The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Pushchair Car Seat

What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a chair on wheels specifically designed for infants starting at 6 months. They typically 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 the appropriate car seat or carrycot to create an entire travel system. This allows your child to move effortlessly from the car to the pushchair without having to be disturbed.

Safety

There are a variety of safety features you need to be looking for when selecting the right car seat for your pushchair. It is essential that the car seat you choose is in compliance with British standards and regulations, whether it's a new model or a second-hand model.

Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 197409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you buy it. This will ensure that it's safe for babies and children to travel in. This includes making sure that it's equipped with a secure locking device and that the brakes work well (check these regularly).

When you are choosing a car seat, it's worth considering one that can recline to a lying-flat position. This is important for newborns because research has shown that babies who spend a lot of time in a seated position may experience breathing issues. This is because their airways are restricted by the curly shape of the car seat, and they struggle to absorb oxygen.

Alternatively, you can choose a car seat that snaps onto the chassis of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This allows you to switch between your stroller and car easier, as you won't have to wake your child awake every time you want to switch between modes of transport.

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 extra padding and energy-absorbing material to safeguard your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This type of protection can be crucial in the case of a side collision which is more risky for infants.

A top tether strap is a useful security feature to search for to prevent the car seat from whipping forward in an accident, and can help reduce the risk of head strikes. Make sure that your pushchair has this feature since it's a legal requirement in all coach-built car seats.

Easy of Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products so it's important that it has good comfort and convenience features. There are many options for accessories, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the baby or a handlebar with an adjustable height to fit the needs of parents' needs.

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It allows them the opportunity to rest in a flat position which is ideal for their health and growth. A carrycot is a great alternative to a pushchair when they're older and most can be used with the base of a car seat too.

Look for a pushchair that can be folded quickly and compactly so that it fits into tiny spaces or the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat tucked in, making it easier to use. There are numerous brake options that are available based on your preferences. A foot brake is great for use in everyday life, while a hand brake that is active is a great option when you're frequently stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also jogger type pushchairs that have three wheels that can help you maintain the momentum when you go either uphill or downhill.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs allow you to choose which direction the seat is facing either the direction of the parent or world facing. The option to change this can be done by simply putting the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however is a game changer because it lets you choose 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 sit it upright as a stroller. This feature is amazing because it works without or with the base of your car and can be utilized on planes and trains!

If you plan on travelling frequently or using ride share cars, a lightweight and easy to set up seat is a must. Make sure the base can be pushed in and out quickly, and consider looking for an all-in-one travel system that includes all the necessary items.

Style

The design of a pushchair is a personal preference and it's easy to find one that will suit both parents and children. Based on your budget and preferences you can pick an elegant and stylish appearance, or something that is more striking. Top brands offer a wide variety of options, so you can choose from something modern and colourful or traditional and modern.

You'll also have to consider the amount you're willing to invest in 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 both a car seat and the carrycot. This is the ultimate in comfort and convenience for families who are always in motion.

A lot of pushchairs come with the option of lying flat, which allows newborn babies to lay on their backs. This is recommended by experts because it helps with the development of the spine and lung. Some brands go an extra mile and offer a top-quality one-handed recline system that allows you to simply press an option to recline your pushchair's seat for a more comfortable and comfortable position.

Some models of pushchair also include adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features so you can adapt them to your growing child's requirements. Some models have a reversible chair so that your child can sit in front of you to connect and assure them or go out into the world for exploration.

Finally, some brands offer a range of accessories for your pushchair, such as feetmuffs for colder temperatures and sun parasols to shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade can help prevent your baby from becoming overheated.

The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness that is designed to secure your child's hips and pram and travel system shoulders, the most rigid points of their body. This is the most secure and secure method of restraining your child in their folding pushchair. You should only use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. Look out for new one-pull harness systems like the one found on the Cybex Priam which allow you to precision-fit your baby's seat belt with only the release of a strap ensuring a safe and secure fit.

Stores

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. To ensure that you have plenty of room pick an infant car seat that has an ample storage bin, parent tray, and child seat cupholders. This will let you keep all your essentials on hand when you are traveling.

Find models with a built-in canopy to protect your child from the elements. Other useful features include lockable swivel wheels on the front to provide you with more maneuverability and a parent tray that is easy to access and a self-standing fold so it's super easy to store when not in use.

The ultimate in convenience and security A Doona travel system bundle lets you to effortlessly move your child from the car seat to the pushchair without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX base attaches to the vehicle's car seat belt buckle and then clicks onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system allows you to be prepared from the moment you are born and save time in 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 birth and then swap them to a pushchair seat when they are large enough. This is a great option for those who do not have cars, since it comes with car seat adaptors that work with all major brands.

The egg3 is able to be converted into a tandem by using the egg2/3 adaptors available in case you have twins or are looking to expand your family. The egg car seat features smart SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real-time through your smartphone if there are four potential dangers. These include sudden chest clip buckles that are not secured, temperatures too cold or hot in the carrier, or your baby sitting for too long.

If you want to make sure your pushchair is in good condition for the next trip out, think about purchasing a hood refresh kit or a thorough cleaning service. Begin by vacuuming and then wipe the fabric using warm soapy or sterilising water.