What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a type of chair on wheels specifically designed for infants starting at 6 months. They usually have a seat that can recline and lie flat, and come with a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used from birth by adding the appropriate car seat or carrycot to create an entire travel system. This lets your baby easily transfer from car to pushchair without disturbing them.

Safety

There are several essential safety features to look for in a car seat. 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 requirements.

Check if your pushchair complies with BS 197409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe for babies and children to ride in. This will include ensuring that it's equipped with a secure locking device and that the brakes work properly (check these frequently).

It's important to look for a car seat that can recline to a flat position when choosing a pushchair. This is crucial for infants because research has shown that babies who spend a lot of time in a straight position can experience breathing problems. This is because their airways become restricted due to the squishy design of the car seat, and they struggle to absorb oxygen.

You can also opt for a baby car seat that snaps onto the chassis of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from stroller to car much easier as you won't have to wake up your baby each time you change modes of transport.

A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to reduce force of a crash by providing additional padding, energy-absorbing materials and securing your baby's shoulders, chest, and head. This kind of protection is especially crucial in the event of collisions with the sides which could be dangerous for babies.

Another important safety feature is a top tether. This stops the car seats from whirling forward in an accident, and reduces the risk of head injuries. Make sure that your pushchair comes with this since it's a legal requirement for all car seats that are coach-built.

Easy of 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 numerous options available, including a comfortable cushion for the baby or a handlebar with an adjustable height to fit the needs of parents' needs.

Some pushchairs include a carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It allows them to rest in a reclining position, which is recommended for their health and development. If they get older the carrycot can be converted 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 able to fold so it can fit in small places or the boot of your car. Some models even fold with the seat still attached, making them much easier to use. There are a variety of brake options that are available based on your needs. A foot brake works well for everyday use, whereas an active handbrake is useful when you're frequently stopping and starting in traffic-filled streets. There are also jogger style pushchairs with three wheels that can help you maintain the momentum when you go uphill or downhill.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from-birth' let you choose which direction the seat will face, either parent facing or the world facing. The option to change this can be done by simply clicking the seat onto the chassis. However the Doona is an innovative product that elevates this to a new level by allowing both. You can click the infant car seat into the Doona and then set it upright as stroller newborn, or recline it to a full lie-flat position for babies. This feature is amazing because it can work without or with a base in your car. It is also used on planes and trains!

If you plan on travelling frequently or using ride share vehicles A lightweight and easy to set up seat is a must. Make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out. Also, consider the possibility of a travel system that includes everything you need.

Style

Style is a personal choice and you can find something that suits both parents and children. You can go for a sleek, sophisticated look or something more striking and exciting, based on your taste and budget. There are plenty of options offered by top brands, so whether you want something timeless and modern or contemporary and vibrant, you'll be sure to find it.

You'll also need to consider the amount you're willing to invest in your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents choose to purchase a travel system which includes the car seat as well as a carrycot. This offers ultimate convenience and comfort from birth and is perfect for families with busy schedules who require to be out and often.

Many pushchairs feature the option of lying flat, which allows babies to lay on their backs. This is recommended by experts because it helps with spinal development and lung development. Some brands go the extra mile and include a premium one-handed reclining system that allows you to simply press an option to recline your pushchair's seat to a more comfortable sitting position.

Some models of pushchair also include adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features so you can adapt them to your growing child's requirements. Some models have a convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can face you to bond and reassure them or face the world to explore.

Some brands also offer a variety of accessories for pushchairs, including feetmuffs for colder temperatures and sun parasols that protect your child 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 designed to hold your child's hips and shoulders, the most rigid points of their body. This is a safest and most 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. There are new single-pull systems like the Cybex Pram, which permit you to precisely fit your baby's seatbelt with only one pull. This will ensure a safe and secure fitting.

Stores

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. Therefore, the best way to ensure you have enough space is to go for one that has a large storage basket as well as a tray for parents and cup holders for the child's seat. This will let you keep your essentials close at the ready when you're traveling.

Choose models that have a canopy built-in to shield your child from the weather. Other features that are beneficial include lockable front wheels to make it easier to maneuver as well as a tray for the parent that is easy to access and a self standing fold.

The ultimate in convenience and safety, a Doona travel system bundle lets you to seamlessly move your child from the car seat to the pushchair without causing any disturbance. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the car seat's belt buckle, and then snaps on to the pushchair frame. This innovative system allows you to be prepared from birth and cut down on daily errands.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to put your baby in the egg car seat from birth, and then switch the seat to a pushchair seat unit when they are big enough. With adaptors for car seats that work with all major brands, this system is the best option for those who don't own a car.

If you're looking to expand your family or have twins, the egg3 comes with the ability to be converted into tandem with the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. Featuring intelligent SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will notify you via your phone in real-time when there are 4 potentially unsafe conditions: chest clip not buckled the chest clip, a temperature that is too cold or hot in the carrier or your baby is in a seated position for too long.

You should consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair is in great condition for your next journey. Start by vacuuming first, then wiping it down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.