What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a baby chair with wheels that is designed for babies as little as 6 months old. They typically have seats that recline to lie flat and have a five point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used right from birth by adding a compatible carrycot or car seat to create an entire travel system. This allows your baby to easily move from car to pushchair, without causing disturbance.

Safety

There are many safety features you need to consider when selecting a car seat to use as a 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.

Make sure that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 197409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will ensure that it is safe for babies and children to ride in. This will include ensuring that it's equipped with a safe locking device and that the brakes are working properly (check these regularly).

When choosing a pushchair car seat, it's also worth looking for one that can recline and lie flat position. This is particularly important for newborns, as research has proven that babies who spend a lot of time in a straight position can have difficulty breathing. The car seat's scrunched-up shape blocks their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

You can also choose an option that includes an infant car-seat that can fit perfectly into the frame of your stroller. This will make the transition from stroller to car much easier as you won't need to wake your baby every when you switch modes of transportation.

Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to reduce force of a crash by offering additional padding, energy-absorbing materials and securing your baby's shoulders, chest and head. This kind of protection is especially important in the event an accident on the side which could be dangerous for babies.

A top tether strap is an additional important security feature to search for, as this prevents the car seat from whipping forward in an accident and can help reduce the risk of head injury. This is a legal requirement on all coach-built car seat.

User-Friendliness

A pushchair car seat is among the most commonly used baby items so it's essential to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. If it's a comfy cushion for the baby's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are also many accessories to pick from too!

Some pushchairs come with an infant carrycot that is ideal for infants. It allows them to rest in a reclining position that is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot can be exchanged to a pushchair seat once they're older, and many can be used with a car seat base too.

When selecting a pushchair make sure you choose one that folds easily and Cheap prams has a compact fold that allows it to fit in tight spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models can fold with the seat still attached, making them much more user-friendly. There are numerous brake options to choose from based on your lifestyle. A foot brake is great for everyday use, and an active hand brake is useful for those who are frequently stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers with three wheels that keep you on track while going uphill or downward.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs allow you to choose which direction the seat will face either towards the parent or the world facing. This can be changed by simply putting the seat onto the chassis. However the Doona is an innovative product that elevates this to the next level with the option of 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 double stroller. It's a fantastic feature that works with or without the base inside your car and can be utilized on trains and planes!

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 clicked in and out quickly, and consider looking for an all-in-one travel system that includes all the essentials.

Style

The style of a pushchair is a matter of personal preference and it's not difficult to find a style that is suitable for both parents and children. You can opt for an elegant, sleek look or something that is more attractive and exciting, based on your personal preferences and budget. Top brands offer a broad variety of options, so you can choose from a modern and vibrant style or traditional and contemporary.

You'll also have to consider how much you're willing to invest in your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to purchase a travel system which includes both a car seat and a carrycot. This offers ultimate convenience and comfort from birth and is perfect for busy families who require to be out and often.

Many pushchairs have the option of a lie-flat seat that allows newborns to rest in a flat position, which is recommended by experts as it helps with lung and spinal development. Some brands go the extra mile by incorporating a premium hand recliner that allows you to simply push a button to recline the seat of your pushchair for an even more comfortable position.

Some models have adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features that allow you to tailor the seat to meet your child's changing requirements. Some models even have a reversible seat so that your baby can face you for reassurance and bonding, or face the world to explore their surroundings.

Finally, some brands provide a variety of accessories for pushchairs, including feetmuffs for colder temperatures and sun parasols that protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade can help prevent your child from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness designed to secure your child's hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid parts of their body. This is the safest and secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair. You should only use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. Look out for new harnesses that have a one-pull mechanism like the one found on the Cybex Priam which allow you to fit your baby's seat belt with just the pull of a strap, guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.

Stores

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. Therefore the best method to ensure you have enough space is to go for one with large storage baskets as well as a tray for parents and cup holders for the child's seat. This will enable you to keep your essentials at fingertips when you're on the go.

You may also search for a model that has an integrated weather canopy to ensure your child's safety from the elements. Other helpful features include locking front wheels that allow for better maneuverability and a tray for parents that is easy to access and self-standing fold.

The ultimate in convenience and security A Doona travel system bundle allows you to effortlessly transfer your infant from the car seat to the pushchair without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the car seat's belt buckle and then clicks onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system means you'll be ready to go from birth, and save time on daily running errands.

Another alternative is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that allows you to take your newborn in the car seat of an egg from the moment they are born and switch the seat to a pushchair seat when they are big enough. This system is ideal for those who do not have cars, since it comes with car seat adaptors compatible with all major brands.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the capacity to convert into a tandem using the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. Equipped with smart SensorSafe technology, the egg car seat will notify you via your phone in real-time when there are 4 potentially unsafe conditions: chest clip not buckled temperatures that are too hot or cold in the carrier or your child being in a seated position for too long.

Consider investing in a rejuvenation kit for your hood or a deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair is in great condition for your next journey. Begin by vacuuming and then clean the fabric with soapy water or sterilizing water.