What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a chair on wheels designed for babies up to 6 months. They typically have a seat that can recline to lay flat and come with a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from the time of birth, by incorporating an appropriate car seat or carrycot to create a travel system. This allows your baby to easily move from car to pushchair, without causing disturbance.

Safety

There are a number of essential safety features you should look for in a pushchair car seat. No matter if you're looking at a new or second-hand model it's important to ensure that your chosen pushchair meets the essential British standards and regulations.

Check that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you purchase it. This will guarantee that it's safe for babies and children to travel pushchair in. This includes making sure it has a locking device that is secure and that the brakes function properly.

It's important to choose a car seat that can recline to a flat position when you are choosing a pushchair. This is important for newborns as research shows that babies who spend a lot of time in an upright position can experience breathing problems. The car seat's wavy shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

Alternatively, you can choose a baby car seat that snaps 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 have to wake your baby awake every time you want to switch modes of transportation.

Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to lessen the force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This kind of protection is especially crucial in the event of an accident on the side that could be fatal for infants.

A top tether strap is another useful safety feature to look out for because it prevents the car seat from moving forward in an accident and can help reduce the risk of head strikes. Make sure your pushchair is equipped with this feature as it is a legal requirement for all car seats that are coach-built.

Simple to Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products so it's essential to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are numerous accessories available, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the baby or a handlebar with an adjustable height to fit the needs of parents.

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that is ideal for infants. It allows them the opportunity to sleep in a flat position which is ideal for their health and growth. A carrycot can be swapped over for a pushchair seat when they're older and most can be used with an automobile seat base as well.

When choosing a pushchair, ensure that it folds easily and has a compact fold, so it can be tucked away into small places or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat in place making it much easier to use. There are numerous brake options to choose from based on your lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for general everyday use while an active hand brake can be useful when you're frequently stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also jogger type pushchairs that have three wheels which can help you keep momentum when going uphill or downhill.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from-birth' let you choose which direction the seat faces either the direction of the parent or facing the world. It is possible to change this by simply pressing the seat onto the chassis. However the Doona is a game changer that takes this to the next level, with the option of both. You can either click the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat into a flat position for babies, or use it as a stroller. It's an incredible feature that works with or without the base inside your vehicle and can even be used on planes and trains!

If you plan to travel frequently or use ride-share vehicles A light seat that is easy to install is essential. Ensure the base can be pushed into and out easily. Also, consider looking for a travel system bundle which includes all of your essentials.

Style

Style is a personal choice, and you can find something that is suitable for both parents and children. Based on your budget and taste you can pick a sleek and sophisticated style, or something more appealing. There are lots of options available from top brands, so whether you want something classic and contemporary or vibrant and modern, you'll surely find it.

It is also important to consider the amount you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to buy a travel system that comes with a car seat and carrycot in the one package. This is the best in convenience and comfort for families that are constantly on the go.

Many pushchairs feature a lie-flat option that allows newborn babies to sleep flat. This is recommended by experts because it helps with spinal development and lung development. Some brands go an extra mile by offering a premium hand recline system that allows you to push a button to recline the seat of your pushchair for more comfortable posture.

Some models have adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features that allow you to tailor them for your child's growing requirements. Some models come with a reclined chair so that your child can face you to bond and assure them or go out into the world for exploration.

Some brands also offer a range of accessories for pushchairs, including the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols to protect your little one from the sun. A sunshade can prevent your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness that is designed to secure your child's shoulders and hips, the most rigid points on their body. This is the safest and most secure method of securing your child in their pushchair. You should only ever use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. There are many new one-pull systems, such as the Cybex Pram, which permit you to precisely fit your child's seatbelt using only one pull. This ensures a safe and secure fitting.

Storage

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. To ensure you have enough space make sure you choose a car seat with large storage bins, parent tray, and cup holders for the child seat. This will allow you to keep your essentials close at the ready when you're on the go.

You can also look for a model that has an built-in weather canopy that will ensure your child's safety from the elements. Other helpful features include locking swivel front wheels to allow for greater maneuverability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold so it's easy to store away when not in use.

Doona travel systems bundles provide 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 car seat's belt buckle and then clicks onto the frame of the pushchair. This revolutionary system means you can be ready to go from birth, and save time on daily tasks.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, attractive 3-in-1 travel system that allows you to place your baby in the car seat of an egg from birth, and then switch them over to the pushchair seat unit when they are big enough. With adaptors for car seats that work with all major brands, this system is the best prams option for those who don't have cars.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 comes with the capacity to convert into tandem using the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. With its the intelligent SensorSafe technology, the egg car seat will alert you via your phone in real-time when there are four potentially dangerous conditions - unexpected chest clip not buckled temperatures that are too hot or too cold in the car seat or your child being seated for too long.

You should consider purchasing a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair is in top condition for your next journey. Start by vacuuming, then wipe down the fabric with soapy water or sterilizing water.