9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Pushchair Car Seat
What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is an infant chair with wheels specifically designed for babies as young as 6 months old. They typically come with a seat that reclines to lie flat, and a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used with a carrycot or car seats to form a travel systems. This allows your baby to effortlessly move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.
Safety
There are a number of essential safety features to be looking for in a double pram pushchair car seat. It is essential that the car seat you choose meets British standards and regulations, regardless of whether it's brand new or a used one.
Check that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you buy it. This will ensure it's safe for children and babies to travel in. This includes making sure that it's fitted with an effective locking device and that the brakes work well (check these often).
It's worth looking for an automobile seat that can recline into a flat position when you are choosing a pushchair. This is especially important for infants, since studies have shown that babies who spend a lot of time in an upright position may have difficulty breathing. The car seat's wavy shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.
You can also choose a baby 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, since you don't have to wake your child awake every time you want to switch between modes of transport.
Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to reduce 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 particularly important in the event of a side collision which is more risky for young babies.
Another important safety feature is a top tether. This prevents the car seats from spinning forward during an accident and can reduce the risk of head hits. Make sure your pushchair has this feature, as it is a legal requirement for all coach-built car seats.
Simple to Use
A pushchair car seat is among the most commonly used baby items so it's essential to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. If it's a comfy cushion for your baby's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are numerous accessories to pick from too!
Some pushchairs come with a carrycot which is perfect for infants. It gives them the chance to sleep in a flat position which is ideal for their health and growth. A carrycot can be exchanged for a pushchair seat when they're older, and many can be used with the base of a car seat too.
When selecting a pushchair make sure you choose one that folds easily and is compact in its fold so it can fit in small places or the boot of your car. Some models can fold with the seat attached, making them more user-friendly. A brake is a must-have and there are many options based on your needs and lifestyle. A foot brake is perfect for use in everyday life, while a hand brake that is active is a great option for those who are frequently stopping and starting on busy streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs that have three wheels to keep you on track while going downhill or uphill.
Most 'from-birth' pushchairs allow you to choose which direction the seat will face either towards the parent or the world facing. It is possible to change this by simply pressing the seat onto the chassis. However the Doona is an innovation that takes this to the next level, with the option of both. It is possible to plug in the infant car seat into the Doona and then sit it upright like cheap stroller or recline it into a lie-flat position for babies. It's a fantastic feature that can be used with or without the base inside your car and can be used on trains and planes!
If you are planning on traveling frequently or using ride-share cars, a lightweight and easy to install seat is a must. Make sure that the base can be clicked into and out easily. Also, think about purchasing an all-in-one travel system that includes all of your essentials.
Style
The style of a pushchair is a personal preference and it's not difficult to find one that will suit both parents and children. Based on your budget and preferences you can pick an elegant and stylish appearance, or something that is more eye-catching. Top brands provide a wide variety of options to choose from a contemporary and vibrant or traditional and contemporary.
You'll also need to think about how much you're willing to invest in your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents decide to buy an entire travel system that includes the car seat and a carrycot. This is the best in convenience and comfort for families that are always traveling.
Many pushchairs have a lie-flat seat option that allows newborns to sleep in a fully flat position, which is suggested by experts for helping with lung and spinal development. Some brands go the extra mile and offer an advanced one-handed reclining system that allows you to simply press a button to recline your pushchair's seat to a more comfortable sitting position.
Some models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features that allow you to customize them to your child's evolving requirements. Some models come with a convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can sit in front of you to connect and be reassured or face the world for exploration.
Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs, like footmuffs in colder weather or sun parasols that protect your child from the sun. A sunshade is particularly important as it will help to stop your baby from overheating.
The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness that is designed to secure your child at their hips and shoulders, the most rigid points of their body. This is the safest and secure method to restrain your child's body in their pushchair and you should only use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. Check out new harnesses that have a one-pull mechanism like that found on the Cybex Priam which allow you to precisely fit your child's seat belt with just the pulling of a strap, ensuring a safe and secure fit.
Storage
It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat (click through the following page) can be pretty bulky. To ensure that you have enough space pick car seats with large storage bins, parent tray, and cup holders for the child seat. This will allow you to keep your essentials at fingertips when you're on the go.
You could also consider models with an built-in weather canopy that will protect your little one from the elements. Other handy features include lockable swivel front wheels to allow for greater maneuverability, an easy-access parent tray and a self-standing fold, so it's easy to store away 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 attaches to the vehicle's car seat belt buckle and then clicks onto the frame of the pushchair. This revolutionary system allows you to be ready from birth and save time on daily chores.
Another alternative is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that allows you to place your baby in the egg car seat from the moment they are born and switch the seat to a pushchair seat unit when they are big enough. This is a great option for those who don't have a car, as it includes car seat adaptors that are compatible with all major brands.
The egg3 can be transformed into a tandem with the egg2/3 in one pushchair adaptors available if you have twins or are looking to expand your family. The egg car seat comes with an intelligent SensorSafe technology that will alert you in real-time via your smartphone when there are four possible dangers. These include sudden chest clip unbucklings, temperature too warm or cold in the carrier or your child being in the carrier for too long.
If you're looking to make sure your pushchair is in great condition for the next time you take it out, you should consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a complete cleaning service. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.