9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Pushchair Car Seat
What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a chair on wheels designed for babies starting at 6 months. They usually have seats that recline to lay flat and feature a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used right from the time of birth, by incorporating the appropriate carrycot or car seat to create a travel system. This lets your baby effortlessly move from car to pushchair, without causing disturbance.
Safety
There are several safety features you need to be looking for when selecting the right car seat for your pushchair. Whether you're considering a brand new or second hand Pram Bag model, it is essential to ensure that the pushchair you select meets the essential British standards and regulations.
Check that your pushchair is compliant with BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you buy it. This will ensure that it is safe for infants and children to use. This includes making sure it has a locking device that is secure and the brakes work well.
When selecting a pushchair car seat, it's worth considering one that can recline to a lie-flat position. This is crucial for infants as research shows that babies who spend a large amount of time in an upright position may experience breathing issues. This is due to the fact that their airways become restricted by the curly shape of the car seat, and they struggle to take in oxygen.
You can also choose a travel system that includes a baby car-seat that fits perfectly into the frame of your stroller. This will make the transition from car to stroller much easier since you won't need to wake your child every when you switch modes of transport.
A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to reduce the force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing material to safeguard your baby's head, shoulders and chest. This kind of protection is especially important in the event a side crash that could be dangerous for babies.
Another safety feature that is beneficial is the top tether. This prevents car seats from spinning forward during an accident and reduces the risk of head collisions. Make sure your pushchair is equipped with this feature as it's a legal requirement in all car seats made by coaches.
Easy of Use
A pushchair car seat is among the most commonly used baby items so it's essential that it has good comfort and convenience features. There are numerous accessories available, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the infant or an adjustable handlebar to fit the needs of parents' needs.
Some pushchairs come with a carrycot which is perfect for babies. It allows them to sleep in a flat position, which is recommended for their health and development. If they get older the carrycot can be converted into a pushchair seat. Most can also be used with a car seat base.
When selecting a pushchair ensure that it folds easily and has a compact fold that allows it to fit in small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached making it much simpler to use. A brake is an essential item and there are a variety of options based on your needs and lifestyle. A foot brake is ideal for everyday use, while an active handbrake can be useful when you're frequently stopping and starting on traffic-filled streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs that have three wheels to keep you on track while going downhill or uphill.
The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' will let you choose which direction they face either facing the parent or world facing and this can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is a game changer that elevates this to the next level with the option of both. You can click the infant car seat into the Doona and then sit it upright, like stroller or recline it to a lie-flat mode for babies. This is a fantastic feature because it can work without or with a base in your car and can be used on trains and planes!
If you plan on traveling frequently or using ride share cars A lightweight and easy to install seat is a must. Make sure that the base can be clicked in and out quickly, and consider looking for an all-in-one travel system that includes all of your essentials.
Style
Style is a personal choice, and you can find something that suits both parents and children. Depending on your budget pram and travel system preference you can select an elegant and stylish look, or something more striking. Top brands offer a broad variety of options and you can pick from a modern and vibrant style or traditional and modern.
You'll also have to consider the amount you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents decide to purchase a travel system that includes a car seat and carrycot in the all-in-one package. This gives you the most convenience and comfort right from the beginning and is ideal for families with busy schedules who need to get out and about on a regular basis.
A lot of pushchairs come with the option of a lie-flat seat, allowing newborn babies to sleep in a fully flat position that is recommended by experts to help with lung and spinal development. Some brands go above and beyond by including a premium one hand reclining system that lets you press a single button to recline the seat of your pushchair into an even more comfortable position.
Certain models of pushchairs have footrests, adjustable handlebars, and other features so that you can tailor them to your growing child's requirements. Some models are convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can sit in front of you to bond and reassure them or face the world to explore.
Finally, some brands offer a variety of accessories for your pushchair, such as feetmuffs for colder temperatures and sun parasols that protect your baby from the sun. A sunshade will help keep your baby from overheating.
The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness designed to secure your child at their hips and shoulders, the most rigid points on their body. This is the safest and secure method of restraining your child in their pushchair. You should only ever use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. Look out for new one-pull harness systems like the one found on the Cybex Priam that allow you to precisely fit your child's seat belt using 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. To ensure you have plenty of space pick an infant car seat that has a large storage bin, parent facing pram tray, and cup holders for the child seat. This will ensure that you have everything you need when you are out and about.
Find models with a canopy built-in to protect your child from the elements. Other useful features include locking swivel front wheels to allow for greater maneuverability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold so it's super easy to store when not in use.
The most convenient and secure, a Doona travel system bundle lets you to effortlessly move your child from the car seat to the pushchair without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the vehicle belt buckle on the car seat and then it snaps onto the pushchair frame. This innovative system means you'll be ready to go right from birth, thereby making it easier to run your daily tasks.
The egg3 is a different alternative. This award-winning travel system allows you to put your infant in a car seat as they are born. You can then switch them to a pushchair unit once they reach the appropriate age. With adaptors for car seats that are compatible with most major brands, this model is a great option for those who don't own cars.
If you are expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the versatility to convert to tandem using the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. The egg car seat is equipped with an intelligent SensorSafe technology that will alert you in real-time via your smartphone if there are four possible dangers. These include unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or hot in the car seat or your child being in the carrier for too long.
If you want to ensure your pushchair is in good condition prams for newborns the next trip out, consider purchasing a hood fabric refresh kit or a complete clean service. Start by vacuuming first, then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilizing fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.