9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Pushchair Car Seat

What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a type of chair on wheels specifically designed for infants starting at 6 months. They typically come with a seat that reclines to lay flat, and travel system prams (listen to this podcast) a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth by incorporating a compatible carrycot or car seat to create a compact travel pram system. This lets your baby effortlessly move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.

Safety

There are a variety of security features to consider when selecting a car seat to use as a pushchair. No matter if you're looking at a new or second-hand model it's important to ensure that the model you choose is in line with the essential British standards and requirements.

Make sure that your pushchair is compliant with BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you buy it. This will guarantee that it's safe for infants and children to ride in. This includes making sure that it's fitted with a secure locking device and that the brakes are working well (check these often).

It is worth looking for an automobile seat that can recline to a flat position when choosing a pushchair. This is especially crucial for babies, as research has proven that babies who spend too much time in a straight position can have difficulty breathing. This is because their airways are impeded by the scrunched up shape of the car seat and they struggle to take in oxygen.

Alternatively, you can choose a car seat that clicks seamlessly onto the frame of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This allows the transition between the stroller and car simpler, as you won't have to wake your baby pram up every time you need to switch modes of transportation.

A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to decrease 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 could be crucial in the event of a collision on the side, which is more dangerous for infants.

A top tether strap is a useful safety feature to look out for to prevent the car seat from swaying forward in an accident, and can help reduce the risk of head strikes. This is a legal requirement for every coach-built car seat.

Simple to Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products therefore it's crucial to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. If it's a comfy seat padding for baby or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are also numerous accessories to pick from!

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that is ideal for infants. It gives them the chance to sleep flat and is beneficial for their health and growth. A carrycot can be exchanged to a pushchair seat once they're older. Most can be used with a car seat base too.

Look for a pushchair that can be folded easily and compactly so that it fits into small spaces or in the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat tucked in making it much simpler to use. A brake is a must-have and there are several different options to choose from based on your preferences. A foot brake is suitable for everyday use, while an active handbrake is beneficial when you're frequently stopping and starting in busy streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three-wheeled designs that can help you maintain the momentum while going either uphill or downhill.

Most pushchairs that are "from birth" will allow you to select the direction they face, either parent facing or facing the world and this can be changed by putting the seat into the chassis. The Doona however is a game changer because it lets you choose both. You can either insert the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat to a flat position for babies, or set it up as a stroller. This is a fantastic feature because it works without or with an existing base in your car and can be utilized on planes and trains!

If you plan to travel frequently or use ride-share cars A light seat that is easy to put in is a must. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out. Also, consider an all-in-one travel system which includes all the essentials.

Style

Style is a personal preference, and you can find something that will suit both parents and children. You can opt for an elegant, sleek look or something more eye-catching and fun, depending on your taste and budget. There are plenty of options available from top brands, so whether you want something timeless and modern or modern and colourful you'll be sure to find it.

You'll also have to consider 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 purchase a travel system that has the car seat and the carrycot. This offers ultimate comfort and convenience from the moment of birth and is perfect for busy families who require to be out and often.

Many pushchairs feature a lie-flat option that lets newborns sleep flat. This is recommended by experts because it helps with spinal development and lung development. Some brands go the extra mile and include a top-quality one-handed recline 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 include footrests that can be adjusted, handlebars that are adjustable, and other features, so that you can customize the model to your child's requirements. Some models are reversible chair so that your child can either face you to connect and be reassured or face the world for exploration.

Finally, some brands offer a range of accessories for your pushchair, such as the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols to shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade is essential because it can keep your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness that is designed to hold your child's shoulders and hips, the most rigid points on their body. This is the most secure and most secure way to restrain your child's body in their pushchair. You should only use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. Check out new harnesses with one-pull systems like that found on the Cybex Priam which allow you to precisely fit your child's seat belt with only the release of a strap making sure it is secure and safe fit.

Storage

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. Therefore the best method to ensure you have enough space is to opt for one with an ample storage basket, parent tray and child seat cup holders. This will help keep all your essentials at hand when you are out and about.

You can also look for one with an integrated weather canopy to ensure your child's safety from the elements. Other handy features include locking swivel front wheels to give you more manoeuvrability and a parent tray that is easy to access and a self-standing fold, so it's easy to store when not in use.

Doona travel systems bundles offer the best in convenience and security. You can easily move your baby from their car seat to their pushchair, without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the belt buckle of the car seat, and then it snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This revolutionary system means you'll be ready to go right from birth, thereby saving valuable time on everyday errands.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that allows you to put your baby in the car seat for your egg from birth, and then switch them to a pushchair seat when they're big enough. With car seat adaptors that work with all major brands, this product is the ideal choice for those who don't own a car.

The egg3 can be transformed into a tandem by using egg2/3 adaptors that are available in case you have twins or are looking to expand your family. With its the intelligent SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will notify you via your smartphone in real-time if there are four potentially dangerous conditions: chest clip buckle not being secured the chest clip, a temperature that is too hot or cold in the carrier or your baby is seated for too long.

If you're looking to ensure your pushchair is in great condition for the next time you take it out, you should consider purchasing an hood fabric refresh kit or a thorough clean service. Start by vacuuming and then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilising fluid. Be sure to dry the fabric in the sun.