What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a seat with wheels that is designed for infants starting at 6 months. They typically come with a seat that can recline to lie flat, and a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used with a carrycot or car seats to form a travel system. This lets your child move easily from the car to the pushchair without having to be disturbed.

Safety

There are a variety of safety features that you should consider when selecting a car seat for a pushchair. It's important that the pushchair you choose meets British standards and regulations, regardless of whether it's a brand new model or a second-hand model.

Check that your pushchair meets BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you buy it. This will ensure that it's safe for babies and children to travel in. This will include ensuring that it's equipped with an effective locking device and that the brakes are working properly (check them regularly).

When you are choosing a car seat, it's worth looking for one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is particularly important for infants, since research has shown that young infants who spend a lot of time in an upright position might have trouble breathing. This is because their airways are impeded by the scrunched up shape of the car seat and they struggle to take in oxygen.

If you prefer, you can choose a baby car seat that is able to snap onto the chassis of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from car to stroller much easier since you won't have to wake your baby every time you change modes of transportation.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to decrease the force of a crash by offering additional padding, energy-absorbing materials and securing your baby's shoulders, chest and head. This kind of protection can be particularly important in the case of a collision on the side which is a greater risk for infants.

A top tether strap is an additional important safety feature to look for because it prevents the car seat from moving forward in an accident and can reduce the risk of head injuries. This is a legal requirement on 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 have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are many accessories available, whether it's a cushion that is comfortable for the infant or a handlebar that can be adjusted to suit parents' needs.

Some pushchairs have an infant carrycot that is ideal for babies. It allows them to sleep in a lie-flat position that is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot can be exchanged to a pushchair seat once they're older. Most can be used with the base of a car seat too.

Look for a pushchair that folds quickly and compactly so that it can fit into small spaces or in the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat tucked in, making it more convenient to use. There are many different brake options that are available based on your preferences. A foot brake works well for everyday use, whereas an active handbrake is beneficial if you are frequently stopping and beginning your journey on busy streets. There are also jogger style pushchairs that have three wheels which can help you keep the momentum while going uphill or downhill.

Most 'from birth' pushchairs will let you choose which direction they face either towards the parent or world facing and this can be changed by pressing the seat into the chassis. The Doona, however is a game changer as it lets you choose both. You can click the infant car seat into the Doona and then set it upright like a stroller or recline it to a lie-flat position for babies. It's a fantastic feature that can be used with or without the base of your vehicle. It can also be utilized on trains and planes!

If you intend to travel frequently or use ride-share cars A light seat that is easy to install is essential. It is important to ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out. Also, consider the possibility of a travel system that includes everything you need.

Style

The style of a pushchair is a matter of personal preference and it's not difficult to find one that will suit both parent and baby. Based on your budget and preference, you can choose an elegant and stylish appearance, or something that is more appealing. Top brands offer a wide range of options to choose from something modern and colourful or classic and contemporary.

You'll also have to consider how much you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents decide to purchase an entire travel system that includes a car seat and carrycot in all-in-one package. This is the ultimate in comfort and convenience for families that are always on the go.

Many pushchairs include a lie-flat seat option that allows newborns to sleep in a fully flat position, which is recommended by experts as it helps in the development of the lungs and spine. Some brands go the extra mile by including a premium one hand recline system that lets you push a button to recline the seat of your pushchair for an even more comfortable position.

Some models come with adjustable footrests, pushchairs handlebars and other features to allow you to customize them to your child's evolving requirements. Some models are reclined chair so that your child can face you to bond with and reassure them or face the world for exploration.

Some brands also offer accessories for pushchairs, like footmuffs in colder weather or sun parasols that shield your child from the sun. A sunshade is especially important because it can keep your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness designed to secure your child at their hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid points of their body. This is a safest and most secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair. You should only use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. You can find 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.

Storage

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. To ensure that you have plenty of room pick an infant car seat that has a large storage bin along with a tray for parents as well as child seat cupholders. This will enable you to keep all your essentials on fingertips when you're on the go.

Look for models with a canopy built-in to shield your child from the elements. Other helpful features include locking front wheels for greater maneuverability, a parent tray that is easy to access, and an auto-standing fold.

Doona travel systems bundles offer the best in convenience and security. You can easily move your infant from their car seat to their pushchair, without disrupting them. The Doona ISOFIX base attaches to the vehicle's car seat belt buckle, then snaps on to the pushchair frame. This innovative system lets you to be prepared from the moment you are born and save time for running chores.

Another alternative 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 them over to the pushchair seat once they're big enough. This system is ideal for those who don't have cars, since it comes with car seat adaptors that are compatible with all major brands.

The egg3 can be converted into a tandem using the egg2/3 adaptors available in case you have twins or are looking to expand your family. The egg car seat features an intelligent SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real-time via your smartphone if there are four potentially dangerous conditions. This includes unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperature too warm or cold in the carrier, or your baby sitting for too long.

Consider purchasing a rejuvenation kit for your hood or a deep cleaning service to ensure that your pushchair will be in perfect condition for your next journey. Begin by vacuuming and then wipe down the fabric using warm soapy or sterilising water.