12 Companies Setting The Standard In Pushchair Car Seat
What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a baby chair with wheels specifically designed for babies as little as 6 months old. They typically come with a seat that can recline to lie flat, as well as a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used with a carrycot or car seats to create a travel systems. This allows your child to move effortlessly from the car to the pushchair without being interrupted.
Safety
There are many safety features that you should look for when choosing a car seat for a pushchair. It's important that the pushchair you choose meets British standards and regulations, no matter if it's brand new or a second-hand model.
Check that your pushchair is compliant with BS 7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you buy it. This will guarantee that it's safe for babies and children to ride in. This includes ensuring that it's fitted with a safe locking device and that the brakes are operating effectively (check these regularly).
It is important to look for an automobile seat that can recline into a flat position when choosing a pushchair. This is particularly important for newborns, as research has proven that babies who spend a lot of time in a straight position may have difficulty breathing. This is because their airways become restricted due to the squishy design of the car seat, and they struggle to absorb oxygen.
Alternatively, you can choose a baby car seat that clicks seamlessly onto the frame of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This makes the transition between the stroller and car easier, as you won't need to wake your baby up every time you need to switch modes of transport.
Some of the best car seats for pushchairs provide side impact protection as well. This is designed to reduce the force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This type of protection is especially important in the event collisions with the sides that could be deadly for young babies.
A top prams tether strap is another useful safety feature to look for, as this prevents the car seat from moving forward in an accident, and can reduce the risk of head strikes. Make sure your pushchair comes with this since it's a legal requirement for all coach-built car seats.
Simple to Use
A pushchair car seat is one of the most used baby products therefore it's crucial to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. There are a variety of accessories available, whether it's a comfortable cushion for the baby or a handlebar with an adjustable height to accommodate parents.
Some pushchairs come with a carrycot that is ideal for babies. It allows them to sleep in a flat position, which is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot can be exchanged to a pushchair seat once they're older and most are compatible with an automobile seat base as well.
When choosing a pushchair, ensure that it folds easily and has a compact fold that allows it to fit into small spaces or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat tucked in making it much more convenient to use. A brake is also a must-have and there are many options based on your needs and lifestyle. A foot brake works well for everyday use, whereas an active handbrake is beneficial if you are frequently stopping and starting on traffic-filled streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers that have three wheels to help you maintain momentum while going downhill or uphill.
Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to choose which direction the seat will face, either parent facing or world facing. This can be changed by simply clicking the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however, is a game changer as it allows you to select both. You can either click the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat to a fully lying position for infants or sit it upright as a stroller. This feature is amazing because it can be used without or with the base of your car and can be used on planes and trains!
If you plan on travelling frequently or using ride share vehicles A lightweight and easy to install seat is a must. Ensure the base can be pushed into and out easily. Also, look into an all-in-one travel system that includes all of your essentials.
Style
The design of a pushchair is a personal preference and it's not difficult to find one that will suit both parent and baby. You can go for an elegant, sleek look or something that is more attractive and exciting, based on your personal preferences and budget. Top brands offer a wide variety of options and you can pick from a modern and vibrant style or classic and contemporary.
You'll need to decide how much money you're willing spend on the car seat, as it will probably be your biggest baby purchase. Many parents choose to buy a travel system that includes an infant car seat and a carrycot in the one package. This is the ultimate in convenience and comfort for families that are constantly in motion.
Many pushchairs feature the option of lying flat, which allows babies to lie in a flat position. This is a recommendation from experts due to its benefits for spinal development and lung development. Some brands go an extra mile and offer a premium one-handed reclining system so that you can simply press the button to recline your pushchair's seat to a more comfortable sitting position.
Some models have adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features to allow you to customize the seat to meet your child's changing needs. Some models even have a reversible seat to allow your child to sit with you for reassurance, bonding or go out into the world around them to explore.
Some brands also offer a range of accessories for your pushchair, such as footmuffs for colder weather and sun parasols to protect your child from the sun. A sunshade is especially important as it can help keep your baby from overheating.
The best pushchair car seat will also have five-point harness that is designed to hold the child's hips, shoulders and other points of rigidity on their body. This is the most secure way to ensure your child's safety in the pushchair. It is best to only use a car seats for pushchairs that have this type of safety harness. There are new one-pull systems, like the Cybex Pram, which allow you to precisely fit your baby's seatbelt in only one pull. This will ensure a safe and secure fitting.
Storage
A car seat for a child is a large item. In this regard the best way to make sure you have enough space is to go for one with large storage baskets, parent tray and cup holders for the child's seat. This will enable you to keep your essentials close at the ready when you're on the go.
Look for models that have a canopy built-in to protect your child from the weather. 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 so it's easy to store when not in use.
The ultimate in convenience and safety, a Doona travel system bundle lets you to seamlessly move your child from the car seat to the double pushchair, without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the vehicle belt buckle on the car seat and then it snaps onto the pushchair frame. This innovative system allows you to be ready from birth and cut down for running errands.
The egg3 is a different alternative. This award-winning travel system allows you to put your infant in a car seat when they are born, and switch them to an infant pushchair once they reach the right age. With adaptors for car seats that are compatible with the majority of major brands, this system is the best option for those who don't have an automobile.
The egg3 can be transformed into a tandem using the optional egg2/3 adaptors in case you have twins or are expanding your family. Featuring intelligent SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will notify you via your smartphone in real-time when there are any of the following conditions - unexpected chest clip unbuckling temperatures that are too cold or hot in the car seat, or your baby being in a seated position for too long.
Consider purchasing a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure that your pushchair will be in perfect condition for your next trip. Start by vacuuming and then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilizing fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.
