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 that is made for babies as young as 6 months old. They usually come with a seat that reclines to lay flat, and a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used with a carrycot or car seats to create a travel systems. This lets your baby effortlessly move from car to pushchair without disturbing them.
Safety
There are several safety features you need to look for when choosing the right car seat for your pushchair. It's important that the pushchair you choose meets British standards and regulations, regardless of whether it's a new model or a second-hand one.
Check that your pushchair meets BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you buy it. This will ensure that it is safe for babies and children to travel in. This includes ensuring it has an locking device that is secure and that the brakes are working properly.
When selecting a pushchair car seat, it's also important to choose a seat that can recline to a lying-flat position. This is especially crucial for babies, as research has shown that young babies who spend a lot of time in an upright position might have trouble breathing. The car seat's scrunched-up shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.
Alternatively, you can choose a baby car seat that clicks seamlessly onto the frame of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This allows the transition between car and stroller a lot easier, as you won't have to wake your child awake every time you want to switch modes of transport.
Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to lessen the force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's head, shoulders and chest. This type of protection is especially important in the event of an accident on the side that could be deadly for young babies.
Another safety feature that is beneficial is the top tether. This prevents the car seats from spinning in an accident, and can reduce the risk of head injuries. Make sure that your pushchair comes with this since it's a legal requirement for all car seats made by coaches.
Ease of Use
A pushchair car seat is among the most used baby products so it's important to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are a variety of accessories available, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the baby or a handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents.
Some pushchairs come with an infant carrycot that is ideal for infants. It gives them the chance to sleep in a flat position, which is best for their health and growth. As they age, a carrycot can be converted into a pushchair seat. Most can also be used with the base of a car seat.
When choosing a pushchair, make sure you choose one that folds easily and is able to fold, pushchairs prams pushchairs so it can be tucked away in small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat tucked in, making it easier to use. A brake is also an essential item and there are a variety of options depending on your lifestyle. A foot brake works well for daily use, and an active handbrake can be useful when you're frequently stopping and starting in traffic-filled streets. There are also jogger style pushchairs that have three wheels that can help you maintain momentum when going either uphill or downhill.
Most 'from birth' pushchairs will allow you to select which direction they face either facing the parent or world facing and this can be changed by putting the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is an innovation that elevates this to a new level with the option of both. You can choose to click the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat to a flat position for babies, or set it up as stroller. It's a fantastic feature that works with or without the base in your vehicle. It can also be used on trains and planes!
If you plan to travel frequently or use ride-share cars A lightweight seat that is easy to put in is a necessity. Ensure the base can be clicked in and out quickly, and consider looking for an all-in-one travel system that includes all the necessary items.
Style
The design of a pushchair is a matter of personal preference and it's easy to find one that will suit both parent and baby. You can go for sleek, sophisticated design or something that is more attractive and fun, depending on your taste and budget. There are lots of options 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.
It is also important to consider the amount you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to purchase a travel system that has the car seat as well as a carrycot. This offers ultimate convenience and comfort from birth and is ideal for families that are busy and need to get out and often.
Many pushchairs have a seat that is lie-flat, allowing newborn babies to rest in a flat position that is recommended by experts for helping with spinal and lung development. Some brands go the extra mile by including a premium one hand my babiie stroller reclining system that allows you to press a single button to recline the seat of your pushchair for an even more comfortable position.
Certain models of pushchairs come with footrests, adjustable handlebars, and other features, so that you can customize the model to your child's needs. Some models even have a reversible seat so that your child can sit with you for reassurance, bonding or can face the world around them to explore.
Finally, some brands offer a variety of pushchair accessories including the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols that protect your little one from the sun. A sunshade is essential as it will help to keep your baby from overheating.
The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness designed to hold your child at their shoulders and hips, the most rigid points on their body. This is a safest and most secure way to restrain your child's body in their pushchair. You should only ever use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. Look out for new harnesses with one-pull systems similar to the Cybex Priam, which allows you to precisely fit your child's seat belt using only the release of a strap ensuring a safe and secure fit.
Storage
It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. To ensure you have plenty of room make sure you choose an infant car seat that has a large storage bin as well as a tray for parents and cup holders for your child's seat. This will let you keep your essentials close at the ready when you're on the go.
Find models with a built-in canopy to protect your child from the elements. Other features that are beneficial include lockable front wheels for greater maneuverability as well as a tray for the parent that is easy to access, and an auto-standing fold.
Doona travel systems bundles provide the best in convenience and security. You can easily move 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 snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system allows you to be prepared from the moment you are born 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 take your newborn in the car seat of an egg from the moment they are born and switch them over to the pushchair seat unit when they are big enough. This is a great option for those who do not have the luxury of a car, as it includes car seat adaptors that work with all major brands.
The egg3 can be converted into a tandem using egg2/3 adaptors that are available if you have twins or are looking to expand your family. Featuring the intelligent SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will alert you via your smartphone in real-time when there are four potentially dangerous situations - chest clip buckle not being secured the chest clip, a temperature that is too cold or hot in the carrier or your child being in a seated position for too long.
Consider purchasing a rejuvenation kit for your hood or a deep cleaning service to ensure that your foldable pushchair is in great condition for your next journey. Begin by vacuuming and then wipe down the fabric with soapy water or sterilising water.