What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is an infant chair with wheels that is made for babies as young as 6 months old. They usually come with a seat that can recline to lay flat, and a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used with a car seats to create a travel systems. This lets your child move effortlessly from the car to the pushchair without having to be disturbed.

Safety

There are several essential safety features to look for in a pushchair car seat. It's important that the pushchair you select is compliant with British standards and regulations, no matter if it's brand new or a used one.

Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 197409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe for children and babies to use. This includes making sure it has an locking device that is secure and that the brakes work well.

It is worth looking for a car seat that can recline to a flat, comfortable position when you choose a stroller. This is essential for infants as research shows that babies who spend a significant amount of time in a straight position can experience breathing problems. The car seat's curly shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.

If you prefer, you can opt for a baby car seat that clicks seamlessly onto the chassis of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This allows the transition between the stroller and car simpler, since you don't have to wake your child awake every time you want to switch modes of transport.

A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to lessen the force of a collision, by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This kind of protection can be especially important in the case of a side collision, which is more dangerous for young babies.

A top tether strap is an additional important safety feature to look out for, as this prevents the car seat from swaying forward in an accident, and can help reduce the risk of head injuries. This is a legal requirement on every coach-built car seat.

Easy to Use

A pushchair car seat 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 for accessories, whether it's an easy cushion for the infant or an adjustable handlebar to suit parents' needs.

Some pushchairs have the option of a carrycot, which is perfect for newborns. It allows them to sleep in a flat position that is recommended for their health and development. When they are older it is possible to have a carrycot transformed into a pushchair. It is also used with an automobile seat base.

When selecting a pushchair look for one that folds easily and is able to fold that allows it to fit into small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat tucked in which makes it easier to use. A brake is a must-have and there are many options based on your needs and lifestyle. A foot brake is great for general everyday use and an active hand brake is a great option if you're often stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also jogger type pushchairs with three-wheeled designs which can help you keep momentum when going either uphill or downhill.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' will allow you to select the direction they face either towards the parent or world facing, and this can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. The Doona however, is a game changer because it allows you to select 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 set it up as a stroller. It's an amazing feature that works with or without the base of your vehicle and can even be used on trains and planes!

If you intend to travel frequently or ride-share vehicles, a lightweight seat that is easy to install is a must. It is important to ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out. Also, think about an all-in-one travel system which includes all the essentials.

Style

Style is a personal choice It is possible to find something that is suitable for both parents and children. Based on your budget and preference you can select a sleek and elegant 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 contemporary.

You'll also need to consider the amount 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 an entire travel system that includes an infant car seat and a carrycot in one package. This offers ultimate convenience and comfort from birth and is ideal for busy families who require to be out and about on a regular basis.

Many pushchairs have the option of a lie-flat seat which allows babies to sleep in a fully flat position, which is recommended by experts for helping with spinal and lung development. Some brands go an extra mile and offer a premium one-handed reclining system that allows you to simply press the button to recline your pushchair's seat to a more comfortable sitting position.

Some pushchairs include adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features so that you can customize them to your growing child's requirements. Some models have a convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can either face you to connect and assure them or go out into the world to explore.

Some brands also offer accessories for pushchairs, such as feetmuffs for colder weather or sun parasols that protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade can help prevent your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness designed to restrain your child's hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid parts of their body. This is a safest and most secure way to restrain your child's body in their pushchair and you should only use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. Look out for new one-pull harness systems like that found on the Cybex Priam which allow you to precision-fit your child's seat belt with only the pulling of a strap, ensuring a safe and secure fit.

Stores

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. To ensure that you have plenty of space make sure you choose an infant car seat that has an ample storage bin as well as a tray for parents and cup holders for your child's seat. This will allow you to keep all your essentials at hand when you're out and out and about.

You may also search for one with an built-in weather canopy that will shield your child from the elements. Other useful features include lockable swivel front wheels to give you more manoeuvrability and a parent tray that is easy to access and a self-standing fold that means it is super-easy to store when not in use.

Doona travel systems bundles offer the ultimate in convenience and security. You can easily transfer your baby from their car seat to their pushchair, without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX base attaches to the car seat's belt buckle and then clicks onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system allows you to be prepared from birth and cut down for running pram errands.

The egg3 is another alternative. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system allows you to place your newborn in a car seat when they are born and then change them into a pushchair unit once they reach the right age. This system is ideal for those who do not have cars, since it comes with car seat adaptors that work with all major brands.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 offers the ability to be converted into a tandem using the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. The egg car seat features an intelligent SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real-time through your smartphone if there are four potentially dangerous conditions. These include unexpected 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 want to ensure that your pushchair is in good condition for the next time you take it out, you should consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a thorough cleaning service. Start by vacuuming first, then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilizing fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.