9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Pushchair Car Seat
What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is an infant chair with wheels designed for babies as little as 6 months old. They often feature a seat that can recline and lie flat, and feature a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used right from birth by incorporating a compatible car seat or carrycot to create an entire travel system. This lets your child move easily from the car to the pushchair, without being disturbed.
Safety
There are several safety features that you should look for when choosing a car seat for a pushchair. It is crucial that the pushchair you choose meets British standards and regulations, whether it's a new model or a second-hand model.
Make sure that your pushchair meets BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you purchase it. This will ensure that it's safe for babies and children to use. This includes ensuring that it has a locking device that is secure and the brakes function properly.
When selecting a pushchair car seat, it's also worth looking for one that can recline to a lying-flat position. This is especially important for newborns, as research has shown that young babies who spend too much time in a straight position might have trouble breathing. This is due to the fact that their airways are impeded by the curly shape of the car seat, and they struggle to take in oxygen.
You can also select an option that includes an infant car-seat that can fit perfectly into the frame of your stroller compact. This will make the transition from car to stroller much simpler since you don't have to wake your child every when you switch modes of transport.
Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to decrease the force of a collision, by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This kind of protection is especially important in the event an accident on the side which could be deadly for young babies.
A top tether strap is a useful safety feature to look for, as this prevents the car seat from moving forward in an accident, and can reduce the chance of head injury. This is a legal requirement on all coach-built car seat.
Easy to Use
A pushchair car seat is among 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 available, including a comfortable cushion for the baby or an adjustable handlebar to fit the needs of parents.
Some pushchairs include the option of a carrycot, which is ideal for babies. It allows them to sleep in a lie-flat position that is recommended for their health and development. When they are older the carrycot can be transformed into a pushchair. It is also used with a car seat base.
When selecting a pushchair make sure you choose one that folds easily and is compact in its fold so it can fit in small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat tucked in which makes it more convenient to use. There are numerous brake options that are available based on your preferences. A foot brake is perfect for general everyday use while a hand brake that is active is a great option when you're frequently stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers with three wheels that aid in maintaining your momentum when going uphill or downward.
Most 'from birth' pushchairs will allow you to select the direction they face either facing the parent or facing the world, and this can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. The Doona, however, is a game changer as it allows you to select both. You can either insert the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat to a fully flat position for babies, or sit it upright as stroller. It's an incredible feature that can be used with or without the base of your car and can be utilized on trains and planes!
If you intend to travel frequently or use ride-share cars A light seat that is easy to put in is essential. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked in and out. Also, think about a travel system package that includes everything you need.
Style
A pushchair's style is a personal preference and it's easy to find a style that is suitable for both parent and baby. Depending on your budget and preferences you can pick a sleek and elegant appearance, or something that is more appealing. There are plenty of options offered by top brands, so whether you want something classic and contemporary or modern and colourful you'll find it.
You'll also have to think about how much you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents decide to purchase an entire travel system that includes the car seat and carrycot in the one package. This offers ultimate convenience and comfort from birth and is perfect for busy families who require to be out and about on a regular basis.
Many pushchairs include a lie-flat seat option which allows babies to sleep in a completely flat position, which is suggested by experts as it helps with spinal and lung development. Some brands go the extra mile and include an advanced one-handed reclining system so that you can simply press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair to a more comfortable sitting position.
Some models have adjustable footrests, handlebars, and other features to allow you to tailor them to your child's evolving requirements. Some models have a convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can face you to connect and reassure them or face the world to explore.
Some brands also offer accessories for pushchairs, like feetmuffs for colder weather or sun parasols that protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade can prevent your baby from overheating.
The best pushchair sale car seats will also have a 5-point harness that is designed to secure your child at their hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid points on their body. This is a safest and secure method to restrain your child's body in their pushchair. You should only use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. Look out for new one-pull harness systems like the one found on the Cybex Priam which allow you to fit your child's seat belt using only the release of a strap guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.
Storage
There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. As a result the best way to make sure you have enough space is to go for one with a large storage basket along with a tray for the parents and child seat cup holders. This will allow you to keep everything you need when you're out and out and about.
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 useful features include locking front wheels for greater maneuverability, a parent tray that is easy to access, and a self standing fold.
The most convenient and secure The ultimate in convenience and safety, a Doona travel system bundle allows you to effortlessly transfer your child from the car seat to the pushchair without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the vehicle belt buckle on the car seat and then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This revolutionary system allows you to be prepared from birth and cut down for running errands.
Egg3 is another alternative. This award-winning travel system allows you to put your infant in a car seat when they are born, pram and car seat change them into an infant pushchair once they reach the appropriate age. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with most major brands, this model is the best option for those who don't own an automobile.
The egg3 can be converted into a tandem using the optional egg2/3 adaptors when you have twins or are looking to expand your family. Equipped with smart SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will alert you via your smartphone in real-time if there are four potentially dangerous conditions: chest clip unbuckling, temperature too cold or hot in the car seat or your child being in a seated position for too long.
If you're looking to ensure that your pushchair is in top condition for the next trip out, consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping it down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilizing fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.