What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is an infant chair with wheels designed for babies as young as 6 months. They usually come with a seat that can recline to lie flat, as well as a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs are able to be used from the time of birth, by incorporating an appropriate carrycot or car seat to create a travel pram system. This allows your baby to easily transfer from car to pushchair without disturbing them.
Safety
There are a variety of safety features that you should look for when choosing the right car seat for your pushchair. It is essential that the car seat you choose is in compliance with British standards and regulations, no matter if it's a brand new model or a second-hand model.
Check if your pushchair complies with BS 7409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will guarantee that it's safe for infants and children to travel in. This includes making sure that it's equipped with a safe locking device and that the brakes are working effectively (check these regularly).
When choosing a pushchair car seat, Best travel pram it's also worth considering one that can recline to a lying-flat position. This is particularly important for infants, since research has shown that young infants who spend a lot of time in a straight position can have difficulty breathing. The car seat's wavy shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.
If you prefer, you can choose a car seat that clicks seamlessly onto the chassis of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from car to babiie stroller much easier since you won't have to wake your baby each time you change modes of transportation.
Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to decrease the impact force by providing extra padding, energy-absorbing material and protecting your baby's shoulders, chest, and head. This kind of protection can be particularly important in the event of a side-on collision which is more risky for babies in the earliest stages of development.
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 injury. Make sure your pushchair is equipped with this feature as it is a legal requirement for all coach-built car seats.
Ease of Use
A pushchair car seat is among the most commonly used baby items so it's important to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. If it's a comfy cushion for the baby's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are plenty of accessories to choose from too!
Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It gives them the chance to sleep in a flat position and is beneficial for their health and growth. When they are older the carrycot can be converted into a pushchair. It is also used with the base of a car seat.
When selecting a pushchair ensure that it folds easily and is compact in its fold that allows it to fit in tight places or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached making it much easier to use. A brake is essential and there are many options depending on your lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for daily use, and an active handbrake is useful when you're frequently stopping and starting in traffic-filled streets. There are also jogger style pushchairs with three-wheeled designs which can help you keep momentum when going either uphill or downhill.
Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature let you choose which direction the seat will face, either parent facing or world facing. It is possible to change this by simply pressing the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however is a game changer since it lets you choose both. It is possible to plug in the infant car seat into the Doona and then sit it upright like a stroller or recline it into a lie-flat mode for babies. This feature is remarkable because it can work without or with the base of your car and can be utilized 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 essential. Ensure the base can be clicked in and out quickly and look into a travel system bundle which includes all the necessary items.
Style
Style is a personal preference and you can find something that suits both parents and children. You can go for an elegant, sleek look or something more striking and exciting, based on your preferences and budget. There are a variety of choices available from top brands, so whether you're looking for something timeless and modern or vibrant and modern, you'll surely find it.
You'll also have to consider how much you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat (full report) as it will probably be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to buy an entire travel system that includes an infant car seat and a carrycot in the one package. This offers ultimate convenience and comfort from birth and is perfect for busy families who have to be out and about on a regular basis.
A lot of pushchairs come with a lie-flat option that lets newborns lay in a flat position. This is recommended by experts due to its benefits for spinal development and lung development. Some brands go above and beyond by offering a premium hand recline system that allows you to simply push a button to recline the seat of your pushchair into an even more comfortable position.
Some models have adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features to let you customize the seat to meet your child's changing needs. Some models are convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can either face you to bond and reassure them or face the world to explore.
Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs such as feetmuffs for colder weather or 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 that is designed to restrain your child's shoulders and hips, the most rigid points on their body. This is the most secure and secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair and you should only use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. Check out new one-pull harness systems like that found on the Cybex Priam that allow you to fit your child's seat belt using only the pull of a strap, guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.
Storage
It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. In this regard, the best way to ensure you have enough space is to opt for one with a large storage basket, parent tray and cup holders for the child's seat. This will enable you to keep your essentials close at fingertips when you're on the go.
You could also consider models with an integrated weather canopy to 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 self-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 secured to the car seat's belt buckle, and then snaps on to the pushchair frame. This innovative system means you'll be ready go right from birth, thereby saving valuable time on everyday tasks.
The egg3 is another option. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system allows you to put your baby in a car seat at the time they are born, and switch them to the pushchair when they reach the appropriate age. With adaptors for car seats that work with all major brands, this product is a great option for those who don't have a car.
If you're looking to expand your family or have twins, running pram the egg3 has the capacity to convert into tandem with the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. The egg car seat comes with intelligent SensorSafe technology that will notify you in real-time through your smartphone when there are four possible dangers. These include unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperatures too cold or warm in the carrier or your child being in the carrier for too long.
If you want to ensure that your pushchair is in good condition for your next trip out, consider purchasing an hood fabric refresh kit or a deep clean service. Start by vacuuming first, then wiping down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sunlight.