What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a baby chair with wheels that is specifically designed for babies as young as 6 months old. They usually have an adjustable seat that can recline and lie flat, and come with 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 baby effortlessly move from car to pushchair without disturbing them.

Safety

There are a number of essential safety features to look for in a car seat. It is crucial that the pushchair you select is compliant with British standards and regulations, whether it's brand new or a used one.

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

It is important to choose car seats that recline to a flat, comfortable position when you are choosing a pushchair. This is particularly important for infants, since research has proven that babies who spend too much time in a straight position can have difficulty breathing. This is because their airways are impeded due to the squishy shape of the car seat, and they struggle to absorb oxygen.

Alternatively, you can choose a baby car seat that snaps onto the chassis of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from stroller to car much simpler since you don't need to wake your baby each when you switch modes of transportation.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to reduce the impact force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's head, shoulders and chest. This type of protection is especially important in the event of collisions with the sides, which can be more fatal 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 reduce the risk of head strikes. Make sure your child's pushchair comes with this as it is a legal requirement for all car seats made by coaches.

Ease of Use

A pushchair car seat is one of the most frequently used baby products therefore it's crucial 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 with an adjustable height to suit parents' needs.

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot which is perfect for babies. It lets them sleep in a flat position, which is recommended for their health and development. When they are older the carrycot can be converted into a pushchair seat. Most can also be used with the base of a car seat.

Look for a pushchair that folds quickly and compactly so that it fits into tight spaces or the trunk of your car. Some models can fold with the seat attached, making them much easier to use. A brake is essential and there are many options to choose from based on your preferences. A foot brake is ideal for use in everyday life, while an active hand brake is useful for those who are frequently stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also jogger style pushchairs with three-wheeled designs that can help you maintain momentum when going uphill or downhill.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs let you choose which direction the seat will face either the direction of the parent or the world facing. The option to change this can be done by simply pressing the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however, is a game changer as it allows you to select both. You can either click the infant car seats into the Doona and then recline the seat to a fully flat position for babies, or use it as a stroller. It's an incredible feature that can be used with or without the base inside your car and can be utilized on trains and planes!

If you plan on traveling frequently or using ride-share cars, a lightweight and easy to install seat is essential. Ensure the base can be pushed into and out easily. Also, think about purchasing an all-in-one travel system that includes all the essentials.

Style

The style of a pushchair is a very personal choice and it's easy to find one that will suit both parent and baby. Based on your budget and preference, you can choose an elegant and stylish style, or something more eye-catching. There are plenty of options offered by top brands, so whether you want something classic and contemporary or modern and colourful you'll surely find it.

You'll also need to consider how much you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents opt to purchase a travel system which includes the car seat as well as the carrycot. This is the ultimate in convenience and comfort for families that are constantly traveling.

A lot of pushchairs come with a seat that is lie-flat, allowing newborn babies to sleep in a fully flat position that is recommended by experts for helping in the development of the lungs and spine. Some brands go an extra mile and include a premium one-handed reclining system so that you can simply press the button to recline the seat of your pushchair to a more comfortable sitting position.

Some models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features that allow you to tailor the seat to meet your child's changing requirements. Some even come with a reversible seat, so that your baby can look at you for reassurance and bonding or go out into the world around them to explore.

Certain brands also have accessories for pushchairs, like footmuffs in colder weather or sun parasols that 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 come with a five-point harness which is designed to secure your child at their hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid points of their body. This is the safest and most secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair. You should only use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. You can find new one-pull systems, like the Cybex Pram, that allow you to precisely adjust your child's seatbelt using just a single pull. This guarantees a secure and secure fitting.

Storage

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. To ensure that you have enough space pick an infant car seat that has an ample storage bin as well as a tray for parents and cup holders for the child seat. This will allow you to keep all your essentials at hand while you are out and about.

Find models with a canopy built-in to shield your child from the elements. Other features that are beneficial 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 systems bundles offer the ultimate in convenience and security. It is easy to transfer your infant from their car seat to their pushchair without having to disturb them. The Doona ISOFIX base attaches to the vehicle's car seat belt buckle, and then snaps on to the pushchair frame. This innovative system lets you to be ready from birth and save time in running chores.

Egg3 is another option. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system allows you to put your baby in a car seat when they are born, and change them to a pushchair unit once they reach the right age. This is a great option for Pushchair Car Seat those who don't have a car, as it comes with car seat adaptors that are compatible with all major brands.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the capacity to convert into tandem with the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. The egg car seat comes with intelligent SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real time via your smartphone if there are four potentially dangerous conditions. These include sudden chest clip buckles that are not secured, temperatures too cold or warm in the carrier or your child being in the carrier for too long.

If you're looking to ensure your pushchair is in top condition for the next time you take it out, think about purchasing a hood fabric refresh kit or a deep clean service. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping it down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilising fluid. Be sure to dry the fabric in the sun.