What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

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

Some pushchairs can be used with a car seats to create travel system. This allows your child to move effortlessly from the car to the pushchair without having to be distracted.

Safety

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

Check if your pushchair complies with BS 197409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure it's safe for children and babies to ride in. This includes ensuring that it has a locking device that's safe and that the brakes function properly.

When choosing a pushchair car seat, it's also worth considering one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is crucial for infants as research shows that babies who spend a lot of time in an upright position can experience breathing problems. The car seat's curly shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.

You can also select a travel system that comes with a baby car-seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller. This will make the transition from stroller to car much simpler since you don't have to wake up your baby each time you change modes of transportation.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to decrease the force of a crash by offering extra padding, energy-absorbing materials and securing your baby's chest, shoulders and head. This type of protection can be particularly important in the event of a collision on the side, which is more dangerous for infants.

Another important safety feature is a top tether. This prevents the car seats from whirling forward during an accident and can reduce the risk of head hits. This is a legal requirement on every coach-built car seat.

Simple to Use

A pushchair car seat is one of the most used baby products so it's important that it has good comfort and convenience features. There are many accessories available, whether it's an easy cushion for the infant or a handlebar that can be adjusted to accommodate parents' needs.

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It allows them the opportunity to sleep flat, which is best for their health and growth. As they age, a carrycot can be converted into a pushchair seat. The majority can be used with a car seat base.

When you are choosing a stroller, look for one that folds easily and is able to fold, so it can be tucked away in small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat tucked in making it much more convenient to use. There are numerous brake options that are available based on your lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for everyday use, and an active hand brake is a great option when you're frequently stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs that have three wheels to keep you on track while going downhill or uphill.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' will let you choose which direction they are facing either towards the parent or facing the world, and this can be changed by pressing the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is an innovative product that elevates this to the next level with the option of both. You can plug the infant car seat into the Doona and then set it upright, like stroller or recline it to a lie-flat position for babies. This is a fantastic feature because it can work without or with a base in your car. It is also used on planes and trains!

If you plan on travelling frequently or using ride share cars an easy and light to install seat is a must. Make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out. Also, think about an all-in-one prams travel system system which includes all the essentials.

Style

Style is a personal choice and you can find something that is suitable for both parents and infants. You can opt for a sleek, sophisticated look or something more striking and fun, based on your preferences and budget. There are lots of options offered by top brands, so whether you're looking for something timeless and modern or vibrant and modern, you'll be sure to find it.

You'll also have to consider the amount you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents choose to buy an entire travel system that includes an infant car seat and a carrycot in the all-in-one package. This is the ultimate in convenience and comfort for families that are always on the go.

A lot of pushchairs come with a lie-flat seat option, allowing newborn babies to sleep in a completely flat position, which is recommended by experts to help with spinal and lung development. Some brands go an extra mile and include a premium one-handed reclining system that allows you to simply press an option to recline the seat of your pushchair for a more comfortable position.

Some pushchairs come with footrests that can be adjusted, handlebars that are adjustable, and other features, so you can adapt them to your child's needs. Some models are convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can face you to connect and assure them or go out into the world for exploration.

Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs, such as socks for colder weather, or sun parasols that shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade is essential because it can stop your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness that is designed to secure your child's hips and shoulders, the most rigid parts of their body. This is a safest and secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair. You should only ever use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. Check out new one-pull harness systems similar to the Cybex Priam, which allows you to precisely fit your baby's seat belt with only the release of a strap guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.

Stores

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. To ensure that you have plenty of space, 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 at fingertips when you're on the go.

You could also consider one with a built-in weather canopy to ensure your child's safety from the elements. Other handy features include lockable swivel wheels on the front 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.

The most convenient and secure A Doona travel system bundle allows you to seamlessly move your child from the car seat to the pushchair without disturbing 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 allows you to be ready from birth and cut down for running errands.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that allows you to place your baby in the egg car seat from birth and then swap them over to the double pram pushchair seat once they're big enough. With car seat adaptors that work with all major brands, this system is a great option for those who don't own an automobile.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 offers the ability to be converted into a tandem using the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. The egg car seat comes with an intelligent SensorSafe technology that will notify you in real time via your smartphone if there are four possible dangers. These include sudden chest clip unbucklings, temperatures too warm or cold in the car seat or your baby being seated for too long.

If you're looking to make sure your pushchair is in great condition for your next trip out, you should consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a thorough cleaning service. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping it down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.