What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a baby chair with wheels that is made for babies as young as 6 months old. They are often equipped with a seat that can recline to lay flat, and a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used right from the time of birth, by incorporating the appropriate car seat or carrycot to create a travel system. This allows your baby to effortlessly move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.
Safety
There are a variety of security features to be looking for when selecting a car seat to use as a pushchair. If you're thinking of buying a brand new or second-hand model, it's important to ensure that your chosen pushchair meets the necessary British standards and requirements.
Check that your pushchair is compliant with BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will guarantee that it's safe for infants and children to travel in. This includes ensuring that it's fitted with an effective locking device and that the brakes are operating well (check them regularly).
When you are choosing a car seat, it's also worth looking for one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is especially important for infants, since research has proven that babies who spend too much time in an upright position may have difficulty breathing. The car seat's wavy shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.
You can also choose a travel system that includes an infant car-seat that can fit perfectly into the frame of your stroller compact. This makes the transition between the stroller and car simpler, since you don't need to wake your baby up every time you need to switch modes of transportation.
Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to decrease the force of a crash by offering extra padding, energy-absorbing materials and protecting your baby's shoulders, chest and head. This type of protection is especially important in the event a side crash, which can be more deadly for young babies.
A top tether strap is an additional useful security feature to search for because it prevents the car seat from swaying forward in the event of an accident. It also can reduce the risk of head injury. Make sure that your pushchair comes with this, as it is a legal requirement for all coach-built car seats.
Simple to Use
A pushchair car seat is one of the most frequently used baby products therefore it's crucial to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. There are a variety of options for accessories, whether it's an easy cushion for the baby or an adjustable handlebar to fit the needs of parents.
Some pushchairs come with an infant carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It gives them the chance to sleep flat and is beneficial for their health and growth. A carrycot can be exchanged to a pushchair when they're older and most can work safely with an automobile seat base as well.
When selecting a pushchair look for one that folds easily and is compact in its fold that allows it to fit in small spaces or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached, making them more user-friendly. There are many different brake options that are available based on your lifestyle. A foot brake is suitable for everyday use, while an active handbrake can be useful if you are frequently stopping and starting on busy streets. There are also jogger type pushchairs that have three wheels that help you maintain the momentum when you go uphill or downhill.
Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature let you choose which direction the seat will face either the direction of the parent or world facing. This can be changed 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 a stroller or recline it into a lying flat position for infants. This is a fantastic feature because it works with or without an existing base in your car. It can also be used on planes and trains!
If you intend to travel frequently or ride-share vehicles A lightweight seat that is easy to put in is essential. Make sure that the base can be clicked in and out quickly, and think about purchasing a travel system bundle which includes all the essentials.
Style
The style of a pushchair is a very personal choice and it's easy to find a style that is suitable for both parent and baby. Based on your budget and preferences you can pick an elegant and stylish look, or something more appealing. Top brands provide a wide variety of options, so you can choose from a contemporary and vibrant or traditional and modern.
It is also important to consider the amount you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents choose to buy a travel system that includes an infant car seat and a carrycot in all-in-one package. This is the ultimate in comfort and convenience for families that are always on the go.
Many pushchairs have a lie-flat option that allows newborn babies to lay flat. This is a recommendation from experts due to its benefits for spinal development and lung development. Some brands go an extra mile by incorporating a premium hand reclining system that lets you push a button to recline the seat of your pushchair pram into more comfortable posture.
Certain models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features that let you customize them for your child's growing needs. Some even have a reversible seat so that your baby can face you for reassurance and bonding or go out into the world to explore their surroundings.
Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs, such as footmuffs in colder weather or sun parasols that protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade can help prevent your baby from overheating.
The best pushchair car seats come with a five-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 the most secure and most secure way to restrain your child's body in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. There are many new single-pull systems like the Cybex pram sets that permit you to precisely fit your baby's seatbelt with only one pull. This will ensure a safe and secure fitting.
Stores
There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. Therefore the best travel stroller way to make sure you have enough space is to opt for one with a large storage basket along with a tray for the parents and cup holders for your child's seat. This will let you keep your essentials close at hand when you are on the go.
Look for models that have a canopy built-in to protect your child from the weather. Other helpful features include locking swivel front wheels to give you more manoeuvrability and a parent tray that is easy to access and a self-standing fold so it's easy to store when not in use.
Doona travel systems bundles provide the ultimate in convenience and security. You can easily transfer your infant from their car seat to their pushchair, without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the belt buckle of the car seat, and then clicks onto the pushchair frame. This revolutionary system allows you to be prepared from birth and cut down in running chores.
The egg3 is a different alternative. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system lets you to put your infant in a car seat at the time they are born and then change them to the pushchair when they reach the proper age. This system is ideal for those who do not have cars, since it includes car seat adaptors that are compatible with all major brands.
If you are expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the capacity to convert into tandem using the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. The egg car seat comes with smart SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real-time through your smartphone if there are four potentially dangerous conditions. These include sudden chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or hot in the carrier, or your child being in the carrier for too long.
If you're looking to make sure your pushchair is in great condition for the next time you take it out, consider purchasing a hood fabric refresh kit or a complete cleaning service. Begin by vacuuming and then clean the fabric using warm soapy or sterilizing water.