What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a baby chair with wheels designed for babies as young as 6 months. They typically come with a seat that can recline to lie flat, as well as a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used with a carrycot or car seats to form a travel systems. This allows your baby to easily transfer from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.

Safety

There are several essential safety features to be looking for in a car seat. It is crucial that the pushchair you select is compliant with British standards and regulations, whether it's a brand new model or a second-hand one.

Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 7409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe for infants and children to travel in. This includes making sure it has a locking device that's secure and that the brakes are working properly.

It is important to choose car seats that recline to a flat position when you choose a stroller. This is essential for infants as research shows that babies who spend a lot of time in a seated position can have breathing problems. This is due to the fact that their airways are restricted by the curly design of the car seat and they struggle to get oxygen.

If you prefer, you can choose a baby car seat pram seat that is able to snap onto the frame of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This allows the transition between car and stroller a lot easier, as you won't need to wake your baby up each time you need to switch between modes of transport.

Some of the top models of pushchair car seats come with side impact protection. This is designed to lessen the force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing material to protect your baby's head, shoulders and chest. This type of protection is particularly important in the event a side crash, which can be more fatal for infants.

Another important safety feature is the top tether. This prevents the car seats from spinning forward in an accident, and can reduce the risk of head collisions. Make sure that your pushchair is equipped with this feature since it's a legal requirement in all coach-built car seats.

Simple to Use

A car seat for a pushchair is among the most used baby products, so it's essential that it has convenience and comfort features. There are numerous accessories available, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the baby or a handlebar that can be adjusted to fit the needs of parents' needs.

Some prams pushchairs prams include a carrycot which is perfect for babies. It allows them to rest in a flat position, which is best for their health and growth. When they are older, a carrycot can be converted into a pushchair. The majority can be used with an automobile seat base.

When you are choosing a stroller, ensure that it folds easily and has a compact fold that allows it to fit into small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models even fold with the seat attached, making them much more user-friendly. A brake is essential and there are a variety of options depending on your lifestyle. A foot brake works well for daily use, and an active handbrake can be useful for those who are constantly stopping and starting on traffic-filled streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three wheels which can help you keep the momentum when you go either uphill or downhill.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs allow you to choose which direction the seat faces, either parent facing 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 because it lets you choose both. You can click the infant car seat into the Doona and then sit it upright as a stroller or recline it to a full lie-flat mode for babies. This feature is remarkable because it works without or with a base in your car. It can also be utilized on planes and trains!

If you are planning to frequent travel or ride-share vehicles A light seat that is easy to put in is essential. Make sure that the base can be pushed in and out quickly and look into a travel system bundle that includes all of your essentials.

Style

A pushchair's style is a very personal choice and it's easy to find something that suits both parents and children. You can opt for a sleek, sophisticated look or something more striking and fun, depending on your personal preferences and budget. Top brands offer a wide range of options to choose from a contemporary and vibrant or traditional and contemporary.

You'll also need to consider the amount you're willing spend on the car seat for your pushchair since it's likely to be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to purchase an entire travel system that includes the car seat as well as the carrycot. This provides the ultimate convenience and comfort from birth and is perfect for busy families who require to be out and about on a regular basis.

Many pushchairs have a lie-flat option that allows babies to lie in a flat position. This is recommended by experts due to its benefits for lung development and spinal development. Some brands even go the extra mile and include a premium one-handed reclining system, allowing you to simply press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair for a more comfortable position.

Certain models of pushchairs have adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features so that you can tailor the model to your child's 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.

Finally, some brands provide a variety of accessories for your pushchair, such as feetmuffs for colder temperatures and sun parasols to protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade can help prevent your baby from overheating.

The most effective car seats for cheap pushchairs come with a five-point harness which is designed to restrain your child at their hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid points 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 car seats for pushchairs equipped with this type of safety harness. Check out new one-pull harness systems similar to the Cybex Priam which allow you to fit your child's seat belt using only the pulling of a strap, making sure it is secure and safe fit.

Storage

It's a fact that a car seat for a child can be quite heavy. In this regard, the best way to make sure you have enough space is to go for one that has large storage baskets, parent tray and cup holders for your child's seat. This will allow you to keep all your essentials at hand when you are out and about.

Look for models with a canopy built-in to shield your child from the weather. Other useful 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 a self standing fold.

Doona travel systems bundles provide the most convenient and security. You can easily transfer your child from their car seat to their pushchair without having to disturb them. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the vehicle's car seat belt buckle, and then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system means you can be ready to go from birth, and save time on daily errands.

The egg3 is a different alternative. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system allows you to put your infant in a car seat when they are born and then change them to an infant pushchair once they reach the proper age. This system is perfect for those who do not have the luxury of a car, as it includes car seat adaptors that work with all major brands.

The egg3 can be transformed into a tandem using the optional egg2/3 adaptors in case you have twins or are expanding your family. The egg car seat features an intelligent SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real-time through your smartphone in case of four potentially dangerous conditions. This includes unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperatures too cold or warm in the carrier or your child being in the carrier for too long.

You should consider investing in a Hood refresh kit or deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair is in top condition for your next journey. Start by vacuuming and then wiping down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.