9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Pushchair Car Seat

What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a seat with wheels that is designed for infants from 6 months. They typically come with a seat that can recline to lie flat, and a five-point harness.

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

Safety

There are a number of important safety features to look for in a pushchair car seat. It's important that the pushchair you choose is in compliance with British standards and regulations, no matter if it's brand new or a used one.

Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 749/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe for babies and children to ride in. This includes ensuring that it's fitted with a secure locking device and that the brakes are working effectively (check these regularly).

When you are choosing a car seat, it's also worth considering one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is important for newborns because research has shown that babies who spend a significant amount of time in a straight position can have breathing problems. The car seat's wavy shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

You can also select a travel system that includes the baby car seat that fits perfectly into the frame of your stroller. This will make the transition from car to stroller much easier as you won't have to wake your baby every time you change modes of transport.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to reduce impact force by providing extra padding, energy-absorbing material and securing your baby's chest, shoulders and head. This kind of protection could be crucial in the case of a collision on the side which is a greater risk for young babies.

A top tether strap is another important safety feature to look out for, as this prevents the car seat from moving forward in an accident and can reduce the chance of head injury. This is a legal requirement for all coach-built car seat.

Simple to Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most commonly used baby items so it's essential to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are many options for accessories, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the baby or an adjustable handlebar to suit parents.

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot which is perfect for infants. It allows them to rest in a flat position and is beneficial for their health and growth. A carrycot is a great alternative to a pushchair seat once they're older and most can work safely with a car seat base too.

When choosing a pushchair, ensure that it folds easily and is compact in its fold, so it can be tucked away into small places or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat tucked in, making it more convenient to use. A brake is an essential item and there are several different options to choose from based on your preferences. A foot brake is great for everyday use, while a hand brake that is active is useful if you're often stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three wheels which can help you keep the momentum when you go uphill or downhill.

Most 'from birth' pushchairs will let you choose the direction they face, either parent facing or facing the world, and this can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is an innovation that elevates this to the next level with the option of both. It is possible to plug in the infant car seat into the Doona and then put it upright like a toddler stroller or recline it into a lie-flat position for babies. This is a fantastic feature because it works with or without an existing base in your car. It can also be used on planes and trains!

If you plan on travelling frequently or using ride share cars an easy and light to set up seat is essential. It is important to ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out. Also, consider a travel system package that includes all your essentials.

Style

The design of a pushchair is a very personal choice and it's easy to find something that suits both parents and children. Depending on your budget and taste you can pick a sleek and sophisticated look, Baby Essentials or something more striking. Top brands provide a wide range of options and you can pick from something modern and colourful or classic and contemporary.

It is also important to consider how much you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to purchase a travel system that has the car seat as well as the carrycot. This offers ultimate convenience and comfort from birth and is perfect for families that are busy and require to be out and often.

Many pushchairs have a seat that is lie-flat, allowing newborn babies to sleep in a fully flat position, which is suggested by experts for helping with spinal and lung development. Some brands go an extra mile by offering a premium hand recliner that allows you to simply press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair for more comfortable posture.

Certain models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars, and other features to let you customize them for your child's growing needs. Some models even have a reversible seat so that your child can sit with you for reassurance, bonding or go out into the world to explore their surroundings.

Additionally, some brands provide a variety of accessories for pushchairs, including the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols to shield your little one from the sun. A sunshade is especially important as it can help prevent your baby overheating.

The best travel pram pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness designed to secure your child at their hips and shoulders, the most rigid points on 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 that have this type of safety harness. There are many new single-pull systems like the Cybex folding pram, that allow you to precisely fit your baby's seatbelt with only one pull. This ensures a safe and secure fitting.

Stores

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. As a result the best method to ensure you have enough space is to opt for one with a large storage basket as well as a tray for parents and child seat cup holders. 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 shield your child from the weather. Other useful features include locking front wheels to make it easier to maneuver, a parent tray that is easy to access and an auto-standing fold.

The ultimate in convenience and safety, a Doona travel system bundle allows you to effortlessly transfer your infant from the car seat to the pushchair, Compact Travel stroller without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the vehicle belt buckle on the car seat and then it snaps onto the pushchair frame. This innovative system lets you to be ready from the moment you are born and save time in running tasks.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to put your baby in the car seat of an egg from the moment they are born and switch them to a pushchair seat once they're big enough. This is a great option for those without cars, since it includes car seat adaptors that are compatible with all major brands.

The egg3 can be converted into a tandem with the egg2/3 adaptors available when you have twins or are expanding your family. Featuring the intelligent SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will alert you via your phone in real-time if there are any of the following conditions: chest clip buckle not being secured the chest clip, a temperature that is too hot or too cold in the carrier or your child being in a seated position for too long.

If you want to ensure your pushchair is in top condition for the next time you take it out, consider investing in an hood fabric refresh kit or a deep cleaning service. Start by vacuuming first, then wiping down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilizing fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.