What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a seat on wheels specifically designed for infants up to 6 months. They usually come with a seat that reclines to lay flat, and a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth by incorporating an appropriate car seat or carrycot to create a travel system. This allows your child to move easily from the car to the pushchair without being distracted.

Safety

There are a variety of security features to consider when selecting the right car seat for your pushchair. It is crucial that the pushchair you choose is in compliance with British standards and regulations, whether it's a new model or a used one.

Check if your pushchair complies with BS 749/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe for infants and children to use. This includes making sure that it's equipped with a secure locking device and that the brakes work well (check these frequently).

It is important to look for car seats that recline to a flat, comfortable position when choosing a pushchair. This is essential for infants as research shows that babies who spend a lot of time in a straight position can have breathing problems. The car seat's wavy shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

You can also opt for a travel system that comes with an infant car-seat that can fit seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller. This will make the transition from car to stroller much easier since you won't have to wake your child every time you change modes of transportation.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to reduce force of a crash by supplying extra padding, energy-absorbing material and also protecting your baby's shoulders, chest, and head. This kind of protection is especially important in the event an accident on the side which could be fatal for infants.

Another useful safety feature is the top tether. This stops the car seats from spinning during an accident and can also reduce the chance of head hits. Make sure that your pushchair comes with this, as it is a legal requirement for all car seats that are coach-built.

User-Friendliness

A pushchair car seat is one of the most used baby products therefore it's crucial to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. Whether that's a comfortable cushion for the baby stroller's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are numerous accessories to pick from!

Some pushchairs have an infant carrycot that is ideal for babies. It lets them rest in a reclining position, which is recommended for their health and development. If they get older, a carrycot can be converted into a pushchair seat. It is also used with a car seat base.

Find a pushchair that folds quickly and compactly, so that it can fit into tiny spaces or the trunk of your car. Some models fold with the seat in place, making it simpler to use. There are many different brake options available depending on your preferences. A foot brake is ideal for general everyday use and an active hand brake can be useful if you're often stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three wheels which can help you keep the momentum when you go uphill or downhill.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from-birth' allow you to choose which direction the seat will face either towards the parent or world facing. This can be changed by simply putting the seat onto the chassis. The Doona however is a game changer because it allows you to select both. You can click the infant car seat into the Doona and then put it upright as stroller, or recline it to a lie-flat position for babies. It's an amazing feature that can be used with or without the base inside your vehicle. It can also be used on planes and trains!

If you plan to travel frequently or use ride-share cars, a lightweight seat that is easy to install is a necessity. Make sure the base can be clicked into and out easily. Also, consider looking for a travel system bundle which includes all the essentials.

Style

Style is a personal choice and you can find something that suits both parents and babies. Based on your budget and taste you can pick a sleek and sophisticated appearance, or something that is more striking. There are a variety of choices offered by top brands, so whether you want something classic and contemporary or modern and colourful you'll 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 among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents decide to buy a travel system that has the car seat as well as the carrycot. This is the best in convenience and comfort for families who are always traveling.

A lot of pushchairs come with a lie-flat feature that allows newborn babies to lay in a flat position. This is recommended by experts due to its benefits for lung development and spinal development. Some brands go an extra mile by offering a premium hand reclining system that lets you push a button to recline the seat of your pushchair into a more comfy position.

Some models have adjustable footrests, handlebars, and other features to allow you to customize them to your child's evolving requirements. Some models have a reversible chair so that your child can face you to connect and assure them or go out into the world for exploration.

Some brands also offer a range of accessories for pushchairs, including footmuffs for colder weather and sun parasols that protect your little one from the sun. A sunshade can prevent your baby from becoming overheated.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness which is designed to hold your child's 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 pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. You can find new single-pull systems like the Cybex pram and car seat, which allow you to precisely adjust your baby's seatbelt with only one pull. This ensures a safe and secure fitting.

Stores

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat (reviews over at dadazpharma.com) can be quite heavy. In this regard the best way to ensure you have enough space is to opt for one that has large storage baskets, parent tray and child seat cup holders. This will help keep everything you need when you're out and about.

You could also consider a model that has an integrated weather canopy to ensure your child's safety from the elements. Other useful features include locking front wheels that allow for better maneuverability as well as a tray for the parent that is easy to access and an auto-standing fold.

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

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to take your newborn in the egg car seat from birth and then swap them to a pushchair seat when they're large enough. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with most major brands, this system 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 tandem using the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. The egg car seat features intelligent SensorSafe technology that will notify you in real-time through your smartphone in case of four potentially dangerous conditions. This includes unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or hot in the car seat or your baby being seated for too long.

If you want to make sure your pushchair is in good condition for the next time you take it out, you should consider purchasing a hood refresh kit or a complete clean service. Start by vacuuming, then wipe the fabric using warm soapy or sterilizing water.