What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a chair with wheels that is designed for infants starting at 6 months. They typically come with a seat that reclines to lie flat, and a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs are compatible with a car seats to form a travel systems. This allows your baby to easily move from car to pushchair, without causing disturbance.

Safety

There are a number of essential safety features you should look for in a car seat. If you're thinking of buying a brand new or second-hand model it's important to ensure that your chosen pushchair meets the necessary British standards and regulations.

Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 197409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe for Babiie Stroller infants and children to use. This includes making sure that it's fitted with an effective locking device and that the brakes work properly (check them regularly).

When choosing a pushchair car seat, it's worth considering one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is especially crucial for babies, as studies have shown that babies who spend too much time in an upright position may have difficulty breathing. This is because their airways are restricted by the curly shape of the car seat and they struggle to get oxygen.

If you prefer, you can choose a baby car seat that is able to snap onto the chassis of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This allows you to switch between your car and stroller a lot simpler, since you don't have to wake your baby up each time you need to switch between modes of transport.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to decrease the force of a crash by providing extra padding, energy-absorbing materials and also protecting your baby's shoulders, chest and head. This type of protection is especially important in the event collisions with the sides which could be dangerous for babies.

A top tether strap is an additional important safety feature to look for to prevent the car seat from whipping forward in an accident and can help reduce the risk of head injuries. This is a legal requirement on all car seats that are coach-built.

Easy of Use

A twin pushchair car seat is one of the most used baby products therefore it's crucial to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. There are numerous options available, including a cushion that is comfortable for the baby or an adjustable handlebar to suit parents.

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot which is perfect for newborns. It allows them the opportunity to sleep in a flat position and is beneficial for their health and growth. As they age it is possible to have a carrycot transformed into a pushchair. It is also used with an automobile seat base.

Look for a pushchair that can be folded easily and compactly so that it can fit into tight spaces or the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat still attached, making them easier to use. A brake is also essential and there are several different options based on your needs and lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for everyday use, and an active hand brake is useful if you're often stopping and starting on busy streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs that have three wheels that help you maintain the momentum when you go either uphill or downhill.

Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature let you choose which direction the seat faces either towards the parent or the world facing. It is possible to change this by simply putting the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however is a game changer since it allows you to choose both. You can either insert the infant car seats into the Doona and then recline the seat into a lie-flat position for babies or use it as stroller. It's a fantastic feature that works with or without the base inside your vehicle. It can also be used on planes and trains!

If you plan on travelling frequently or using ride-share cars an easy and light to set up seat is a must. Make sure that the base can be pushed in and out quickly and consider looking for a travel system bundle that includes all the necessary items.

Style

Style is a personal preference and you can find something that is suitable for both parents and babies. You can go for an elegant, sleek look or something that is more attractive and exciting, based on your preferences and budget. Top brands provide a wide range of options to choose from a modern and vibrant style or traditional and contemporary.

It is also important to consider the amount you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents decide to purchase a travel system that comes with an infant car seat and a carrycot in the all-in-one package. This is the best prams in comfort and convenience for families who are always in motion.

Many pushchairs have a lie-flat seat option which allows babies to rest in a flat position, which is recommended by experts for helping with spinal and lung development. Some brands go the extra mile and offer an advanced one-handed reclining system, allowing you to simply press an option to recline your pushchair's seat for a more comfortable and comfortable position.

Certain models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features to allow you to tailor them to your child's evolving needs. Some models come with a reclined chair so that your child can face you to connect and reassure them or face the world to explore.

Certain brands also have accessories for pushchairs such as feetmuffs for colder weather or sun parasols to shield your child from the sun. A sunshade can prevent your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness designed to secure your child's hips and shoulders, the most rigid points on their body. This is a safest and secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. Look out for new one-pull harness systems like that found on the Cybex Priam that allow you to precisely fit your baby's seat belt with just the pull of a strap, ensuring a safe and secure fit.

Storage

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. In this regard, the best prams method to ensure you have enough space is to opt for one with a large storage basket, parent tray and child seat cup holders. This will allow you to keep everything you need when you are out and out and about.

Find models with a canopy built-in to shield your child from the weather. Other helpful features include locking front wheels for better maneuverability and a tray for parents that is easy to access, and a self standing fold.

Doona travel systems bundles offer the most convenient and security. You can easily move your infant from their car seat to their pushchair, without disrupting them. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the vehicle car seat belt buckle, and then clicks onto the pushchair frame. This innovative system means that you'll be ready go right from birth, thereby and save time on daily tasks.

Egg3 is another alternative. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system lets you to put your baby in a car seat as they are born and then change them into a pushchair unit once they reach the right age. With car seat adaptors that work with all major brands, this system is a great option for those who don't own an automobile.

The egg3 can be converted into a tandem using the optional egg2/3 adaptors in case you have twins or want to expand your family. The egg car seat features intelligent SensorSafe technology that will notify you in real time via your smartphone when there are four possible dangers. These include unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or warm in the carrier, or your child being in the carrier for too long.

Consider purchasing a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair is in top condition for your next journey. Start by vacuuming first, then wiping down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sunlight.