9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Pushchair Car Seat

What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a seat with wheels that is designed for infants up to 6 months. They often feature seats that recline and lie flat, and have a five point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used right from the time of birth, by incorporating an appropriate carrycot or car seat to create an entire travel system. This lets your baby effortlessly move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.

Safety

There are many important 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, regardless of whether it's a new model or a second-hand one.

Check that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will guarantee that it's safe for infants and children to use. This includes ensuring that it's fitted with a secure locking device and that the brakes work properly (check them regularly).

It is worth looking for a car seat that can recline into a flat position when you are choosing a pushchair. This is particularly crucial for babies, as research has shown that young babies who spend too much time in a straight position can have difficulty breathing. The car seat's scrunched-up shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

Alternatively, you can choose a car seat that is able to snap onto the chassis of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from stroller to car much easier since you won't need to wake your child every when you switch modes of transport.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to reduce the force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to safeguard your baby's head, shoulders and chest. This kind of protection can be particularly important in the case of a side-on collision which is a greater risk for young babies.

A top tether strap is an additional important safety feature to look for, as this prevents the car seat from whipping forward in an accident, and can reduce the chance of head injuries. Make sure your child's pushchair is equipped with this feature since it is a legal requirement for all car seats that are coach-built.

Easy of Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products so it's important that it has good comfort and convenience features. It doesn't matter if it's a comfortable seat padding for baby or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are plenty of accessories to choose from!

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot which is perfect for infants. It gives them the chance to rest 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 the base of a car seat too.

Look for a pushchair that folds quickly and compactly to fit into small spaces or in the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat tucked in which makes it easier to use. There are a variety of brake options available depending on your needs. A foot brake works well for daily use, and an active handbrake is beneficial for those who are constantly stopping and starting in traffic-filled streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs that have three wheels to help you maintain momentum while going downhill or uphill.

Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to select which direction the seat will face either towards the parent or world facing. It is possible to change this by simply clicking the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however, is a game changer because it allows you to choose both. You can click the infant car seat into the Doona and then sit it upright like a double stroller or recline it to a lying flat position for infants. This feature is remarkable because it works without or with a base in your car. It can also be used on planes and trains!

If you plan to travel frequently or ride-share vehicles A lightweight seat that is easy to install is a must. Make sure the base can be clicked in and out quickly and consider looking for a travel system bundle which includes all of your essentials.

Style

Style is a personal preference and you can find something that suits both parents and babies. You can opt for a sleek, sophisticated look or something that is more attractive and fun, based on your taste and budget. Top brands offer a wide selection of choices to choose from a modern and vibrant style or traditional and modern.

It is also important to think about how much you're willing to invest in 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 the car seat and carrycot all in one package. This is the best in comfort and convenience for families who are always in motion.

Many pushchairs have the option of a lie-flat seat that allows newborns to rest in a flat position, which is recommended by experts for helping with spinal and lung development. Some brands go the extra mile by offering a premium hand recline system that lets you press a single button to recline the seat of your pushchair to more comfortable posture.

Certain models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars, and other features to allow you to customize them to your child's evolving requirements. Some even come with a reversible seat, to allow your child to look at you for reassurance and bonding or go out into the world to explore the.

Certain brands also have accessories for cheap pushchairs such as feetmuffs for colder weather or sun parasols that protect your child from the sun. A sunshade is particularly important as it can help stop your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness which is 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 ever use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. Check out new harnesses that have a one-pull mechanism similar to the Cybex Priam that allow you to fit your child's seat belt with only the pulling of a strap, making sure it is secure and safe fit.

Storage

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. In this regard the best way to make sure you have enough space is to opt for one with a large storage basket as well as a tray for parents and cup holders for your child's seat. This will allow you to keep your essentials at hand when you are traveling.

Choose models with a built-in canopy to protect your child from the elements. Other handy features include lockable swivel front wheels to provide you with more maneuverability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold that means it is super-easy to store when not in use.

Doona travel systems bundles offer the most convenient and security. It is easy to transfer your baby from their car seat to their pushchair without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX base attaches to the vehicle's car seat belt buckle and then clicks onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system allows you to be ready from birth and save time for running pushchair errands.

Another alternative is the egg3 - an award-winning, attractive 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to take your newborn in the car seat of an egg from birth, and then switch the seat to a pushchair seat once they are large enough. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with most major brands, this product is a great option for those who don't have cars.

If you're looking to expand your family or have twins, the egg3 has the capacity to convert into tandem using the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. The egg car seat is equipped with intelligent SensorSafe technology that will notify you in real time via your smartphone in case of four possible dangers. These include sudden chest clip buckles that are not secured, temperatures too warm or cold in the car seat or your baby sitting for too long.

You should 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. Start by vacuuming and then wiping down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilising fluid. Be sure to dry the fabric in the sun.