The 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 designed for babies as little as 6 months old. They usually have a seat that can recline to lie flat and have a five point harness.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from the time of birth, by incorporating an appropriate carrycot or car seat to create an entire travel system. This lets your child move easily from the car to the folding pushchair without being distracted.

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 required British standards and regulations.

Check that your pushchair meets BS 197409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you purchase it. This will guarantee that it's safe for infants and children to travel in. This includes making sure it has a locking device that's secure and that the brakes work well.

When choosing a pushchair car seat, it's also worth looking for one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is particularly important for newborns, as research has shown that young infants who spend a lot of time in an upright position might have trouble breathing. This is due to the fact that their airways become restricted due to the squishy shape of the car seat and they struggle to absorb oxygen.

You can also opt for an option that includes the baby pram car seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller. This makes the transition between stroller and car simpler, as you won't have to wake your child up every time you need to switch between modes of transport.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to decrease the impact force of a collision by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's head, shoulders and chest. This type of protection is particularly important in the event a side crash that could be dangerous for babies.

Another important safety feature is the top tether. This prevents the car seats from spinning during an accident and can reduce the risk of head hits. Make sure that your pushchair comes with this as it's a legal requirement in all car seats made by coaches.

Ease of Use

A pushchair car seat (talking to) is one of the most commonly used baby items so it's important to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. Whether that's a comfortable cushion for the baby pram's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are plenty of accessories to choose from too!

Some pushchairs have a carrycot that is ideal for infants. It allows them the opportunity to rest in a flat position, which is best for their health and growth. A carrycot can be swapped over to a pushchair when they're older. Most can work safely with an automobile seat base as well.

When selecting a pushchair make sure you choose one that folds easily and has a compact fold, so it can be tucked away in tight places or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat still attached, making them much more user-friendly. There are many different brake options that are available based on your needs. A foot brake is suitable for daily use, and an active handbrake is beneficial if you are frequently stopping and starting in traffic-filled streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three wheels that help you maintain momentum when going uphill or downhill.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs let you choose which direction the seat will face either towards the parent or world facing. It is possible to change this by simply clicking the seat onto the chassis. However, the Doona is an innovative product that elevates this to the next level with the option of both. You can click the infant car seat into the Doona and then sit it upright, like lightweight stroller, or recline it into a lie-flat position for babies. This feature is remarkable because it can work with or without the base of your car and can be used on trains and planes!

If you are planning to frequent travel or use ride-share vehicles A light seat that is simple to install is a necessity. Make sure that the base can be clicked into and out easily. Also, think about purchasing a travel system bundle that includes all the essentials.

Style

Style is a personal choice, and you can find something that will suit both parents and babies. Depending on your budget and preference you can pick a sleek and sophisticated appearance, or something that is more appealing. Top brands offer a wide range of options, so you can choose from a modern and vibrant style or traditional and modern.

You'll also need to consider how much you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents choose to buy a travel system that comes with a car seat and carrycot in the one package. This is the best in comfort and convenience for families that are constantly in motion.

Many pushchairs have a lie-flat seat option which allows babies to sleep in a completely flat position, which is suggested by experts to help with spinal and lung development. Some brands go an extra mile and offer an advanced one-handed reclining system that allows you to simply press the button to recline the seat of your pushchair for a more comfortable position.

Some models of pushchair also include adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features, so that you can customize them to your child's requirements. Some models even have a reversible seat to allow your child to face you for reassurance and bonding or can face the world around them to explore.

Additionally, some brands offer a variety of pushchair accessories including footmuffs for colder weather and sun parasols to shield your little one from the sun. A sunshade is essential as it can help keep your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness that is designed to secure your child at their hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid points of their body. This is a safest and secure method to restrain your child's body in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. You can find new one-pull systems, such as the Cybex pram sets that allow you to precisely adjust your baby's seatbelt with just a single pull. This guarantees a secure and secure fitting.

Storage

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. To ensure you have plenty of room, choose a car seat with large storage bins, parent tray, and cup holders for your child's seat. This will ensure that you have everything you need when you are out and about.

Find models that have a canopy built-in to shield your child from the elements. Other useful features include lockable front wheels to make it easier to maneuver as well as a tray for the parent that is easy to access, and a self standing fold.

The ultimate in convenience and security, a Doona travel system bundle allows you to seamlessly move your infant from the car seat to the pushchair, without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the car seat belt buckle, and then it snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system lets you to be prepared from birth and save time in running errands.

Egg3 is another alternative. This award-winning travel system allows you to put your baby in a car seat at the time they are born, and change them into an infant pushchair once they reach the appropriate age. This system is ideal for those who don't have the luxury of a car, as it includes car seat adaptors compatible with all major brands.

The egg3 is able to be converted into a tandem using the optional egg2/3 adaptors when you have twins or are looking to expand your family. The egg car seat features an intelligent SensorSafe technology that will alert you in real time via your smartphone when there are four possible dangers. This includes unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or warm in the carrier, or your child being in the carrier for too long.

You should consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure that your pushchair is in great condition for your next journey. 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.