What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a chair on wheels designed for babies from 6 months. They often feature an adjustable seat that can recline and lie flat, and feature a five-point harness.

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

Safety

There are several safety features that you should look for when choosing the right car seat for your pushchair. Whether you're considering a brand new or second-hand model, it's crucial to make sure that the pushchair you select meets the required British standards and guidelines.

Check that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you buy it. This will ensure that it's safe for babies and children to use. This includes ensuring that it has a locking device that is safe and that the brakes function properly.

When selecting a pushchair car seat, it's important to choose a seat that can recline and lie flat position. This is particularly crucial for babies, as research has proven that babies who spend a lot of time in an upright position can have difficulty breathing. This is due to the fact that their airways are restricted by the scrunched up shape of the car seat, and they struggle to absorb oxygen.

You can also choose a travel system that comes with the baby car seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller. This will make the transition from stroller to car much easier as you won't have to wake your baby each time you change modes of transportation.

A few of the top car seats for pushchairs provide side impact protection too. This is designed to lessen the force of a collision, by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to safeguard your baby's head, shoulders and chest. This kind of protection could be crucial in the case of a side-on collision, which is more dangerous for young babies.

A top tether strap is an additional useful security feature to search for to prevent the car seat from whipping forward in an accident, and can reduce the chance of head injuries. This is a legal requirement on every coach-built car seat.

Ease of Use

A car seat for baby products a pushchair is one of the most used baby products so it's important to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are numerous options available, including a cushion that is comfortable for the infant or a handlebar that can be adjusted to suit parents.

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot which is perfect for infants. It allows them to sleep in a flat position, which is recommended for their health and development. When they are older it is possible to have a carrycot converted into a pushchair seat. Most can also be used with a car seat base.

When choosing a pushchair, ensure that it folds easily and has a compact fold that allows it to fit in small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat tucked in, making it more convenient to use. There are numerous brake options available depending on your needs. A foot brake is ideal for use in everyday life, and an active hand brake can be useful when you're frequently stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three wheels that aid in maintaining your momentum when going downhill or uphill.

Most 'from birth' pushchairs will allow you to select which direction they are facing either facing the parent or world facing, and this can be changed by pressing the seat into the chassis. The Doona however, is a game changer as it allows you to select both. You can either insert the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat to a fully flat position for babies, or set it up as twin stroller. This feature is amazing because it works with or without the base of your car and can be used on trains and planes!

If you intend to travel frequently or ride-share vehicles A light seat that is easy to install is a necessity. It is important to ensure that the base can be easily pushed into and out. Also, consider an all-in-one travel system that includes everything you need.

Style

The design of a pushchair is a very personal choice and it's not difficult to find a style that is suitable for both the baby and the parent. Based on your budget and preferences you can pick a sleek and sophisticated appearance, or something that is more striking. There are lots of options available from top brands, so whether you're looking for something timeless and modern or contemporary and vibrant, you'll surely find it.

It is also important to think about how much 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 buy a travel system that includes an infant car seat and a carrycot in one package. This gives you the most convenience and comfort right from the beginning and is ideal for busy families who have to be out and often.

Many pushchairs have the option of a lie-flat seat, allowing newborn babies to sleep in a completely flat position, which is recommended by experts as it helps with lung and spinal development. Some brands go above and beyond by including a premium one hand recline system that allows you to simply push a button to recline the seat of your pushchair for an even more comfortable position.

Some models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features to allow you to customize the seat to meet your child's changing needs. Some even have a reversible seat so that your child can look at you for reassurance and bonding, or face the world around them to explore.

Some brands also offer a variety of accessories for your pushchair, such as footmuffs for colder weather and sun parasols to protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade can help prevent your child from overheating.

The best car seats for pushchairs will also have a 5-point harness that is designed to secure your child at their hips and shoulders, the most rigid points on their body. This is the safest and most secure way of restraining your child in their pushchair and you should only use car seats for pushchairs equipped with this type of safety harness. Check out new one-pull harness systems like the one found on the Cybex Priam, which allows you to fit your child's seat belt using just the release of a strap ensuring a safe and secure fit.

Stores

There's no denying that a car seat for a pushchair can be quite bulky. In this regard the best way to make sure you have enough space is to go for one with an ample storage basket as well as a tray for parents and child seat cup holders. This will allow you to keep your essentials at the ready when you're traveling.

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

Doona travel systems bundles provide the best in convenience and security. You can easily move your baby from their car seat to their pushchair without disrupting them. The Doona ISOFIX base is secured to the car seat's belt buckle, then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system means that you can be ready to go right from birth, thereby making it easier to run your daily running errands.

Egg3 is another alternative. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system lets you to put your infant in a car seat when they are born and then change them into a pushchair unit once they reach the appropriate age. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with the majority of major brands, this model is a great option for those who don't own a car.

The egg3 is able to be converted into a tandem with egg2/3 adaptors that are available in case you have twins or want to expand your family. The egg car seat is equipped with intelligent SensorSafe technology that will alert you in real-time via your smartphone when there are four potentially dangerous conditions. This includes unexpected chest clip buckles that are not secured, temperatures too warm or cold in the carrier or your child being in the carrier for too long.

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