9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Pushchair Car Seat

What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is an infant chair with wheels that is specifically designed for babies as young as 6 months. They often feature a seat that can recline and lie flat, and feature a five-point harness.

Some prams pushchairs can be used from birth by adding an appropriate carrycot or car seat to create an entire travel system. This lets your baby easily move from car to pushchair, without causing disturbance.

Safety

There are a variety of safety features that you should consider when selecting the right car seat for your pushchair. No matter if you're looking at a new or second-hand model it's important to ensure that the pushchair you select meets the essential British standards and regulations.

Make sure that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 197409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. 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 worth considering one that can recline and lie flat position. This is important for newborns because research has shown that babies who spend a large amount of time in a seated position may experience breathing issues. This is because their airways become restricted by the scrunched up design of the car seat and they struggle to absorb oxygen.

If you prefer, you can opt for a baby car seat that is able to snap onto the frame of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This allows the transition between car and stroller a lot easier, as you won't need to wake your baby pram up every time you need to switch modes of transportation.

A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to lessen the force of a collision by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's head, shoulders and chest. This type of protection is particularly crucial in the event of a side crash which could be deadly for young babies.

A top tether strap is another useful security feature to search for, as this prevents the car seat from swaying forward in the event of an accident. It also can reduce the risk of head strikes. This is a legal requirement for all car seats that are coach-built.

Simple to Use

A pushchair car seat is one of the most commonly used baby items so it's essential that it has good comfort and convenience features. If it's a comfy seat padding for baby or a handlebar that can be adjusted for parents, there are many accessories to pick from too!

Some pushchairs car seats come with a carrycot that is ideal for newborns. It allows them to sleep in a flat position and is beneficial for their health and growth. When they are older, a carrycot can be transformed into a pushchair. Most can also be used with a car seat base.

Look for a pushchair that can be folded quickly and compactly so that it can fit into tight spaces or the trunk of your car. Some models can fold with the seat attached, making them much more user-friendly. There are a variety of brake options to choose from based on your lifestyle. A foot brake is perfect for everyday use, and an active hand brake is a great option when you're frequently stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also jogger-style pushchairs that have three wheels to keep you on track while moving upwards or downwards.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from-birth' let you choose which direction the seat is facing, either parent facing or facing the world. It is possible to change this by simply putting the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however, is a game changer because it allows you to select both. You can plug the infant car seat into the Doona and then sit it upright as stroller or recline it into a lie-flat position for babies. It's a fantastic feature that works with or without the base inside your car and can be used on planes and trains!

If you plan on traveling frequently or using ride-share cars A lightweight and easy to install seat is a must. It is important to ensure that the base can be easily pushed in and out. Also, consider an all-in-one travel system which includes all the essentials.

Style

The design of a pushchair is a matter of personal preference and it's easy to find something that suits both parents and children. Depending on your budget and preference, you can choose a sleek and elegant look, or something more eye-catching. There are a variety of choices that are available from top brands so whether you're looking for something timeless and modern or modern and colourful you'll be sure to find it.

You'll also need to consider how much you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to purchase an entire travel system that includes the car seat and the carrycot. This is the ultimate in convenience and comfort for families who are always in motion.

Many pushchairs include a seat that is lie-flat 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 the extra mile and include a top-quality one-handed recline system so that you can simply press a button to recline your pushchair's seat for a more comfortable position.

Some models of pushchair also come with footrests that can be adjusted, handlebars that are adjustable, and other features, so that you can customize them to your growing child's needs. Some models come with a reclined chair so that your child can either face you to connect and be reassured or face the world for exploration.

Some brands also offer a variety of pushchair accessories including feetmuffs for colder temperatures and sun parasols to shield your little one from the sun. A sunshade is particularly important as it can help stop your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness that is designed to restrain your child at their hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid points of their body. This is the safest and secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. Be on the lookout for new harnesses that have a one-pull mechanism similar to the Cybex Priam which allow you to precisely fit your child's seat belt using only the release of a strap guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.

Stores

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. As a result the best way to ensure you have enough space is to opt for one with a large storage basket, parent tray and child seat cup holders. This will ensure that you have all your essentials at hand while you are out and about.

You may also search for one with an built-in weather canopy that will ensure your child's safety from the elements. Other useful features include locking swivel front wheels to allow for greater maneuverability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold that means it is super-easy to store away when not in use.

Doona travel systems bundles offer the ultimate in convenience and security. You can easily transfer your baby from their car seat to their pushchair without disrupting them. The Doona ISOFIX base attaches to the vehicle's car seat belt buckle, and then snaps onto the frame of the folding pushchair. This innovative system means that you'll be ready go from birth, and save time on daily running errands.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that allows you to put your baby in the egg car seat from birth and then swap them over to the pushchair seat unit when they're large enough. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with most major brands, this product is the best option for those who don't have an automobile.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 offers the versatility to convert to a tandem using the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. The egg car seat comes with an intelligent SensorSafe technology that will notify you in real-time through your smartphone in case of four potential dangers. These include unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or warm in the car seat or your baby sitting for too long.

You should consider purchasing a Hood refresh kit or deep cleaning service to ensure that your pushchair is in top condition for your next trip. Begin by vacuuming, then wipe the fabric with soapy water or sterilising water.