What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a chair on wheels specifically designed for infants from 6 months. They usually come with a seat that reclines to lie flat, as well as a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used right from birth by incorporating a compatible car seat or carrycot to create a travel system. This lets your child move easily from the car to the pushchair without having to be disturbed.

Safety

There are many essential safety features you should look for in a pushchair car seat. Whether you're considering a brand new or second-hand model it is essential to ensure that your chosen pushchair meets the essential British standards and guidelines.

Check that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will guarantee that it's safe for infants and children to ride in. This includes making sure that it's fitted with a secure locking device and that the brakes work properly (check them frequently).

When selecting a pushchair car seat, it's also important to choose a seat that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is particularly crucial for babies, as research has proven that babies who spend too much time in an upright position might have trouble breathing. The car seat's curly shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.

Alternatively, you can choose a baby car seat that is able to snap onto the chassis of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from stroller to car much easier as you won't have to wake up your baby each when you switch modes of transportation.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to lessen the force of a crash by supplying extra padding, energy-absorbing material and also protecting your baby's shoulders, chest and head. This kind of protection could be particularly important in the event of a collision on the side which is more risky for infants.

Another useful safety feature is a top tether. This prevents car seats from spinning in the event of an accident, and reduces the risk of head hits. This is a legal requirement for all coach-built car seat.

Ease of Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products so it's important to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. There are a variety of options for accessories, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the baby or a handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents' needs.

Some pushchairs come with the option of a carrycot, which is ideal for infants. It allows them to sleep in a flat position which is ideal for their health and growth. As they age it is possible to have a carrycot transformed into a pushchair. The majority can be used with a car seat base.

When choosing a pushchair, ensure that it folds easily and is compact in its fold that allows it to fit in small spaces or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached, making it simpler to use. A brake is also essential and there are a variety of options to choose from based on your preferences. A foot brake is suitable for daily use, and an active handbrake can be useful when you're frequently stopping and starting in traffic-filled streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three wheels which can help you keep the momentum when you go either uphill or downhill.

Most pushchairs that are "from birth" will allow you to select the direction they face either towards the parent or facing the world and this can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. The Doona, however is a game changer since it allows you to select both. You can click the infant car seat into the Doona and then set it upright, like stroller or recline it to a full lie-flat mode for babies. This is a fantastic feature because it can be used with or without a base in your car. It can also be used on trains and planes!

If you plan to travel frequently or ride-share vehicles, a lightweight seat that is easy to put in is essential. It is important to ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out. Also, think about the possibility of a travel system that includes everything you need.

Style

The style of a pushchair is a personal preference and it's not difficult to find one that will suit both the baby and the parent. Depending on your budget and preference, you can choose a sleek and sophisticated look, or something more striking. There are plenty of options available from top brands, so whether you're looking for something classic and contemporary or vibrant and modern, you'll surely find it.

You'll also need to think about how much you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to purchase an entire travel system that includes the car seat as well as the carrycot. This provides the ultimate comfort and convenience from the moment of birth and is ideal for busy families who require to be out and often.

Many pushchairs include a seat that is lie-flat which allows babies to sleep in a completely flat position that is recommended by experts to help with spinal and lung development. Some brands go above and beyond by offering a premium hand reclining system that allows you to simply press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair into a more comfy position.

Certain models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars, and other features to allow you to tailor them to your child's evolving requirements. Some models come with a reclined chair so that your child can either face you to connect and reassure them or face the world for exploration.

Additionally, some brands offer a range of pushchair accessories including footmuffs for colder weather and sun parasols that protect your little one from the sun. A sunshade is particularly important because it can stop your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness that is designed to hold your child's shoulders and hips, the most rigid points on their body. This is a safest and most secure way 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. Be on the lookout for new harnesses with one-pull systems similar to the Cybex Priam, which allows you to precision-fit your child's seat belt using just the pull of a strap, making sure it is secure and safe fit.

Storage

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. In this regard the best way to ensure you have enough space is to go for one with large storage baskets, parent tray and cup holders for your child's seat. This will allow you to keep all your essentials on fingertips when you're on the go.

Find models that have a canopy built-in to protect your child from the weather. Other useful features include lockable front wheels for greater maneuverability as well as a tray for the parent that is easy to access and self-standing fold.

Doona travel stroller systems bundles provide the most convenient and security. You can easily move your child from their car seat to their pushchair without disrupting them. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the vehicle belt buckle on the car seat and then snaps onto the pushchair frame. This innovative system means that you'll be ready to go from birth, saving valuable time on everyday running errands.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that allows you to place your baby in the car seat for your egg from birth, and then switch them to a pushchair seat unit when they are large enough. With adaptors for car seats that work with all major brands, this product is a great option for those who don't own cars.

If you are expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 offers the versatility to convert to tandem with the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. Featuring the intelligent SensorSafe technology, the egg car seat will notify you via your phone in real-time if there are 4 potentially unsafe conditions: chest clip buckle not being secured the chest clip, a temperature that is too hot or too cold in the car seat, or your baby being seated for too long.

If you want to ensure that your pushchair is in great condition for your next trip out, consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a thorough clean service. Begin by vacuuming, then wipe down the fabric with warm soapy or sterilising water.