9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Pushchair Car Seat

What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pram pushchair is a baby chair with wheels that is made for babies as young as 6 months old. They typically have a seat that can recline and lie flat, and feature a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs are able to be used from the time of birth, by incorporating a compatible car seat or carrycot to create an entire travel system. This allows your baby to effortlessly move from car to pushchair without disturbing them.

Safety

There are many security features to consider 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 the model you choose is in line with the essential British standards and requirements.

Check that your pushchair is compliant with BS 197409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you purchase it. This will ensure that it's safe for infants and children to use. This includes ensuring that it has a locking device that's secure and that the brakes function properly.

It's worth looking for an automobile seat that can recline to a flat position when choosing a pushchair. This is particularly important for newborns, as 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 restricted due to the squishy design of the car seat and they struggle to get oxygen.

You can also opt for an option that includes an infant car-seat that can fit perfectly into the frame of your stroller. This allows the transition between the stroller and car simpler, as you won't need to wake your baby up each time you need to switch between modes of transport.

Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to decrease the impact force by providing extra padding, energy-absorbing materials and protecting your baby's chest, shoulders and head. This kind of protection is especially important in the event of collisions with the sides, which can be more deadly for young babies.

Another important safety feature is the top tether. This prevents the car seats from whirling forward in the event of 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 one of the most frequently used baby products so it's important to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. Whether that's a comfortable cushion for the baby's seat or a handlebar that can be adjusted for parents, there are numerous accessories to pick from too!

Some pushchairs include the option of a carrycot, which is perfect for babies. It lets them sleep in a lie-flat position that is recommended for their health and development. As they age, a carrycot can be converted into a pushchair seat. The majority can be used with a car seat base.

Find a pushchair that can be folded easily and compactly so that it fits into tight spaces or the boot of your vehicle. Some models even fold with the seat attached, making them more user-friendly. A brake is a must-have and there are several different options based on your needs and lifestyle. A foot brake is great for general everyday use while a hand brake that is active is a great option for those who are frequently stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three-wheeled designs that help you maintain the momentum when you go uphill or downhill.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from-birth' allow you to choose which direction the seat is facing either towards the parent or world facing. This can be changed 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 a stroller or recline it to a full lie-flat mode for babies. This feature is remarkable because it can work with or without the base of your car. It is also 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 a must. It is important to ensure that the base can be easily pushed into and out. Also, consider a travel system package that includes everything you need.

Style

Style is a personal preference and you can find something that suits both parents and children. You can choose a sleek, sophisticated look or something more eye-catching and fun, based on your personal preferences and budget. Top brands provide a wide selection of choices to choose from a contemporary and vibrant or traditional and modern.

You'll also have to think about how much you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents decide to purchase a travel strollers system that includes a car seat and carrycot all in one package. This offers ultimate comfort and convenience from the moment of birth and is ideal for families that are busy and require to be out and about on a regular basis.

Many pushchairs include a lie-flat seat option that allows newborns to rest in a flat position that is recommended by experts as it helps in the development of the lungs and spine. Some brands even go the extra mile and include a top-quality one-handed recline system so that you can simply press the button to recline your pushchair's seat to a more comfortable sitting position.

Certain models of pushchairs come with adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features so you can adapt them to your child's requirements. Some even have a reversible seating option to allow your child to face you for reassurance and bonding or go out into the world around them to explore.

Finally, some brands offer a range of accessories for your pushchair, such as the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols to protect your little one from the sun. A sunshade can prevent your child 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 on their body. This is the most secure and most secure method to restrain your child's body in their pushchair and you should only use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. Be on the lookout for new harnesses with one-pull systems like that found on the Cybex Priam that allow you to precisely fit your baby's seat belt with just the pulling of a strap, making sure it is secure and safe fit.

Stores

It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. In this regard the best way to make sure you have enough space is to opt for one that has an ample storage basket along with a tray for the parents and child seat cup holders. This will ensure that you have everything you need while you are out and about.

Find models with a canopy built-in to protect your child from the weather. Other helpful features include lockable swivel wheels on the front to provide you with more maneuverability and a parent tray that is easy to access and a self-standing fold so it is super-easy to store when not in use.

The most convenient and secure The ultimate in convenience and safety, a Doona travel system bundle allows you to effortlessly transfer your child from the car seat to the pushchair, without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX base attaches to the car seat's belt buckle, then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system lets you to be ready from birth and cut down on daily chores.

The egg3 is another alternative. This award-winning travel system allows you to put your baby in a car seat when they are born, and change them to the pushchair when they reach the appropriate age. With car seat adaptors that work with all major brands, this product is a great option for those who don't have a car.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 offers the ability to be converted into tandem using the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. The egg car seat comes with smart SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real-time via your smartphone when there are four possible dangers. These include unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperature too warm or cold in the carrier or your baby sitting for too long.

If you want to ensure your pushchair is in great condition for the next time you take it out, consider purchasing an hood fabric refresh kit or a thorough clean service. Start by vacuuming, then clean the fabric with soapy water or sterilizing water.