are traveling.
You can also look for a model that has a built-in weather canopy to protect your little one from the elements. Other handy features include locking swivel front wheels to allow for greater maneuverability and a parent tray that is easy to access and a self-standing fold that means it's super easy to store away when not in use.
Doona travel systems bundles provide the best 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 attaches to the vehicle car seat belt buckle, and then it snaps onto the pushchair frame. This innovative system means you can be ready to go right from birth, thereby making it easier to run your daily tasks.
The egg3 is another alternative. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system lets you to place your newborn in a car seat at the time they are born and then change them into the pushchair when they reach the appropriate age. With car seat adaptors that work with all major brands, this model is the ideal choice for those who don't own a car.
The egg3 can be transformed into a tandem using the egg2/3 adaptors available when you have twins or are looking to expand your family. With its intelligent SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will notify you via your phone in real-time when there are four potentially dangerous situations - chest clip not buckled, temperature too hot or too cold in the car seat or your baby is sitting for too long.
You should consider investing in a Hood refresh kit or deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair will be in perfect condition for your next journey. Begin by vacuuming, then wipe down the fabric using warm soapy or sterilising water.