What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a chair on wheels designed for babies up to 6 months. They typically have a seat that can recline and lie flat, and have a five point harness.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from the time of birth, by incorporating a compatible carrycot or car seat to create an entire travel system. This allows your child to move easily from the car to the pushchair without having to be interrupted.

Safety

There are a number of essential safety features you should look for in a pushchair car seat. Whether you're considering a brand new or second-hand model, it's crucial to make sure that the pushchair you select meets the essential British standards and regulations.

Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 197409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe for infants and children to travel in. This includes ensuring that it's equipped with an effective locking device and that the brakes work well (check them regularly).

When selecting a pushchair car seat, my babiie stroller it's also worth looking for one that can recline to a lying-flat position. This is essential for infants as research shows that babies who spend a large amount of time in a seated position can experience breathing problems. The car seat's scrunched-up shape blocks their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

If you prefer, you can choose a car seat that clicks seamlessly onto the chassis of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from stroller to car much easier since you won't have to wake up your baby every time you change modes of transport.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to lessen the impact force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to safeguard your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This kind of protection could be particularly important in the case of a collision on the side which is more risky for babies in the earliest stages of development.

A top tether strap is a important security feature to search for, as this prevents the car seat from whipping forward in the event of an accident. It also can help reduce the risk of head injuries. Make sure your pushchair comes with this as it's a legal requirement for all car seats made by coaches.

Easy of Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products therefore it's crucial that it has good comfort and convenience features. There are a variety of options available, including a comfortable cushion for the infant or a handlebar that can be adjusted to fit the needs of parents.

Some pushchairs come with an infant carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It allows them to sleep in a lie-flat position that is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot is a great alternative to a pushchair seat once they're older, and many can be used with the base of a car seat too.

When selecting a pushchair look for one that folds easily and is able to fold so it can fit into small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat tucked in making it much simpler to use. There are numerous brake options to choose from based on your lifestyle. A foot brake works well for everyday use, whereas an active handbrake is beneficial if you are frequently stopping and starting on busy streets. There are also jogger type pushchairs that have three wheels which can help you keep momentum when going uphill or downhill.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from-birth' allow you to select 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 pressing the seat onto the chassis. However, the Doona is a game changer that takes this to the next level, with the option of both. You can plug the infant car seat into the Doona and then put it upright, like stroller, or recline it into a lie-flat mode for babies. It's a fantastic feature that can be used with or without the base of your car and can be used on planes and trains!

If you are planning to frequent travel or ride-share vehicles A lightweight seat that is simple to install is essential. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out. Also, think about a travel system package which includes all the essentials.

Style

Style is a personal choice It is possible to find something that is suitable for both parents and infants. Based on your budget and preferences, you can choose a sleek and sophisticated look, or something more striking. Top brands offer a broad range of options, so you can choose from something modern and colourful or traditional and modern.

You'll also need to consider how much you're willing to invest in your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents opt to purchase a travel system that includes a car seat and carrycot in one package. This gives you the most comfort and convenience from the moment of birth and is perfect for families that are busy and have to be out and out and.

Many pushchairs include a lie-flat seat option, allowing newborn babies to rest in a flat position, which is suggested by experts for helping in the development of the lungs and spine. Some brands go an extra mile by offering a premium hand recline system that allows you to simply press a single button to recline the seat of your pushchair into an even more comfortable position.

Certain models of pushchairs come with footrests, adjustable handlebars, and other features, so that you can tailor them to your growing child's needs. Some models come with a reclined chair so that your child can face you to bond with and be reassured or face the world for exploration.

Finally, some brands offer a variety of accessories for your pushchair, such as feetmuffs for colder temperatures and sun parasols to shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade is especially important as it will help to stop your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness that is designed to hold your child at their hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid parts of their body. This is a safest and most secure way of securing your child in their pushchair and you should only use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. There are new single-pull systems like the Cybex Pram that allow you to precisely adjust your child's seatbelt using only one pull. This ensures a safe and secure fitting.

Storage

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. In this regard, the best way to ensure you have enough space is to opt for one with an ample storage basket along with a tray for the parents and cup holders for the child's seat. This will allow you to keep all your essentials at hand when you are out and out and about.

Look for models with a canopy built-in to protect your child from the weather. Other helpful features include locking front wheels that allow to make it easier to maneuver, a parent tray that is easy to access, and an auto-standing fold.

Doona travel systems bundles offer the best in convenience and security. It is easy to transfer your baby from their car seat to their pushchair, without disrupting them. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the vehicle's car seat belt buckle and then clicks onto the frame of the pushchair. This revolutionary system means you'll be ready to go from birth, and save time on daily tasks.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, attractive 3-in-1 travel system that allows you to take your newborn in the car seat for your egg from the moment they are born and switch them over to the pushchair seat when they are large enough. With adaptors for car seats that are compatible with most major brands, this product is the ideal choice for those who don't own cars.

The egg3 is able to be converted into a tandem using egg2/3 adaptors that are available in case you have twins or are expanding your family. Featuring smart SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will alert you via your smartphone in real-time when there are four potentially dangerous situations - chest clip unbuckling the chest clip, a temperature that is too hot or cold in the car seat, or your baby being seated for too long.

You should consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair will be in perfect condition for your next trip. Start by vacuuming, then wipe the fabric with warm soapy or sterilising water.