What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a chair on wheels designed for babies up to 6 months. They typically come with a seat that can recline to lie flat, as well as a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth by adding an appropriate car seat or carrycot to create a travel system. This allows your baby to effortlessly move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.
Safety
There are many safety features that you should look for when choosing the right car seat for your pushchair. If you're thinking of buying a brand new or second-hand model it's important to ensure that the pushchair you select meets the required British standards and regulations.
Check that your pushchair is compliant with BS 197409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will guarantee that it's safe for infants and children to use. This includes ensuring that it has a locking device that's safe and that the brakes work well.
It is important to look for a car seat that can recline into a flat position when you choose a stroller. This is crucial for infants as research shows that babies who spend a significant amount of time in a straight position can have breathing problems. This is due to the fact that their airways are impeded by the scrunched up design of the car seat and they struggle to get oxygen.
You can also opt for an option that includes an infant car-seat that can fit perfectly into the frame of your stroller. This makes the transition between car and stroller a lot simpler, since you don't need to wake your baby up every time you need to switch between modes of transport.
A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to decrease the force of a collision, by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to safeguard your baby's head, shoulders and chest. This type of protection is particularly important in the event of an accident on the side that could be dangerous for babies.
A top tether strap is another useful security feature to search for, as this prevents the car seat from moving forward in the event of an accident. It also can help reduce the risk of head strikes. This is a legal requirement on all coach-built car seat.
Easy of Use
A car seat for a baby pushchair is among the most frequently used baby products so it's essential to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are numerous options available, including a cushion that is comfortable for the infant or an adjustable handlebar to fit the needs of parents' needs.
Some pushchairs have an infant carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It gives them the chance to rest in a flat position, which is best for their health and growth. If they get older the carrycot can be converted into a pushchair seat. Most can also be used with the base of a car seat.
Choose a model that folds quickly and compactly so that it fits into tiny spaces or the trunk of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached, making them much more user-friendly. There are a variety of brake options that are available based on your lifestyle. A foot brake is great for general everyday use while a hand brake that is active can be useful when you're frequently stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also jogger style pushchairs with three wheels which can help you keep momentum when going uphill or downhill.
Most 'from birth' pushchairs will allow you to select which direction they are facing, either parent facing or world facing 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 choose to click the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat to a lying position for infants or use it as stroller. It's an incredible feature that works with or without the base of your vehicle and can even be used on planes and trains!
If you are planning to frequent travel or use ride-share cars, a lightweight seat that is easy to install is a necessity. It is important to ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out. Also, consider the possibility of a travel system that includes all your essentials.
Style
Style is a personal preference and you can find something that will suit both parents and children. Based on your budget and preferences, you can choose a sleek and elegant style, or something more eye-catching. There are a variety of choices available from top brands, so whether you want something classic and contemporary or vibrant and modern, you'll surely find it.
You'll need to consider the amount you're willing to spend on the pushchair car seat, as this will likely be your largest baby purchase. Many parents choose to buy a travel system that comes with an infant car seat and a carrycot all in all-in-one package. This is the best in convenience and comfort for families that are constantly on the go.
Many pushchairs have a seat that is lie-flat which allows babies to sleep in a completely flat position, which is recommended by experts to help with spinal and lung development. Some brands go above and beyond by including a premium one hand recliner that allows you to simply press a single button to recline the seat of your pushchair to more comfortable posture.
Some pushchairs come with footrests, adjustable handlebars, and other features, so that you can customize them to your child's requirements. Some models are reversible chair so that your child can sit in front of you to connect and reassure them or face the world to explore.
Certain brands also have accessories for pushchairs such as footmuffs in colder weather or sun parasols that shield your child from the sun. A sunshade will help keep your baby from becoming overheated.
The best pushchair car seat will also have five-point harness that is designed to hold the child's hips, shoulders and other points that are rigid on their body. This is the safest way to secure your child in the pushchair. You should only use car seats for pushchairs that have this type of safety harness. You can find new one-pull systems, like the Cybex Pram, that allow you to precisely fit your child's seatbelt using only one pull. This ensures a safe and secure fitting.
Stores
There's no denying that a car seat for a child can be quite heavy. In this regard the best method to ensure you have enough space is to opt for one with a large storage basket, parent tray and cup holders for the child's seat. This will enable you to keep all your essentials on hand when you are on the go.
You can also look for one with a built-in weather canopy to ensure your child's safety from the elements. Other features that are beneficial include locking front wheels that allow 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 ultimate in convenience and security. It is easy to transfer your child from their car seat to their pushchair, without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the belt buckle of the car seat, and then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. prams for newborns allows you to be ready from birth and save time on daily tasks.
Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to take your newborn in the car seat for your egg from birth and then swap the seat to a pushchair seat unit when they are large enough. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with the majority of major brands, this product is the best option for those who don't have an automobile.
If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 offers the capacity to convert into tandem with the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. The egg car seat features an intelligent SensorSafe technology that will notify you in real time via your smartphone when there are four possible dangers. These include sudden chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or warm in the car seat or your child being in the carrier for too long.
Consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure that your pushchair will be in perfect condition for your next trip. Start by vacuuming and then wiping down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sunlight.