The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Pushchair Car Seat

What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a seat on wheels designed for babies up to 6 months. They are often equipped with a seat that reclines to lie flat, as well as a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs are compatible with a carrycot or car seats to create a travel systems. This lets your child move effortlessly from the car to the pushchair without having to be disturbed.

Safety

There are several important safety features you should look for in a pushchair car seat. It's important that the pushchair you choose is in compliance with British standards and regulations, no matter if it's a new model or a second-hand one.

Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 197409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe pram for newborn infants and children to use. This includes ensuring that it's fitted with a secure locking device and that the brakes work effectively (check them often).

When choosing a pushchair car seat, it's also worth looking for one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is important for newborns as research shows that babies who spend a large amount of time in an upright position may experience breathing issues. The car seat's wavy shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.

You can also opt for a baby car seat that snaps onto the chassis of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from twin stroller to car much simpler since you don't have to wake up your child 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 decrease the impact force of a collision by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to safeguard your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This kind of protection could be especially important in the event of a side collision, which is more dangerous for infants.

A top tether strap is another useful security feature to search for to prevent the car seat from whipping forward in an accident, and can reduce the chance of head injury. This is a legal requirement for all coach-built car seat.

Easy to Use

A pushchair car seat is one of the most used baby products so it's important to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. It doesn't matter if it's a comfortable cushion for the baby's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are many accessories to pick from too!

Some pushchairs come with an infant carrycot that is ideal for infants. It allows them the opportunity 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 and most can be used with the base of a car seat too.

When choosing a pushchair, make sure you choose one that folds easily and has a compact stroller fold, so it can be tucked away into small places or the boot of your car. Some models even fold with the seat still attached, making them more user-friendly. There are numerous brake options to choose from based on your preferences. A foot brake is ideal for general everyday use while an active hand brake can be useful if you're often stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three wheels that can help you maintain the momentum when you go either uphill or downhill.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs allow you to choose which direction the seat will face either the direction of the parent or facing the world. This can be changed by simply putting the seat onto the chassis. However, the Doona is an innovation that elevates this to a new level by allowing both. You can either click the infant car seats into the Doona and then recline the seat into a lying position for infants or sit it upright as a folding stroller. It's an amazing feature that can be used with or without the base in your vehicle. It can also be utilized on trains and planes!

If you intend to travel frequently or use ride-share cars A light seat that is easy to put in is essential. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out. Also, consider a travel system package which includes all the essentials.

Style

A pushchair's style is a very personal choice and it's easy to find something that suits both parent and baby. You can choose sleek, sophisticated design or something that is more attractive and fun, depending on your taste and budget. There are a variety of choices available from top brands, so whether you want something classic and contemporary or vibrant and modern, you'll find it.

You'll also have to think about how much you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents decide to purchase an entire travel system that includes the car seat and carrycot all in all-in-one package. This is the ultimate in convenience and comfort for families that are always traveling.

A lot of pushchairs come with a lie-flat option that lets newborns lay on their backs. 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 recliner that allows you to simply push a button to recline the seat of your pushchair for more comfortable posture.

Certain models of pushchairs have footrests that can be adjusted, handlebars that are adjustable, and other features, so that you can tailor them to your child's requirements. Some models come with a convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can either face you to bond and be reassured or face the world for exploration.

Some brands also offer accessories for pushchairs such as feetmuffs for colder weather or sun parasols that shield your child from the sun. A sunshade can help prevent your baby from becoming overheated.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness designed to secure your child at their shoulders and hips, the most rigid parts of their body. This is a safest and most secure method of securing your child in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. There are new single-pull systems like the Cybex twin pram, that permit you to precisely fit your child's seatbelt using just a single pull. This will ensure a safe and secure fitting.

Storage

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. In this regard, the best way to make sure you have enough space is to opt for one that has an ample storage basket along with a tray for the parents and cup holders for your child's seat. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at fingertips when you're traveling.

Find models with a built-in canopy to protect your child from the weather. Other handy features include lockable swivel front wheels to allow for greater maneuverability and a parent tray that is easy to access and a self-standing fold so it is super-easy to store when not in use.

The most convenient and secure, a Doona travel system bundle allows you to effortlessly transfer your child from the car seat to the pushchair without causing any disturbance. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the vehicle car seat belt buckle, and then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This revolutionary system means you'll be ready start your journey from the moment you are born, making it easier to run your daily errands.

Egg3 is another option. This award-winning travel system allows you to place your newborn in a car seat at the time they are born and then change them to a pushchair unit once they reach the proper age. With adaptors for car seats that are compatible with the majority of major brands, this model is the ideal choice for those who don't own cars.

If you are expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 comes with the versatility to convert to a tandem using the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. Equipped with the intelligent SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will notify you via your phone in real-time when there are any of the following conditions: chest clip not buckled the chest clip, a temperature that is too cold or hot in the carrier, or your baby being in a seated position for too long.

You should consider purchasing a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair is in top condition for your next journey. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.