9 Lessons 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 up to 6 months. They often feature an adjustable seat that can recline to lie flat and have a five point harness.
Some pushchairs are able to be used from birth by adding an appropriate car seat or carrycot to create an entire travel system. This lets your baby easily transfer from car to pushchair, without causing disturbance.
Safety
There are a number of important safety features to be looking for in a pushchair car seat. It is essential that the car seat you choose is in compliance with British standards and regulations, no matter if it's a brand new model or a second-hand model.
Make sure that your pushchair is in compliance with BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will ensure that it's safe for infants and children to use. This will include ensuring that it's equipped with a secure locking device and that the brakes are operating properly (check them frequently).
It is important to choose a car seat that can recline into a flat position when you choose a stroller. This is particularly crucial for babies, 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 wavy shape restricts their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.
You can also choose a travel system that includes a baby car-seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller compact. This will make the transition from stroller to car much simpler since you don't have to wake up your baby each time you change modes of transportation.
A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to decrease the impact force by supplying additional padding, energy-absorbing materials and protecting your baby's chest, shoulders and head. This kind of protection could be particularly important in the event of a side-on collision which is more risky for young babies.
Another useful safety feature is a top tether. This stops the car seats from whirling forward in an accident, and can also reduce the chance of head injuries. Make sure your pushchair has this feature as it's a legal requirement in all coach-built car seats.
Simple to Use
A pushchair car seat is one of the most frequently used baby products therefore it's crucial to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. It doesn't matter if it's a comfortable cushion for the baby's seat or a handlebar that can be adjusted for parents, there are also many accessories to pick from too!
Some pushchairs include the option of a carrycot, which is perfect for infants. It allows them the opportunity to sleep in a flat position which is ideal for their health and growth. If they get older, a carrycot can be converted into a pushchair seat. The majority can be used with the base of a car seat.
When selecting a pushchair ensure that it folds easily and is able to fold that allows it to fit in tight spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models even fold with the seat still attached, making them much easier to use. There are many different brake options to choose from based on your preferences. A foot brake is great for everyday use, while a hand brake that is active is useful when you're frequently stopping and starting on busy streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs that have three wheels which can help you keep the momentum while going uphill or downhill.
The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' will allow you to select which direction they are facing either towards the parent or facing the world and can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. However the Doona is an innovative product that takes this to the next level by allowing both. You can either click the infant car seats into the Doona and then recline the seat to a lying position for infants or set it up as stroller. This feature is remarkable because it can work with or without a base in your car. It can also be utilized on planes and trains!
If you plan on travelling frequently or using ride share vehicles an easy and light to install seat is essential. It is important to ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out. Also, think about the possibility of a travel system that includes all your essentials.
Style
A pushchair's style is a personal preference and it's not difficult to find a style that is suitable for both parent and baby. You can choose sleek, sophisticated design or something more striking and fun, depending on your taste and budget. Top brands offer a broad variety of options to choose from a modern and vibrant style or traditional and modern.
You'll also need to consider the amount you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of your biggest baby purchases. Many parents decide to purchase a travel system that includes the car seat and carrycot in one package. This provides the ultimate convenience and comfort from birth and is ideal for busy families who require to be out and about on a regular basis.
Many pushchairs feature a lie-flat option that lets newborns lie on their backs. This is recommended by experts due to its benefits for lung development and spinal development. Some brands go the extra mile and include a top-quality one-handed recline system so that you can simply press a button to recline your pushchair's seat for a more comfortable and comfortable position.
Certain models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features that let you customize them to your child's evolving needs. Some models are reclined chair so that your child can sit in front of you to bond and assure them or go out into the world to explore.
Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs, like footmuffs in colder weather or sun parasols to shield your child from the sun. A sunshade is essential as it can help prevent your baby overheating.
The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness that is designed to secure your child's shoulders and hips, the most rigid points on their body. This is the safest and most secure method to restrain your child's body in their pushchair. You should only ever use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. Look out for new harnesses that have a one-pull mechanism like the one found on the Cybex Priam, which allows you to fit your child's seat belt using just the pulling of a strap, ensuring a safe and secure fit.
Storage
It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. To ensure that you have plenty of room make sure you choose car seats with an ample storage bin, parent tray, and cup holders for your child's seat. This will ensure that you have all your essentials at hand while you are out and about.
Choose models that have a canopy built-in to shield your child from the elements. Other useful features include locking front wheels for better maneuverability, a parent tray that is easy to access and a self standing fold.
The ultimate in convenience and security The ultimate in convenience and safety, a Doona travel system bundle lets you to seamlessly move your child from the car seat to the pushchair without causing any disturbance. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the vehicle belt buckle of the car seat, and then clicks onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system means that you'll be ready go from birth, making it easier to run your daily tasks.
Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 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 unit when they are large enough. With car seat adaptors that are compatible with the majority of major brands, this model is the best option for those who don't have an automobile.
The egg3 is able to be converted into a tandem by using the optional egg2/3 adaptors if you have twins or are looking to expand your family. The egg car seat features intelligent SensorSafe technology that will alert you in real-time through your smartphone in case of four possible dangers. These include sudden chest clip unbucklings, temperatures too cold or warm 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 your pushchair travel system is in great condition for your next journey. Start by vacuuming, then wipe down the fabric with soapy water or sterilising water.
