9 Lessons Your Parents Teach 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 starting at 6 months. They typically come with a seat that reclines to lie flat, as well as a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used with a carrycot or car seats to create a travel systems. This lets your baby easily move from car to pushchair, without causing disturbance.

Safety

There are a number of important safety features to be looking for in a pushchair car seat. Whether you're considering a brand new or second-hand model it's crucial to make sure that your chosen pushchair meets the necessary British standards and requirements.

Make sure your pushchair meets BS 197409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you buy it. This will ensure it's safe for babies and children to travel in. This will include ensuring that it's fitted with an effective locking device and that the brakes work properly (check them frequently).

When selecting a pushchair car seat, it's also worth considering one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is especially crucial for babies, as studies have shown that infants who spend a lot of time in a straight position may have difficulty breathing. This is because their airways become restricted due to the squishy shape of the car seat, and they struggle to take in oxygen.

You can also choose a car seat that clicks seamlessly onto the frame of your stroller travel as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from stroller to car much easier since you won't need to wake your baby each time you change modes of transport.

Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to reduce the impact force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This kind of protection could be crucial in the event of a side collision which is more risky for babies in the earliest stages of development.

A top tether strap is a important safety feature to look out for because it prevents the car seat from swaying forward in the event of an accident. It also can help reduce the risk of head strikes. This is a legal requirement on all car seats that are coach-built.

Ease of Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products therefore it's crucial that it has good comfort and convenience features. There are many accessories available, whether it's an easy cushion for the infant or a handlebar with an adjustable height to suit parents.

Some pushchairs include the option of a carrycot, which is ideal for newborns. It allows them to sleep in a lie-flat position, which is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot is a great alternative to a pushchair seat once they're older and most can be used with the base of a car seat too.

When selecting a pushchair look for one that folds easily and has a compact fold so it can fit into small places or the boot of your car. Some models can fold with the seat still attached, making them much easier to use. A brake is also essential and there are a variety of options based on your needs and lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for everyday use, while an active handbrake can be useful if you are frequently stopping and beginning your journey on traffic-filled streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers with three wheels that help you maintain momentum while moving upwards or downwards.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from-birth' allow you to select which direction the seat is facing, either parent facing or world facing. It is possible to change this by simply clicking the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however is a game changer as it allows you to select both. You can plug the infant car seat into the Doona and then sit it upright like stroller, or recline it into a lie-flat mode 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 trains and planes!

If you plan on travelling frequently or using ride share vehicles an easy and light to install seat is essential. It is important to ensure that the base can be easily pushed in and out. Also, think about a travel system package that includes everything you need.

Style

The style of a pushchair is a very personal choice and it's not difficult to find a style that is suitable for both the baby and the parent. Based on your budget and preference you can pick a sleek and elegant appearance, or something that is more striking. There are plenty of options available from top brands, so whether you're looking for something classic and contemporary or modern and colourful you'll find it.

You'll also have to consider how much you're willing to invest in your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to purchase an entire travel system that includes both a car seat as well as a carrycot. This is the best in convenience and comfort for families that are constantly in motion.

Many pushchairs have the option of a lie-flat seat which allows babies to rest in a flat position that is recommended by experts for helping with spinal and lung development. Some brands go the extra mile by offering a premium hand recline system that lets you press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair into a more comfy position.

Some pushchairs include adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features so you can adapt the model to your child's needs. Some even have a reversible seating option so that your child can sit with you for reassurance, bonding, or face the world around them to explore.

Additionally, some brands offer a variety of accessories for pushchairs, including the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols that protect your child from the sun. A sunshade is particularly important because it can keep your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness designed to restrain your child's hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid parts of their body. This is a safest and 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. Look out for new harnesses with one-pull systems like the one found on the Cybex Priam that allow you to precisely fit your child's seat belt with only the pulling of a strap, making sure it is secure and safe fit.

Storage

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat - read the article - can be quite bulky. As a result the best method to ensure you have enough space is to go for one that has an ample storage basket along with a tray for the parents and child seat cup holders. This will allow you to keep your essentials at fingertips when you're on the go.

You can also look for a model that has an built-in weather canopy that will ensure your child's safety from the elements. Other helpful features include locking front wheels that allow for greater maneuverability as well as a tray for the parent that is easy to access and an auto-standing fold.

The ultimate in convenience and safety, a Doona travel system bundle allows you to seamlessly move your infant from the car seat to the pushchair without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the belt buckle of the car seat, and then it snaps onto the pushchair frame. This revolutionary system allows you to be prepared from the moment you are born and save time on daily tasks.

The egg3 is a different alternative. This award-winning 3 in 1 pram-in-1 travel system lets you to place your newborn in a car seat pram seat at the time they are born, and change them to an infant pushchair once they reach the appropriate age. With adaptors for car seats that are compatible with most major brands, this product is a great option for those who don't own an automobile.

The egg3 is able to be converted into a tandem using the optional egg2/3 adaptors in case you have twins or are expanding your family. With its smart SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will alert you via your smartphone in real-time if there are four potentially dangerous situations - chest clip not buckled the chest clip, a temperature that is too cold or hot in the car seat, or your baby being in a seated position for too long.

If you want to ensure your pushchair is in good condition for your next trip out, you should consider purchasing a hood fabric refresh kit or a complete cleaning service. Start by vacuuming first, then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.