What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is an infant chair with wheels designed for babies as little as 6 months old. They often feature seats that recline and lie flat, and have a five point harness.

Some pushchairs are compatible with a car seats to form a travel system. This allows your child to move effortlessly from the car to the pushchair without having to be interrupted.

Safety

There are a variety of security features to consider when selecting a car seat to use as a pushchair. It is crucial that the pushchair you select is compliant with British standards and regulations, whether it's a new model or a second-hand one.

Check if your pushchair complies with BS 7409/1996 or BS 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe for infants and children to use. This will include ensuring that it's fitted with a secure locking device and that the brakes work well (check these frequently).

It is important to look for car seats that recline to a flat, comfortable position when you are choosing a pushchair. This is essential for infants as research shows that babies who spend a large amount of time in a seated position can experience breathing problems. This is because their airways become restricted by the scrunched up shape of the car seat, and they struggle to take in oxygen.

If you prefer, you can opt for a baby car seat that snaps onto the chassis of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This makes the transition between the stroller and car simpler, since you don't have to wake your child up each time you need to switch modes of transportation.

A few of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection, too. This is designed to lessen the force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to safeguard your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This type of protection can be particularly important in the event of a side collision which is more risky for babies in the earliest stages of development.

Another safety feature that is beneficial is the top tether. This prevents car seats from spinning forward in an accident, and reduces the risk of head hits. This is a legal requirement on all coach-built car seat.

Easy to Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most commonly used baby items therefore it's crucial to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. There are many options available, including a comfortable cushion for the infant or a handlebar with an adjustable height to suit parents.

Some pushchairs come with a carrycot which is perfect for newborns. It gives them the chance to sleep in a flat position, which is best for their health and growth. A carrycot can be swapped over for a pushchair seat when they're older. Most can be used with the base of a car seat too.

When selecting a pushchair ensure that it folds easily and has a compact fold so it can fit in tight spaces or the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached making it much more convenient to use. There are numerous brake options that are available based on your preferences. A foot brake is ideal for everyday use, and an active hand brake is useful when you're frequently stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers with three wheels that keep you on track while moving upwards or downwards.

The majority of pushchairs prams 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 by allowing both. You can either insert the infant car seats into the Doona and then recline the seat to a lying position for infants or use it as stroller. It's an incredible feature that can be used with or without the base inside your vehicle and can even be used on planes and trains!

If you plan to travel frequently or use ride-share vehicles A light seat that is simple to install is a necessity. Make sure that the base can be clicked into and out easily. Also, look into a travel system bundle that includes all the essentials.

Style

Style is a personal preference, and you can find something that suits both parents and children. You can opt for sleek, sophisticated design or something more eye-catching and fun, based on your personal preferences and budget. There are a variety of choices available from top brands, so whether you're looking for something timeless and modern or contemporary and vibrant, you'll find it.

You'll also have to consider the amount 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 comes with the car seat and carrycot in the one package. This is the best in convenience and comfort for families who are always on the go.

Many pushchairs have a seat that is lie-flat that allows newborns to rest in a flat position that is recommended by experts for helping with lung and spinal development. Some brands go above and beyond by offering a premium hand recline system that lets you press a button to recline the seat of your pushchair to more comfortable posture.

Some models have adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features to allow you to customize the seat to meet your child's changing requirements. Some even have a reversible seating option so that your child can sit with you for reassurance, bonding or can face the world to explore their surroundings.

Some brands also offer accessories for pushchairs, like feetmuffs for colder weather or sun parasols that shield your baby from the sun. A sunshade is essential because it can stop your baby from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a five-point harness that is designed to restrain your child at their hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid points of their body. This is the safest and most secure way of restraining your child in their pushchair and you should only ever use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. There are new one-pull systems, such as the Cybex pram sets, which allow you to precisely fit your baby's seatbelt with just a single pull. This ensures a safe and secure fitting.

Storage

There's no denying that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. In this regard the best way to ensure you have enough space is to go for one with large storage baskets along with a tray for the parents and cup holders for your child's seat. This will allow you to keep everything you need while you are out and about.

Choose models with a built-in canopy to shield your child from the elements. Other helpful features include locking front wheels for greater maneuverability and a tray for parents that is easy to access and an auto-standing fold.

Doona travel systems bundles offer the best in convenience and security. It is easy to transfer your baby from their car seat to their pushchair without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the belt buckle on the car seat and then clicks onto the frame of the pushchair. This innovative system means you'll be ready go from birth, and save time on daily tasks.

Another alternative is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3 in 1 travel system that allows you to place your baby in the car seat of an egg from birth, and then switch them to a pushchair seat when they're big enough. With car seat adaptors that work with all major brands, this model is a great option for those who don't own a car.

The egg3 can be transformed into a tandem using egg2/3 adaptors that are available in case you have twins or want to expand your family. The egg car seat comes with an intelligent SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real-time through your smartphone if there are four potentially dangerous conditions. These include unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperatures too cold or warm in the carrier, or your baby being seated for too long.

Consider investing in a rejuvenation kit for your hood or a deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair pram will be in perfect condition for your next trip. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilizing fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.