The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Pushchair Car Seat
What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a baby chair with wheels that is made for babies as little as 6 months old. They usually have seats that recline to lie flat and come with a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used right from birth by incorporating the appropriate car seat or carrycot to create a travel stroller system. This allows your child to move effortlessly from the car to the pushchair without being interrupted.
Safety
There are a number of essential safety features to look for in a car seat. 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 one.
Make sure your pushchair newborn is compliant with BS 197409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you buy it. 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 that the brakes are working properly.
It is important to look for a car seat that can recline to a flat, comfortable position when choosing a pushchair. This is crucial for infants as research shows that babies who spend a significant amount of time in a seated position can have breathing problems. This is because their airways become restricted by the scrunched up design of the car seat, and they struggle to absorb oxygen.
Alternatively, you can choose a car seat that clicks seamlessly onto the frame of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This allows the transition between stroller and car easier, as you won't need to wake your baby up every time you need to switch modes of transport.
Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to decrease the force of a collision by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to safeguard your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This kind of protection is especially crucial in the event of an accident on the side which could be fatal for infants.
Another useful safety feature is the top tether. This prevents the car seats from spinning forward in the event of an accident, and can reduce the risk of head collisions. This is a legal requirement for every coach-built car seat.
Ease of Use
A pushchair car seat is one of the most commonly used baby items therefore it's crucial to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. Whether that's a comfortable seat padding for baby or a handlebar that can be adjusted for parents, there are also many accessories to pick from too!
Some pushchairs pushchairs include an infant carrycot that is ideal for infants. It lets them sleep in a flat position that is recommended for their health and development. As they age the carrycot can be converted into a pushchair. Most can also be used with a car seat base.
When selecting a pushchair ensure that it folds easily and has a compact fold so it can fit into small spaces or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat still attached, making them much easier to use. There are many different brake options available depending on your preferences. A foot brake is perfect for everyday use, while a hand brake that is active is useful for those who are frequently stopping and starting on busy streets. There are also jogger type pushchairs that have three wheels that can 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 will face either the direction of the parent or the world facing. This can be changed by simply putting the seat onto the chassis. However the Doona is a game changer that elevates this to the next level with the option of 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 set it up as a stroller. This feature is remarkable because it can be used without or with a base in your car and can be used on planes and trains!
If you plan on traveling frequently or using ride share vehicles A lightweight and easy to install seat is essential. Make sure the base can be pushed into and out easily. Also, consider looking for a travel system bundle which includes all of your essentials.
Style
A pushchair's style is a personal preference and it's easy to find something that suits both the baby and the parent. You can opt for an elegant, sleek look or something that is more attractive and fun, depending on your preferences and budget. Top brands offer a wide variety of options to choose from a modern and vibrant style or classic and contemporary.
You'll also need to consider how much you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents decide to purchase a travel system that includes an infant car seat and a carrycot in all-in-one package. This is the best in convenience and comfort for families that are always on the go.
Many pushchairs have a lie-flat feature that allows newborn babies to sleep in a flat position. This is a recommendation from experts because it helps with spinal development and lung development. Some brands go above and beyond by including a premium one hand recliner that allows you to press a single button to recline the seat of your pushchair into an even more comfortable position.
Certain models come with 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 seat so that your child can sit with you for reassurance, bonding or can face the world to explore their surroundings.
Finally, some brands offer a range of accessories for your pushchair, such as footmuffs for colder weather and sun parasols that protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade is particularly important because it can prevent your baby overheating.
The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness which is designed to secure your child at their shoulders and hips, the most rigid parts of their body. This is a safest and most secure way of securing your child in their pushchair. You should only use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. You can find new one-pull systems, like the Cybex Pram, that allow you to precisely adjust your baby's seatbelt with just a single pull. This will ensure a safe and secure fitting.
Stores
There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. To ensure you have plenty of room, choose an infant car seat that has an ample storage bin as well as a tray for parents and child seat cupholders. This will allow you to keep everything you need when you are out and out and about.
You may also search for models with an integrated weather canopy to protect your little one from the elements. Other helpful features include lockable swivel wheels on the front to provide you with more maneuverability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold so it's super easy to store away when not in use.
The ultimate in convenience and safety A Doona travel system bundle lets you to seamlessly move your infant from the car seat to the pushchair without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the belt buckle on the car seat and then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system allows you to be prepared from birth and cut down on daily tasks.
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 for your egg from birth, and then switch them to a pushchair seat once they are big enough. This system is ideal for those without cars, since it includes car seat adaptors compatible with all major brands.
If you are 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 in case of four potentially dangerous conditions. These include unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or hot in the carrier, or your baby sitting for too long.
If you're looking to make sure your pushchair is in good condition for the next time you take it out, you should consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep clean service. Start by vacuuming, then wipe down the fabric with warm soapy or sterilising water.