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 designed for babies as young as 6 months old. They typically come with a seat that reclines to lie flat, as well as a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs are compatible with a carrycot or car seats to form a travel systems. This allows your baby to effortlessly move from car to pushchair without disturbing them.
Safety
There are a number of essential safety features you should look for in a car seat. It is crucial that the pushchair you choose is in compliance with British standards and regulations, no matter if it's a new model or a used one.
Make sure your pushchair meets BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you buy it. This will ensure it's safe for babies and children to travel in. This includes ensuring that it's equipped with an effective locking device and that the brakes work effectively (check these frequently).
When choosing a pushchair car seat, it's also worth looking for one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is essential for infants because research has shown that babies who spend a significant amount of time in a straight position can have breathing problems. This is due to the fact that their airways are restricted due to the squishy shape of the car seat, and they struggle to get oxygen.
Alternatively, you can choose a baby car seat that is able to snap onto the frame of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from stroller to car much easier as you won't need to wake your baby each when you switch modes of transportation.
Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to reduce impact force by providing extra padding, energy-absorbing material and securing your baby's chest, shoulders and head. This type of protection is particularly important in the event of a side crash that could be fatal for infants.
A top tether strap is an additional important security feature to search for, as this prevents the car seat from swaying forward in the event of an accident. It also can help reduce the risk of head strikes. Make sure your child's pushchair comes with this as it's a legal requirement for all car seats that are coach-built.
User-Friendliness
A pushchair car seat is one of the most frequently used baby products so it's essential to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are a variety of options for accessories, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the baby or an adjustable handlebar to fit the needs of parents' needs.
Some pushchairs include a carrycot which is perfect for newborns. It allows them to rest in a flat position which is ideal for their health and growth. A carrycot is a great alternative to a pushchair seat once they're older. Most are compatible with a car seat base too.
Find a pushchair that folds quickly and compactly so that it fits into tiny spaces or the trunk of your car. Some models fold with the seat in place which makes it more convenient to use. There are numerous brake options that are available based on your needs. A foot brake is perfect for use in everyday life, while an active hand brake is useful for those who are frequently stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three-wheeled designs which can help you keep the momentum when you go either uphill or downhill.
Most prams pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to choose which direction the seat is facing either the direction of the parent or facing the world. The option to change this can be done by simply putting the seat onto the chassis. However the Doona is a game changer that elevates this to a new level by allowing 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 sit it upright as stroller. This feature is remarkable because it works with or without a base in your car and can be used on planes and trains!
If you plan on travelling frequently or using ride-share cars A lightweight and easy to install seat is a must. Make sure the base can be pushed in and out quickly and consider looking for a compact travel stroller system bundle which includes all of your essentials.
Style
Style is a personal preference It is possible to find something that suits both parents and children. Depending on your budget and taste you can select a sleek and sophisticated style, or something more striking. There are lots of options available from top brands, so whether you're looking for something classic and contemporary or contemporary and vibrant, you'll be sure to find it.
It is also important to consider the amount you're willing to invest in your pushchair car seat as it will probably be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents choose to buy a travel system that includes a car seat and carrycot in one package. This is the best in comfort and convenience for families that are constantly traveling.
A lot of pushchairs come with a lie-flat feature that lets newborns lie flat. This is recommended by experts because it helps with the development of the spine and lung. Some brands go an extra mile and offer a top-quality one-handed recline system, allowing you to simply press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair to a more comfortable sitting position.
Some models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars, and other features to allow you to tailor them for your child's growing needs. Some models come with a convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can sit in front of you to connect and assure them or go out into the world to explore.
Some brands also provide a variety of accessories for your pushchair, such as the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols to shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade will help keep your child from overheating.
The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness which is designed to secure your child's shoulders and hips, the most rigid parts of their body. This is the safest and most secure method of securing your child in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. Check out new harnesses with one-pull systems similar to the Cybex Priam, which allows you to precision-fit your baby's seat belt with only the pull of a strap, guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.
Storage
There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. To ensure that you have enough space, choose car seats with an ample storage bin as well as a tray for parents and child seat cupholders. This will allow you to keep all your essentials at hand when you're out and about.
You can also look for one with an built-in weather canopy that will ensure your child's safety from the elements. Other handy features include locking swivel front wheels to provide you with more maneuverability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold that means it's easy to store when not in use.
The ultimate in convenience and security A Doona travel system bundle allows you to effortlessly transfer your infant from the car seat to the pushchair without causing any disturbance. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the car seat belt buckle, and then clicks onto the pushchair newborn frame. This revolutionary system means you'll be ready to start your journey from the moment you are born, making it easier to run your daily errands.
Another alternative is the egg3 - an award-winning, attractive 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to place your baby in the car seat for your egg from birth and then swap them over to the pushchair seat unit when they are big enough. This system is perfect for those who do not have cars, since it comes with car seat adaptors compatible with all major brands.
If you're looking to expand 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 potential dangers. This includes unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperatures too warm or cold in the carrier or your child being in the carrier for too long.
You should consider investing in a rejuvenation kit for your hood or a deep cleaning service to ensure that your pushchair will be in perfect condition for your next trip. Start by vacuuming first, then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sunlight.