What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is an infant chair with wheels that is specifically designed for babies as young as 6 months. They typically come with a seat that can recline to lay flat, and a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth by adding a compatible carrycot or car seat to create a travel system. This lets your child move easily from the car to the pushchair, without being distracted.

Safety

There are a number of essential safety features to be looking for in a pushchair car seat. It's important that the pushchair you select is compliant with British standards and regulations, whether it's a brand new model or a second-hand model.

Make sure your pushchair is in compliance with BS 197409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you buy it. This will ensure that it's safe for infants and children to ride in. This will include ensuring that it's equipped with a secure locking device and that the brakes are working effectively (check them frequently).

When choosing a pushchair car seat, it's also worth looking for one that can recline to a lying-flat position. This is especially important for infants, since research has proven that babies who spend a lot of time in a straight position may have difficulty breathing. The car seat's wavy shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

You can also choose a travel system that includes an infant car-seat that can fit seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller. This will make the transition from car to stroller much easier as you won't have to wake your baby stroller each when you switch modes of transportation.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to reduce the 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 crucial in the event of a collision on the side, which is more dangerous for infants.

Another useful safety feature is the top tether. This prevents the car seats from whirling 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 used baby products therefore it's crucial to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. There are numerous accessories available, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the infant or Pushchair car seat an adjustable handlebar to suit parents.

Some pushchairs come with the option of a carrycot, which is ideal for newborns. It lets them rest in a reclining position, which is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot is a great alternative to a pushchair seat once they're older and most can be used with a car seat base too.

When you are choosing a stroller newborn, Baby Essentials ensure that it folds easily and has a compact pushchair fold so it can fit in small places or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat in place which makes it more convenient to use. There are a variety of brake options that are available based on your lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for everyday use, and an active hand brake is useful if you're often stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers that have three wheels to aid in maintaining your momentum when going downhill or uphill.

Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature let you choose which direction the seat will face either the direction of the parent or facing the world. The option to change this can be done by simply putting 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 choose to click the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat to a lying position for infants or set it up as stroller. This feature is remarkable because it can be used with or without a base in your car and can be used on planes and trains!

If you are planning on traveling frequently or using ride share vehicles an easy and light to install seat is essential. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed in and out. Also, consider an all-in-one 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. You can go for an elegant, sleek look or something that is more attractive and exciting, based on your personal preferences and budget. Top brands provide a wide variety of options and you can pick from a modern and vibrant style or classic and contemporary.

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

Many pushchairs include 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 an extra mile and include a premium one-handed reclining system that allows you to simply press an option to recline your pushchair's seat for a more comfortable position.

Certain models of pushchairs include footrests that can be adjusted, handlebars that are adjustable, and other features so you can adapt the model to your child's requirements. Some models come with a reclined 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 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 keep your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness which is designed to restrain your child at their hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid points on their body. This is the safest and secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. Check out new one-pull harness systems similar to the Cybex Priam which allow you to fit your child's seat belt with only the release of a strap guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.

Stores

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. To ensure that you have enough space pick an infant car seat that has large storage bins as well as a tray for parents and cup holders for your child's seat. This will enable you to keep your essentials close at fingertips when you're on the go.

Look for models that have a canopy built-in to protect your child from the weather. Other features that are beneficial include lockable front wheels for better maneuverability, a parent tray that is easy to access, and an auto-standing fold.

The most convenient and secure A Doona travel system bundle allows you to effortlessly move your child from the car seat to the pushchair without causing any disturbance. The Doona ISOFIX base is secured to the car seat's belt buckle, and then snaps on to the pushchair frame. This innovative system allows you to be prepared from the moment you are born and save time for running tasks.

Another alternative is the egg3 - an award-winning, attractive 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 the seat to a pushchair seat once they're big enough. With adaptors for car seats that are compatible with the majority of major brands, this product is the ideal choice for those who don't have a car.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 comes with the versatility to convert to a tandem using the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. The egg car seat comes with smart SensorSafe technology that will alert you in real-time through your smartphone when there are four potential dangers. These include unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperatures too cold or hot in the carrier or your baby being seated for too long.

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