The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Pushchair Car Seat

What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a seat on wheels designed for babies up to 6 months. They typically have seats that recline to lay flat and come with a five-point harness.

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

Safety

There are many essential safety features to look for in a pushchair car seat. Whether you're considering a brand new or second hand model, it is essential to ensure that the model you choose is in line with the required British standards and guidelines.

Check if your pushchair complies with BS 7409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will guarantee that it's safe for babies and children to use. This includes making sure that it's fitted with a secure locking device and that the brakes work well (check them often).

It's worth looking for an automobile seat that can recline to a flat position when you are choosing a pushchair. This is crucial for infants because research has shown that babies who spend a large amount of time in an upright position can have breathing problems. This is due to the fact that their airways are restricted due to the squishy shape of the car seat, and they struggle to absorb oxygen.

Alternatively, you can choose a 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 stroller and car simpler, since you don't need to wake your baby up every time you need to switch modes of transport.

A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to reduce the impact force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing material to safeguard your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This type of protection is especially important in the event an accident on the side that could be dangerous for babies.

Another important safety feature is a top tether. This prevents the car seats from spinning during an accident and can also reduce the chance of head injuries. This is a legal requirement for every coach-built car seat.

Easy to Use

A pushchair car seat is one of the most used baby products so it's important that it has good comfort and convenience features. If it's a comfy cushion for the baby's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are also many accessories to pick from!

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot which is perfect for babies. It allows them the opportunity to sleep flat and is beneficial for their health and growth. When they are older the carrycot can be converted into a pushchair. Most can also be used with a car seat base.

Look for a pushchair that folds quickly and compactly so that it can fit into tiny spaces or the trunk of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached, making it more convenient to use. There are a variety of brake options available depending on your needs. A foot brake is suitable for daily use, and an active handbrake is useful if you are frequently stopping and starting in busy streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers with three wheels that help you maintain momentum while moving upwards or downwards.

Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature let you choose which direction the seat faces either the direction of the parent or the world facing. The option to change this can be done by simply pressing the seat onto the chassis. However, the Doona is an innovation that elevates this to a new level with the option of both. You can click the infant car seat into the Doona and then sit it upright as stroller or recline it to a lie-flat position for babies. It's an amazing feature that works with or without the base in 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 set up seat is essential. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out. Also, think about the possibility of a travel system which includes all the essentials.

Style

The style of a pushchair is a matter of personal preference and it's easy to find a style that is suitable for both parent and baby. Depending on your budget and preference, you can choose a sleek and elegant look, or something more eye-catching. There are lots of options offered by top brands, so whether you want something timeless and modern or contemporary and vibrant, you'll be sure to find it.

You'll also need to consider how much you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents decide to buy a travel system that has both a car seat as well as a carrycot. This gives you the most convenience and comfort right from the beginning and is ideal for busy families who require to be out and about on a regular basis.

Many pushchairs feature a lie-flat feature that allows babies to lay in a flat position. This is a recommendation from experts due to its benefits for spinal development and lung development. Some brands go an extra mile and include a premium one-handed reclining system, allowing you to simply press a button to recline your pushchair's seat to a more comfortable sitting position.

Some pushchairs have 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 even come with a reversible seat, so that your child can look at you for reassurance and bonding, or face the world around them to explore.

Additionally, some brands provide a variety of accessories for your pushchair, such as footmuffs for colder weather and sun parasols to shield your little one from the sun. A sunshade can prevent your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness which is designed to secure your child's hips and shoulders, the most rigid parts of their body. This is the most secure and secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. There are many new one-pull systems, such as the Cybex pram double, that allow you to precisely fit your child's seatbelt using only one pull. This ensures a safe and secure fitting.

Storage

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. In this regard the best way to make sure you have enough space is to go for one that has large storage baskets, parent tray and child seat cup holders. This will allow you to keep everything you need while you are out and out and about.

Choose models that have a canopy built-in to shield your child from the weather. Other handy features include lockable swivel front wheels to give you more manoeuvrability and a parent facing pushchair tray that is easy to access and a self-standing fold, so it is super-easy to store when not in use.

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 having to disturb them. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the car seat belt buckle, and then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This revolutionary system means you'll be ready go from birth, and save time on daily running errands.

Another alternative is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3 in 1 travel pushchair system that allows you to put your baby in the car seat for your egg from the moment they are born and switch them to a pushchair seat when they're big enough. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with most major brands, this model is the best option for those who don't own an automobile.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 comes with the ability to be converted into tandem with the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. The egg car seat comes with an intelligent SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real time via your smartphone in case of four potential dangers. These include unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or warm in the carrier or your baby sitting for too long.

If you're looking to make sure your pushchair is in top condition for the next time you take it out, you should consider purchasing an hood fabric refresh kit or a deep cleaning service. Start by vacuuming first, then wiping down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sunlight.