What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a seat on wheels specifically designed for infants starting at 6 months. They often feature a seat that can recline to lay flat and have a five point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth by incorporating a compatible car seat or carrycot to create a travel system. This lets your child move easily from the car to the pushchair, without being interrupted.

Safety

There are many safety features that you should be looking for when selecting a car seat for a pushchair. Whether you're considering a brand new or second-hand model it is essential to ensure that the pushchair you select meets the essential British standards and requirements.

Check if your pushchair complies with BS 749/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it is safe for babies and children to use. This includes making sure that it's equipped with an effective locking device and that the brakes are operating well (check these often).

When choosing a pushchair car seat, it's also important to choose a seat that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is important for newborns because research has shown that babies who spend a significant amount of time in an upright position can have breathing problems. The car seat's scrunched-up shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

If you prefer, you can choose a car seat that clicks seamlessly onto the chassis of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This allows the transition between car and stroller a lot simpler, since you don't need to wake your baby awake every time you want to switch between modes of transport.

A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to reduce force of a crash by providing additional padding, energy-absorbing materials and also protecting your baby's chest, shoulders and head. This type of protection is particularly important in the event of collisions with the sides that could be fatal for infants.

A top tether strap is an additional important safety feature to look out for because it prevents the car seat from moving forward in an accident and can reduce the chance of head injury. Make sure your pushchair has this feature as it is a legal requirement for all coach-built car seats.

Easy to Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most used baby products so it's essential to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. It doesn't matter if it's a comfortable cushion for your baby's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are many accessories to pick from too!

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that is ideal for babies. It lets them sleep in a flat position, which is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot can be swapped over for a pushchair seat when they're older and most can work safely with the base of a car seat too.

Find a pushchair that folds easily and compactly so that it can fit into tight spaces or the trunk of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached making it much more convenient to use. There are numerous brake options available depending on your preferences. A foot brake works well for everyday use, while an active handbrake can be useful if you are frequently stopping and starting in busy streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three wheels that help you maintain momentum when going uphill or downhill.

Most 'from-birth' pushchairs let you choose which direction the seat will face either the direction of the parent or world facing. This can be changed by simply clicking the seat onto the chassis. However the Doona is an innovative product that takes this to the next level by allowing both. You can either click the infant car seats into the Doona and then recline the seat to a lie-flat position for babies or set it up as stroller. This feature is amazing because it can work with or without a base in your car. It is also used on planes and trains!

If you intend to travel frequently or use ride-share cars A lightweight seat that is simple to install is a necessity. Ensure the base can be pushed into and out easily. Also, look into an all-in-one travel system that includes all the necessary items.

Style

A pushchair's style is a personal preference and it's easy to find a style that is suitable for Pushchair car Seat both the baby and the parent. Depending on your budget and preferences you can select a sleek and elegant look, or something more appealing. Top brands offer a wide variety of options and you can pick from a modern and vibrant style or classic and contemporary.

You'll also need to think about how much you're willing to invest in your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents opt to purchase a travel system which includes the car seat and the carrycot. This is the best in comfort and convenience for families that are always in motion.

Many pushchairs feature a lie-flat option that allows newborn babies to lay in a flat position. This is recommended by experts because it helps with the development of the spine and lung. Some brands go the extra mile and Pushchair Car Seat include a premium one-handed reclining system that allows you to simply press an option to recline your pushchair's seat for a more comfortable position.

Some models of pushchair also come with adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features, so that you can tailor them to your growing child's requirements. Some even have a reversible seating option to allow your child to face you for reassurance and bonding or can face the world around them to explore.

Finally, some brands offer a variety of accessories for your pushchair, such as footmuffs for colder weather and sun parasols that protect your child from the sun. A sunshade is essential because it can keep your baby pram from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness which is designed to restrain your child's hips and shoulders, the most rigid parts of their body. This is the safest and most secure method of securing 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 with one-pull systems like the one found on the Cybex Priam, which allows you to fit your child's seat belt using just the release of a strap guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.

Stores

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. To ensure that you have enough space, choose car seats with large storage bins along with a tray for parents as well as child seat cupholders. This will allow you to keep all your essentials at hand when you're out and out and about.

Look for models with a built-in canopy to shield your child from the weather. Other useful features include lockable swivel wheels on the front to allow for greater maneuverability, an easy-access parent tray and a self-standing fold, so it is super-easy to store when not in use.

The ultimate in convenience and security A Doona travel system bundle lets you to seamlessly move your infant from the car seat to the pushchair without causing any disturbance. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the belt buckle on the car seat and then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This revolutionary system means you'll be ready go from birth, saving valuable time on everyday tasks.

Egg3 is another option. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system lets you to place your newborn in a car seat at the time they are born. You can then change them to the pushchair when they reach the proper age. With car seat adaptors that work with all major brands, this model is a great option for those who don't have a car.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the ability to be converted into a tandem using the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. Equipped with the intelligent SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will notify you via your phone in real-time if there are any of the following situations - chest clip buckle not being secured, temperature too hot or cold in the carrier, or your baby being in a seated position for too long.

If you want to ensure that your pushchair is in good condition for the next time you take it out, you should consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a thorough cleaning service. Begin by vacuuming, then wipe down the fabric with warm soapy or sterilizing water.