A Relevant Rant About Pushchair Car Seat

What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a chair on wheels specifically designed for infants up to 6 months. They often feature a seat that can recline and lie flat, and come with a five-point harness.

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

Safety

There are many essential safety features you should look for in a pushchair car seat. If you're thinking of buying a brand new or second-hand model it's crucial to make sure that the pushchair you select meets the necessary British standards and requirements.

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 travel in. This includes ensuring it has an locking device that is secure and the brakes function properly.

When choosing a pushchair car seat, it's worth looking for one that can recline to a lying-flat position. This is especially important for newborns, as studies have shown that babies who spend too much time in a straight position might have trouble breathing. The car seat's wavy shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.

If you prefer, you can choose a baby car seat that clicks seamlessly onto the chassis of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This makes the transition between the lightweight stroller and car simpler, as you won't have to wake your child up every time you need to switch between modes of transport.

Some of the best car seats for pushchairs offer side impact protection too. This is designed to decrease the impact force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing material to safeguard your baby's head, shoulders and chest. This type of protection can be crucial in the event of a collision on the side which is more risky for babies in the earliest stages of development.

Another useful safety feature is a top tether. This prevents car seats from spinning during an accident and reduces the risk of head hits. This is a legal requirement on all coach-built car seat.

Ease of Use

A car seat for a pushchair is among the most used baby products so it's essential that it has good comfort and convenience features. Whether that's a comfortable cushion for the baby's seat or a handlebar that can be adjusted for parents, there are plenty of accessories to choose from too!

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that is ideal for infants. It allows them to sleep flat, which is best for their health and growth. When they are older the carrycot can be transformed into a pushchair. The majority can be used with a car seat base.

When choosing a pushchair, ensure that it folds easily and is able to fold so it can fit in tight spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models even fold with the seat still attached, making them more user-friendly. There are a variety of brake options available depending on your lifestyle. A foot brake is suitable for everyday use, pram and Travel System while an active handbrake can be useful when you're frequently stopping and starting in busy streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers that have three wheels to keep you on track while moving upwards or downwards.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' will let you choose which direction they face either facing the parent or facing the world and can be changed by pressing 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 into a flat position for babies, or use it as a stroller. This is a fantastic feature because it can work without or with a base in your car and can be utilized on planes and trains!

If you intend to travel frequently or use ride-share vehicles, a lightweight stroller seat that is simple to install is a must. Make sure that the base can be pushed in and out quickly, and consider looking for an all-in-one travel system that includes all the necessary items.

Style

Style is a personal preference and you can find something that will suit both parents and infants. You can opt for an elegant, sleek look or something more striking and fun, depending on your personal preferences and budget. There are lots of options available from top brands, so whether you want something classic and contemporary or contemporary and vibrant, you'll be sure to find it.

It is also important to consider how much you're willing to invest in the car seat for your pushchair since it will probably be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to buy an entire travel system that includes the car seat and carrycot in one package. This is the ultimate in comfort and convenience for families that are always on the go.

A lot of pushchairs come with a lie-flat feature that allows babies to lay in a flat position. This is a recommendation from experts because it helps with spinal development and lung development. Some brands go above and beyond by incorporating a premium hand recline system that lets you press a single button to recline the seat of your pushchair into an even more comfortable position.

Certain models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features that let you customize the seat to meet your child's changing needs. Some models come with a reversible chair so that your child can face you to bond and be reassured or face the world for exploration.

Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs, like socks for colder weather, or sun parasols that protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade is especially important because it can keep your baby from overheating.

The most effective car seat for a pushchair will also have five-point harnesses that are designed to secure the child at their shoulders, hips and other points of rigidity on their body. This is the most secure and secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair. You should only ever use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. Look out for new one-pull harness systems similar to the Cybex Priam, which allows you to fit your child's seat belt using only the pulling of a strap, making sure it is secure and safe fit.

Stores

It's not a secret that a car seat for a pushchair can be quite heavy. Therefore, the best way to ensure you have enough space is to go for one that has large storage baskets along with a tray for the parents and child seat cup holders. This will help keep all your essentials at hand when you are out and about.

You could also consider a model that has an integrated weather canopy to shield your child from the elements. Other handy features include locking swivel front wheels to allow for greater maneuverability, an easy-access parent tray and a self-standing fold so it's super easy to store when not in use.

The ultimate in convenience and safety A Doona travel system bundle lets you to effortlessly transfer your child from the car seat to the pushchair, without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the car seat belt buckle, and then it snaps onto the pushchair frame. This innovative system means you can be ready to go from birth, saving valuable time on everyday errands.

Another alternative is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3 in 1 compact travel stroller system that enables you to place your baby in the car seat of an egg from birth and then swap the seat to a pushchair seat when they're large enough. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with most major brands, this product is the ideal choice for those who don't have a car.

If you are expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the capacity to convert into tandem with the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. The egg car seat comes with an intelligent SensorSafe technology that will alert you in real-time via your smartphone in case of four possible dangers. These include unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperatures too cold or warm in the carrier, or your baby sitting for too long.

Consider purchasing a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure that your pushchair is in top condition for your next trip. Begin by vacuuming, then clean the fabric with soapy water or sterilising water.