9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You 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 typically have a seat that can recline to lie flat and have a five point harness.
Some pushchairs are compatible with a carrycot or car seats to create travel system. This lets your baby easily move from car to pushchair, without causing disturbance.
Safety
There are a variety of security features to be looking for when selecting a car seat to use as a pushchair. No matter if you're looking at a new or second-hand model it is essential to ensure that your chosen pushchair meets the essential British standards and regulations.
Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 197409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe for babies and children to use. This will include ensuring that it's fitted with a secure locking device and that the brakes are working well (check these frequently).
When choosing a pushchair car seat, it's also worth considering one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is particularly crucial for babies, as studies have shown that babies who spend a lot of time in an upright position may have difficulty breathing. The car seat's wavy shape blocks their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.
You can also choose a baby car seat that is able to snap onto the chassis of your stroller as part of a compact travel pram system bundle. This will make the transition from stroller to car much easier since you won't need to wake your baby every time you change modes of transportation.
Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to reduce the force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's head, shoulders and chest. This type of protection can be particularly important in the case of a side-on collision 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 whirling forward during an accident and can also reduce the chance of head hits. This is a legal requirement on all car seats that are coach-built.
Ease of Use
A pushchair car seat is one of the most commonly used baby items so it's important to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. There are a variety of options for accessories, whether it's a cushion that is comfortable for the infant or an adjustable handlebar to fit the needs of parents.
Some pushchairs include a carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It allows them to sleep in a flat position which is ideal for their health and growth. A carrycot can be exchanged for a pushchair seat when they're older. Most are compatible with a car seat base too.
When choosing a pushchair, look for one that folds easily and is able to fold, so it can be tucked away into small spaces or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached making it much easier to use. There are a variety of brake options available depending on your needs. A foot brake works well for everyday use, whereas an active handbrake is useful if you are frequently stopping and beginning your journey on traffic-filled streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs that have three wheels to keep you on track while going uphill or downward.
Most prams pushchairs prams pushchairs that are "from birth" will let you choose which direction they face either towards the parent or world facing and can be changed by pressing the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is an innovative product that elevates this to a new level with the option of both. You can click the infant car seat into the Doona and then set it upright, like a stroller or recline it to a lie-flat position for babies. It's a fantastic feature that can be used with or without the base inside your vehicle and can even be used on planes and trains!
If you are planning on traveling frequently or using ride-share cars A lightweight and easy to set up seat is a must. Make sure that the base can be clicked into and out easily. Also, think about purchasing an all-in-one travel system that includes all of your essentials.
Style
The design of a pushchair is a matter of personal preference and it's not difficult to find one that will suit both the baby and the parent. Based on your budget and taste you can pick a sleek and sophisticated appearance, or something that is more appealing. There are a variety of choices available from top brands, so whether you're looking for something classic and contemporary or modern and colourful you'll be sure to find it.
You'll also need to consider the amount you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents decide to buy a travel system that has both a car seat as well as the carrycot. This provides the ultimate convenience and comfort right from the beginning and is perfect for families with busy schedules who need to get out and about on a regular basis.
Many pushchairs have a lie-flat seat option which allows babies to rest in a flat position, which is recommended by experts to help 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 a more comfy position.
Some models of pushchair also have footrests that can be adjusted, handlebars that are adjustable, and other features so that you can tailor the model to your child's needs. Some models come with a reversible chair so that your child can sit in front of you to bond and assure them or go out into the world for exploration.
Additionally, some brands offer a variety of pushchair accessories including the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols that protect your little one from the sun. A sunshade is particularly important as it will help to keep your baby from overheating.
The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness that is designed to restrain your child's hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid points on their body. This is the safest and most secure method 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. There are new one-pull systems, such as the Cybex pram and travel system that allow you to precisely adjust your baby's seatbelt with only one pull. This will ensure a safe and secure fitting.
Storage
There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. To ensure you have enough space, choose car seats with an ample storage bin, parent tray, and child seat cupholders. This will let you keep your essentials close at the ready when you're traveling.
Choose models with a built-in canopy to protect your child from the elements. Other features that are beneficial include lockable front wheels for better maneuverability, a parent tray that is easy to access and a self standing fold.
Doona travel systems bundles provide the most convenient and security. It is easy to transfer your child from their car seat to their pushchair, without having to disturb them. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the vehicle belt buckle on the car seat and 3 In One Pushchair then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system lets you to be ready from birth and cut down on daily tasks.
Another alternative is the egg3 - an award-winning, attractive 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to put your baby in the car seat of an egg from birth, and then switch them over to the pushchair seat when they are large enough. With adaptors for car seats that are compatible with most major brands, this model is the best option for those who don't have an automobile.
If you're looking to expand your family or have twins, the egg3 offers the versatility to convert to a tandem using the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. The egg car seat is equipped with intelligent SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real-time through your smartphone in case of four possible dangers. This includes unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperatures too cold or warm in the car seat or your baby being seated for too long.
You should consider purchasing a rejuvenation kit for your hood or a deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair will be in perfect condition for your next trip. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.