9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Pushchair Car Seat
What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a baby chair with wheels designed for babies as young as 6 months old. They typically have a seat that can recline and lie flat, and have a five point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used from the time of birth, by incorporating an appropriate carrycot or car seat to create an entire travel system. This lets your baby effortlessly move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.
Safety
There are several safety features you need to consider when selecting a car seat to use as a pushchair. Whether you're considering a brand new or second hand model, it's important to ensure that your chosen pushchair meets the required British standards and guidelines.
Check that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 197409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you purchase it. This will ensure that it is safe for babies and children to travel in. This includes ensuring that it has an locking device that is secure and the brakes work well.
When you are choosing a car seat, it's also worth considering one that can recline to a lying-flat position. This is particularly important for newborns, as research has shown that young infants who spend a lot of time in an upright position can have difficulty breathing. The car seat's scrunched-up shape blocks their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.
Alternatively, you can opt for a baby car seat that is able to snap onto the frame of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This makes the transition between foldable stroller and car easier, as you won't have to wake your child up every time you need to switch between modes of transport.
A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to reduce force of a crash by offering extra padding, energy-absorbing material and securing your baby's chest, shoulders and head. This type of protection is especially crucial in the event of collisions with the sides, which can be more dangerous for babies.
A top prams tether strap is another useful safety feature to look out for, as this prevents the car seat from moving forward in the event of an accident. It also can reduce the chance of head injury. This is a legal requirement on all car seats that are coach-built.
Simple to Use
A pushchair car seat is among the most used baby products so it's important to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. Whether that's a comfortable cushion for the baby's seat or a handlebar that can be adjusted for parents, there are also numerous accessories to pick from too!
Some pushchairs come with the option of a carrycot, which is ideal for newborns. It allows them to sleep in a lie-flat position that is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot is a great alternative to a pushchair seat once they're older and most can be used with a car seat base too.
When selecting a pushchair look for one that folds easily and is compact in its fold so it can fit into small places or the boot of your car. Some models can fold with the seat still attached, making them easier to use. A brake is a must-have and there are many options based on your needs and lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for daily use, and an active handbrake is beneficial for those who are constantly stopping and starting in busy streets. There are also jogger type pushchairs with three-wheeled designs that help you maintain the momentum when you go uphill or downhill.
Most prams pushchairs prams with a "from-birth" feature let you choose which direction the seat faces either the direction of the parent or the world facing. This can be changed by simply pressing the seat onto the chassis. However the Doona is a game changer that takes this to the next level with the option of both. It is possible to plug in the infant car seat into the Doona and then sit it upright like stroller or recline it into a lie-flat position for babies. It's a fantastic feature that works with or without the base inside 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 that the base is easy to click in and out. Also, think about an all-in-one travel system that includes everything you need.
Style
Style is a personal choice and you can find something that will suit both parents and babies. You can go for an elegant, sleek look or something more striking and fun, based on your preferences and budget. There are plenty of options offered by top brands, so whether you want something classic and contemporary or contemporary and vibrant, you'll be sure to find it.
You'll also need to consider how much you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it's likely to be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents opt to purchase a travel system that has both a car seat and a carrycot. This is the ultimate in convenience and comfort for families that are always traveling.
A lot of pushchairs come with a lie-flat seat option, allowing newborn babies to sleep in a fully flat position that is recommended by experts to help with spinal and lung development. Some brands even go the extra mile and offer an advanced one-handed reclining system so that you can simply press the button to recline your pushchair's seat for a more comfortable position.
Some pushchairs have footrests, adjustable handlebars, and other features, so that you can tailor the model to your child's needs. Some even have a reversible seating option so that your baby can look at you for reassurance and bonding, or face the world to explore the.
Certain brands also have accessories for pushchairs, such as socks for colder weather, or sun parasols that shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade can prevent your baby from becoming overheated.
The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness designed to hold your child's hips and shoulders, the most rigid parts of their body. This is a safest and secure method of securing your child in their pushchair. You should only ever use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. Be on the lookout for new one-pull harness systems similar to the Cybex Priam which allow you to precisely fit your baby's seat belt with just the release of a strap making sure it is secure and safe fit.
Stores
It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. To ensure that you have enough space pick a car seat with a large storage bin, parent tray, and cup holders for your child's seat. This will let you keep your essentials at the ready when you're traveling.
Find models with a canopy built-in to shield your child from the elements. Other useful features include lockable swivel wheels on the front to give you more manoeuvrability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold, so it's easy to store when not in use.
The ultimate in convenience and security, a Doona travel system bundle lets you to seamlessly move your child from the car seat to the pushchair without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the car seat's belt buckle, and then snaps on to the triple pushchair frame. This revolutionary system allows you to be ready from birth and cut down for running chores.
Another alternative is the egg3 an award-winning, attractive 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to put your baby in the car seat for your egg from birth, and then switch the seat to a pushchair seat once they're big enough. With car seat adaptors that work with all major brands, this system is the ideal choice for those who don't own an automobile.
The egg3 can be converted into a tandem with egg2/3 adaptors that are available if you have twins or are looking to expand your family. Equipped with intelligent SensorSafe technology, the egg car seat will notify you via your phone in real-time when there are any of the following conditions - unexpected chest clip buckle not being secured, temperature too cold or hot in the carrier, or your baby being in a seated position for too long.
Consider investing in a Hood refresh kit or deep cleaning service to ensure that your pushchair is in great condition for your next trip. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilizing fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sunlight.