What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a seat on wheels specifically designed for infants from 6 months. They usually come with a seat that reclines to lie flat, and a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs can be used from the time of birth, by incorporating a compatible carrycot or car seat to create an entire travel system. This lets your child move easily from the car to the pushchair without being distracted.

Safety

There are many safety features that you should consider when selecting a car seat for a pushchair. No matter if you're looking at a new or second hand model, it's important to ensure that your chosen pushchair meets the essential British standards and guidelines.

Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you purchase it. This will ensure that it's safe for babies and children to use. This includes ensuring that it has an locking device that is safe and that the brakes work well.

It's important to look for a car seat that can recline to a flat position when you choose a stroller. This is especially important for infants, since research has proven that babies who spend too much time in a straight position might have trouble breathing. This is because their airways become restricted by the curly design of the car seat and they struggle to take in oxygen.

You can also opt for an option that includes a baby car-seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller. This will make the transition from car to folding stroller much easier since you won't have to wake your baby every time you change modes of transport.

A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to lessen the force of a crash by offering extra padding, energy-absorbing material and securing your baby's shoulders, chest and head. This type of protection is particularly crucial in the event of a side crash, which can be more deadly for young babies.

A top tether strap is an additional useful safety feature to look for, as this prevents the car seat from swaying forward in an accident, and can help reduce the risk of head strikes. This is a legal requirement on every coach-built car seat.

Simple to Use

A pushchair car seat - Ecocitycraft.com - is one of the most frequently used baby products so it's important that it has good comfort and convenience features. There are numerous options for accessories, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the baby or a handlebar with an adjustable height to fit the needs of parents.

Some pushchairs include an infant carrycot that is ideal for infants. It allows them to sleep in a lie-flat position that is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot is a great alternative for a pushchair seat when they're older. Most can be used with a car seat base too.

Choose a model that can be folded easily and compactly to fit into tight spaces or the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat in place making it much simpler to use. There are numerous brake options available depending on your preferences. A foot brake is great for use in everyday life, and an active hand brake is a great option for those who are frequently stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also jogger-style pushchairs that have three wheels to keep you on track while going downhill or uphill.

Most pushchairs that are "from birth" will allow you to select which direction they are facing either towards the parent or world facing 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 by allowing both. You can choose to click the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat to a lying position for infants or sit it upright as a stroller. This is a fantastic feature because it works without or with a base in your car and can be used on planes and trains!

If you intend to travel frequently or ride-share vehicles A lightweight seat that is easy to put in is a necessity. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out. Also, consider a travel system package that includes everything you need.

Style

Style is a personal preference It is possible to find something that suits both parents and infants. Based on your budget and preferences, you can choose a sleek and sophisticated appearance, or something that is more striking. There are lots of options that are available from top brands so whether you want something classic and contemporary or vibrant and modern, you'll be sure to find it.

You'll also have to consider the amount 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 comes with the car seat and carrycot in the one package. This gives you the most convenience and comfort from birth and is perfect for busy families who require to be out and out and.

A lot of pushchairs come with a lie-flat seat option, allowing newborn babies to sleep in a completely flat position, which is suggested by experts to help with spinal and lung development. Some brands go the extra mile and include an advanced one-handed reclining system, allowing you to simply press a button to recline your pushchair's seat to a more comfortable sitting position.

Certain models of pushchairs include adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features, so that you can tailor the model to your child's requirements. Some even have a reversible seating option so that your child can sit with you for reassurance, bonding or go out into the world to explore their surroundings.

Finally, some brands offer a range of pushchair accessories including the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols to protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade is particularly important as it can help stop your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness which is designed to restrain your child's shoulders and hips, the most rigid parts of their body. This is a safest and most secure way of restraining your child in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. Look out for new harnesses that have a one-pull mechanism like that found on the Cybex Priam that allow you to precisely fit your baby's seat belt with only the pulling of a strap, making sure it is secure and safe fit.

Stores

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. In this regard the best way to ensure you have enough space is to go for one that has an ample storage basket as well as a tray for parents and cup holders for your child's seat. This will ensure that you have all your essentials at hand when you're out and out and about.

You could also consider one with an built-in weather canopy that will protect your little one from the elements. Other handy features include locking swivel front wheels to give you more manoeuvrability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold that means it's easy to store away when not in use.

The ultimate in convenience and security, a Doona travel strollers system bundle lets you to effortlessly move your infant from the car seat to the pushchair without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX base is secured to the vehicle's car seat belt buckle, and then snaps onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system lets you to be prepared from birth and cut down on daily errands.

Another alternative is the egg3 - an award-winning, attractive 3-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 to a pushchair seat once they are large enough. This system is perfect for those who don't have the luxury of a car, as it includes car seat adaptors that are compatible with all major brands.

If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 comes with the versatility to convert to a tandem using the optional egg2/3 in 1 pram tandem adaptors. The egg car seat is equipped with intelligent SensorSafe technology that will alert you in real-time via your smartphone in case of four potentially dangerous conditions. This includes unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperatures too cold or hot 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, you should consider purchasing a hood fabric refresh kit or a thorough clean service. Start by vacuuming, then wipe the fabric with soapy water or sterilising water.