What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a chair on wheels designed for babies starting at 6 months. They are often equipped with a seat that reclines to lay flat, and a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used with a car seats to create travel systems. This allows your baby to easily move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.

Safety

There are several essential safety features you should look for in a pushchair car seat. No matter if you're looking at a new or second-hand model, it's crucial to make sure that the pushchair you select meets the required British standards and guidelines.

Make sure that your pushchair is compliant with BS 7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will ensure that it's safe for babies and children to travel in. This includes ensuring it has an locking device that is secure and that the brakes function properly.

When you are choosing a car seat, it's also worth looking for one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is important for newborns as research shows that babies who spend a lot of time in a straight position can experience breathing problems. The car seat's wavy shape blocks their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.

If you prefer, you can opt for a baby car seat that snaps onto the chassis of your twin stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from car to double stroller much easier as you won't have to wake your child every time you change modes of transportation.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to decrease the impact force by supplying extra padding, energy-absorbing material and also protecting your baby's chest, shoulders and head. This kind of protection can be particularly important in the case of a side-on collision, which is more dangerous for babies in the earliest stages of development.

A top prams tether strap is a important safety feature to look for because it prevents the car seat from whipping forward in the event of an accident. It also can help reduce the risk of head injuries. 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 so it's important to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. Whether that's a comfortable seat padding for baby or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are also many accessories to pick from too!

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that is ideal for infants. It allows them the opportunity to rest in a flat position and is beneficial for their health and growth. As they age the carrycot can be converted into a pushchair seat. It is also used with the base of a car seat.

Look for a pushchair that can be folded easily 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 easier to use. There are numerous brake options available depending on your preferences. A foot brake is great for everyday use, while an active hand brake can be useful when you're frequently stopping and starting on busy streets. There are also jogger style pushchairs with three wheels that help you maintain the momentum while going either uphill or downhill.

The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' will let you choose which direction they face either towards the parent or facing the world, and this can be changed by putting the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is a game changer that elevates this to a new level, with the option of both. You can either insert the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat to a fully lie-flat position for babies or use it as a stroller. It's an incredible feature that can be used with or without the base of your vehicle. It can also be used on planes and trains!

If you are planning 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 clicked in and out. Also, think about an all-in-one travel system which includes all the essentials.

Style

Style is a personal preference, and you can find something that is suitable for both parents and infants. Based on your budget and preference you can pick a sleek and elegant look, or something more appealing. There are lots of options that are available from top prams brands so whether you're looking for something classic and contemporary or vibrant and modern, you'll find it.

You'll also need to consider the amount 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 buy an entire travel system that includes the car seat and carrycot in one package. This is the ultimate in convenience and comfort for families that are constantly on the go.

Many pushchairs have the option of a lie-flat seat, allowing newborn babies to rest in a flat position, which is suggested by experts to help with spinal and lung development. Some brands go the extra mile and include a premium one-handed reclining system, allowing you to simply press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair for a more comfortable position.

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

Some brands also offer a range of accessories for pushchairs, including footmuffs for colder weather and sun parasols that protect your little one from the sun. A sunshade is essential as it will help to prevent your baby overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness which is designed to restrain your child's hips and shoulders, the most rigid points on their body. This is the safest and secure method to restrain your child's body in their pushchair and you should only ever use twin pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. You can find new one-pull systems, like the Cybex Pram that permit you to precisely fit your baby's seatbelt in only one pull. This will ensure a safe and secure fitting.

Stores

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. In this regard the best way to ensure you have enough space is to opt for one with large storage baskets along with a tray for the parents and cup holders for your child's seat. This will allow you to keep everything you need when you are out and about.

Look for models with a built-in canopy to protect your child from the weather. Other handy features include locking swivel front wheels to allow for greater maneuverability, an easy-access parent tray and a self-standing fold that means it's super easy to store away when not in use.

The ultimate in convenience and safety The ultimate in convenience and safety, a Doona travel system bundle lets you to effortlessly move 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 prepared from the moment you are born and save time in running errands.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3 in 1 travel system that allows you to take your newborn in the car seat of an egg from birth and then swap them to a pushchair seat unit when they're big enough. This system is ideal for those without a car, as it includes car seat adaptors that are compatible with all major brands.

The egg3 can be converted into a tandem by using the optional egg2/3 adaptors in case you have twins or are looking to expand your family. With its intelligent SensorSafe technology, the egg car seat will notify you via your smartphone in real-time when there are four potentially dangerous conditions - unexpected chest clip buckle not being secured, temperature too hot or too cold in the carrier or your baby is seated for too long.

Consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair is in great condition for your next trip. Start by vacuuming first, then wiping down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilizing fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.