What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a seat on wheels designed for babies from 6 months. They are often equipped with a seat that can recline to lay flat, and a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used with a carrycot or car seats to create a travel system. This lets your baby effortlessly move from car to pushchair, without causing disturbance.
Safety
There are several essential safety features to look for in a car seat. Whether you're considering a brand new or second-hand model it's important to ensure that the model you choose is in line with the necessary British standards and requirements.
Make sure that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will ensure that it's safe for infants and children to travel in. This includes ensuring that it has a locking device that's secure and that the brakes work well.
It's important to choose a car seat that can recline into a flat position when choosing a pushchair. This is especially 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 curly shape blocks their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.
You can also choose a travel system that comes with a baby car-seat that fits perfectly into the frame of your stroller. This will make the transition from car to stroller much easier since you won't have to wake your baby every when you switch modes of transportation.
Some of the top models of car seats for children provide side impact protection. This is designed to reduce impact force by providing extra padding, energy-absorbing materials and securing your baby's chest, shoulders and head. This kind of protection could be crucial in the case of a side collision which is a greater risk for infants.
A top tether strap is a useful safety feature to look out for to prevent the car seat from swaying forward in an accident, and can reduce the chance of head injuries. This is a legal requirement on all car seats that are coach-built.
Easy to Use
A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products so it's essential that it has good prams comfort and convenience features. It doesn't matter if it's a comfortable cushion for the baby's seat or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are many accessories to pick from too!
Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that is ideal for babies. It allows them to sleep flat which is ideal for their health and growth. A carrycot is a great alternative to a pushchair seat once they're older, and many can work safely with a car seat base too.
When selecting a pushchair make sure you choose one that folds easily and is compact in its fold that allows it to fit in small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached, making them more user-friendly. A brake is also an essential item and there are several different options based on your needs and lifestyle. A foot brake works well prams for sale everyday use, whereas an active handbrake is beneficial if you are frequently stopping and starting in busy streets. There are also jogger style pushchairs with three-wheeled designs that help you maintain momentum when going uphill or downhill.
Most pushchairs that are "from birth" will allow you to select which direction they face either towards the parent or facing the world, and this can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. However the Doona is a game changer that elevates this to a new level by allowing both. You can either click the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat to a lie-flat position for babies or sit it upright as stroller. It's a fantastic feature that can be used with or without the base of your vehicle and can even be used on trains and planes!
If you are planning to frequent travel or use ride-share cars, a lightweight seat that is easy to put in is essential. Make sure the base can be clicked in and out quickly and look into a travel system bundle that includes all the necessary items.
Style
A pushchair's style is a matter of personal preference and it's not difficult to find something that suits both parents and children. Depending on your budget and preference you can select a sleek and elegant style, or something more appealing. Top brands provide a wide selection of choices and you can pick from a contemporary and vibrant or traditional and contemporary.
You'll also need to think about how much you're willing spend on the car seat for your pushchair since it will probably be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents opt to purchase a travel system that includes an infant car seat and a carrycot in one package. This gives you the most convenience and comfort from birth and is ideal for families with busy schedules who have to be out and often.
A lot of pushchairs come with the option of a lie-flat seat which allows babies to rest in a flat position that is recommended by experts to help in the development of the lungs and spine. Some brands go the extra mile by offering a premium hand recline system that allows you to simply press 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 allow you to tailor the seat to meet your child's changing requirements. Some even have a reversible seating option so that your baby can face you for reassurance and bonding, or face the world to explore their surroundings.
Certain brands also provide accessories for prams pushchairs prams pushchairs, like socks for colder weather, or sun parasols that protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade is essential because it can stop your baby from overheating.
The most effective car seat for a pushchair is also equipped with a five-point harness that is designed to hold the child's hips, shoulders, and other rigid points on their body. This is the most secure method to restrain your child in a pushchair. You should only use car seats for pushchairs that have this type of safety harness. Look out for new harnesses with one-pull systems similar to the Cybex Priam, which allows you to precisely fit your child's seat belt with just the pull of a strap, guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.
Stores
A car seat for a pushchair is a big item. To ensure that you have plenty of space make sure you choose a car seat with an ample storage bin, parent tray, and child seat cupholders. This will allow you to keep all your essentials at hand when you're out and about.
Find models with a built-in canopy to shield your child from the elements. Other useful features include lockable swivel front wheels to provide you with more maneuverability and a parent tray that is easy to access and a self-standing fold so it's super easy to store when not in use.
Doona travel systems bundles offer the ultimate in convenience and security. You can easily move your child from their car seat to their pushchair, without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the car seat's belt buckle, then snaps on to the pushchair newborn frame. This innovative system lets you to be ready from birth and save time for running errands.
Another alternative is the egg3 an award-winning, eye-catching 3 in 1 pram in 1 travel system that allows you to put your baby in the car seat of an egg from the moment they are born and switch them over to the pushchair seat unit when they're big enough. This system is perfect for those who don't have cars, since it includes car seat adaptors compatible with all major brands.
If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 comes with the ability to be converted into a tandem using the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. The egg car seat is equipped with smart SensorSafe technology that will notify you in real time via your smartphone in case of four possible dangers. This includes unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperature too warm or cold in the car seat or your child being in the carrier for too long.
If you want to make sure your pushchair is in top condition for the next trip out, you should consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep clean service. Start by vacuuming first, then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilising fluid. Be sure to dry the fabric in the sunlight.