10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Pushchair Car Seat
What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a chair with wheels that is designed for infants from 6 months. They typically come with a seat that reclines to lay flat, and a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth by incorporating an appropriate car seat or carrycot to create a travel system. This lets your child move effortlessly from the car to the pushchair without having to be distracted.
Safety
There are several safety features that you should be looking for when selecting the right car seat for your pushchair. It's important that the pushchair you select is compliant with British standards and regulations, no matter if it's a new model or a second-hand one.
Make sure that your pushchair meets BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you purchase it. This will ensure it's safe for babies and children to use. This includes ensuring that it has an locking device that is safe and that the brakes function properly.
It is important to look for car seats that recline to a flat, comfortable position when choosing a pushchair. This is especially important for infants, since studies have shown that babies who spend a lot of time in a straight position can have difficulty breathing. The car seat's scrunched-up shape limits their airways, which causes them to struggle to breathe.
You can also choose a travel system that comes with the baby car seat that fits perfectly into the frame of your stroller. This will make the transition from stroller to car much simpler since you don't need to wake your baby each when you switch modes of transport.
A few of the top car seats for pushchairs offer side impact protection too. This is designed to decrease the force of a collision by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to safeguard your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This type of protection can be particularly important in the event of a side-on collision, which is more dangerous for infants.
A top tether strap is another important safety feature to look for, as this prevents the car seat from whipping forward in an accident, and can reduce the chance of head strikes. This is a legal requirement on all car seats that are coach-built.
Ease of Use
A car seat for a pushchair is one of the most used baby products, therefore it's crucial that it comes with convenience and comfort features. There are many options for accessories, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the baby or a handlebar that can be adjusted to fit the needs of parents.
Some pushchairs include a carrycot which is perfect for newborns. It allows them to rest in a reclining position that is recommended for their health and development. When they are older it is possible to have a carrycot converted into a pushchair seat. It is also used with an automobile seat base.
Choose a model that folds easily and compactly to fit into small spaces or in the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat attached, making them much easier to use. A brake is an essential item and there are a variety of options depending on your lifestyle. A foot brake is suitable for prams everyday use, whereas an active handbrake is useful when you're frequently stopping and starting in busy streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three-wheeled designs that help you maintain the momentum while going uphill or downhill.
Most 'from birth' pushchairs will let you choose which direction they are facing, either parent facing or world facing, and this can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is an innovative product that elevates this to the next level with the option of both. You can either click the infant car seats into the Doona and then recline the seat to a fully flat position for babies, or use it as stroller. This feature is amazing because it works without or with an existing base in your car. It is also used on trains and planes!
If you plan to travel pushchair frequently or use ride-share cars, a lightweight seat that is easy to put in is a must. Make sure that the base can be pushed in and out quickly and consider looking for a travel system bundle that includes all the essentials.
Style
Style is a personal preference It is possible to find something that will suit both parents and infants. You can choose a sleek, sophisticated look or something more eye-catching and exciting, based on your taste and budget. Top brands provide a wide range of options and you can pick from a modern and vibrant style or classic and contemporary.
You'll need to decide how much you're willing to spend on the car seat, since this will likely be your largest baby purchase. Many parents opt to purchase a travel system which includes both a car seat as well as a carrycot. This is the best in comfort and convenience for families that are always traveling.
Many pushchairs include a lie-flat seat option which allows babies to sleep in a fully flat position, which is suggested by experts to help with spinal and lung development. Some brands go an extra mile by offering a premium hand recline system that allows you to push a button to recline the seat of your pushchair to an even more comfortable position.
Certain models of pushchairs come with footrests, adjustable handlebars, and other features so you can adapt them to your child's needs. Some models even have a reversible seating option to allow your child to sit with you for reassurance, bonding or go out into the world to explore the.
Additionally, some brands offer a variety of accessories for pushchairs, including footmuffs for colder weather and sun parasols to protect your child from the sun. A sunshade is essential as it will help to keep your baby from overheating.
The most effective car seats for pushchairs will also have a 5-point harness which is designed to restrain your child at their shoulders and hips, the most rigid points on their body. This is the safest and most secure method of securing your child in their pushchair and you should only ever use car seats for pushchairs that have this type of safety harness. Look out for new one-pull harness systems like the one found on the Cybex Priam, which allows you to precisely fit your baby's seat belt with just the pulling of a strap, guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.
Storage
A pushchair car seat is a huge item. To ensure that you have plenty of room pick car seats with a large storage bin along with a tray for parents as well as child seat cupholders. This will ensure that you have all your essentials at hand when you are out and about.
Find models with a canopy built-in to shield your child from the weather. Other helpful features include lockable swivel wheels on the front to allow for greater maneuverability, an easy-access parent tray and a self-standing fold, so it's super easy to store away when not in use.
Doona travel systems bundles offer the most convenient and security. You can easily move your baby from their car seat to their double pram pushchair without disrupting them. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the car seat's belt buckle, then snaps on to the pushchair frame. This innovative system lets you to be prepared from birth and save time on daily errands.
The egg3 is another option. This award-winning travel system allows you to put your baby in a car seat as they are born and then switch them to the pushchair when they reach the appropriate age. This is a great option for those who don't have cars, since it comes with car seat adaptors that work with all major brands.
If you're looking to expand your family or have twins, the egg3 comes with the versatility to convert to a tandem using the optional egg2/3 in 1 pram tandem adaptors. The egg car seat features intelligent SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real time via your smartphone when there are four potential dangers. These include sudden chest clip buckles that are not secured, temperatures too warm or cold in the carrier, or your baby sitting for too long.
If you're looking to ensure that your pushchair is in good condition for your next trip out, think about investing in a hood fabric refresh kit or a complete clean service. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilising fluid. Be sure to dry the fabric in the sun.