The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Pushchair Car Seat
What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is an infant chair with wheels specifically designed for babies as young as 6 months old. They usually come with a seat that reclines to lie flat, and 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 child move effortlessly from the car seat pram to the pushchair, without being interrupted.
Safety
There are many security features to look for when choosing a car seat for a pushchair. Whether you're considering a brand new or second-hand model it's crucial to make sure that the pushchair you select meets the essential British standards and requirements.
Make sure that your pushchair meets BS 7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you buy it. This will ensure that it is safe for babies and children to ride in. This includes making sure it has a locking device that's secure and that the brakes are working properly.
When selecting a pushchair car seat, it's also worth considering one that can recline to a lying-flat position. This is particularly crucial for babies, as studies have shown that babies who spend too much time in a straight position can have difficulty breathing. This is because their airways are impeded due to the squishy shape of the car seat and they struggle to absorb oxygen.
You can also choose a car seat that is able to snap onto the chassis of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from car to twin stroller much simpler since you don't have to wake up your baby each time you change modes of transportation.
Some 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 protect your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This type of protection can be particularly important in the event of a collision on the side which is a greater risk for infants.
Another safety feature that is beneficial is the top tether. This prevents car seats from spinning in the event of an accident, and can reduce the risk of head hits. This is a legal requirement for all coach-built car seat.
Easy of Use
A pushchair car seat is one of the most commonly used baby stroller items so it's important that it has good comfort and convenience features. If it's a comfy seat padding for baby or an adjustable handlebar for parents, there are also numerous accessories to pick from too!
Some pushchairs come with the option of a carrycot, which is perfect for newborns. It allows them to sleep in a lie-flat position that is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot can be exchanged to a pushchair when they're older and most can be used with a car seat base too.
When choosing a pushchair, ensure that it folds easily and is compact in its fold so it can fit in tight spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models fold with the seat attached, making it more convenient to use. There are a variety of brake options to choose from based on your lifestyle. A foot brake is perfect for use in everyday life, and an active hand brake is a great option if you're often stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also pushchairs that resemble joggers that have three wheels to help you maintain momentum while moving upwards or downwards.
Most pushchairs that are "from birth" will let you choose the direction they face either towards the parent or world facing and this can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is an innovative product that elevates this to a new level, with the option of both. You can click the infant car seat into the Doona and then put it upright, like stroller, or recline it to a lying flat position for infants. This feature is amazing because it can work with or without a base in your car and can be used on planes and trains!
If you intend to prams travel system frequently or use ride-share cars A light seat that is simple to install is essential. Make sure the base can be clicked into and out easily. Also, consider looking for a travel system bundle which includes all the essentials.
Style
Style is a personal choice, and you can find something that suits both parents and infants. You can choose a sleek, sophisticated look or something more eye-catching and fun, based on your taste and budget. Top brands offer a wide selection of choices, so you can choose from a modern and vibrant style or traditional and modern.
It is also important to consider the amount you're willing spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be one of the biggest baby purchases. Many parents choose to buy a travel system that comes with an infant car seat and a carrycot in the one package. This is the best in comfort and convenience for families who are always on the go.
Many pushchairs have the option of lying flat, which lets newborns lay flat. This is a recommendation from experts because it helps with lung development and spinal development. Some brands go an extra mile and include an advanced one-handed reclining system, allowing you to simply press the button to recline the seat of your pushchair for a more comfortable position.
Certain models of pushchairs have adjustable handlebars, footrests and other features, so that you can customize them to your child's needs. Some even have a reversible seating option so that your baby can face you for reassurance and bonding or can face the world to explore their surroundings.
Some brands also offer accessories for pushchairs, such as footmuffs in colder weather or sun parasols that shield your child from the sun. A sunshade is particularly important as it will help to keep your baby from overheating.
The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness 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. Check out new harnesses that have a one-pull mechanism like the one found on the Cybex Priam which allow you to precisely fit your child's seat belt using only the pulling of a strap, making sure it is secure and safe fit.
Stores
It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. In this regard the best method to ensure you have enough space is to go for one that has an ample storage basket along with a tray for the parents and child seat cup holders. This will ensure that you have everything you need when you're out and out and about.
Look for models with a built-in canopy to shield your child from the weather. Other handy features include lockable swivel front wheels to give you more manoeuvrability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold so it is super-easy to store away when not in use.
Doona travel systems bundles provide the best in convenience and security. It is easy to transfer your infant from their car seat to their pushchair without having to disturb them. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the car seat's belt buckle, then snaps on to the pushchair frame. This innovative system means that you'll be ready go from birth, saving valuable time on everyday tasks.
The egg3 is another alternative. This award-winning travel system allows you to put your infant in a car seat as they are born. You can then change them into the pushchair when they reach the proper age. With adaptors for car seats that are compatible with the majority of major brands, this product is the ideal choice for those who don't own cars.
If you're expanding your family or have twins, the egg3 has the ability to be converted into tandem using the optional egg2/3 tandem adaptors. The egg car seat comes with smart SensorSafe technology that will alert you in real-time via your smartphone when there are four potentially dangerous conditions. These include sudden chest clip unbucklings, temperature too cold or hot in the carrier or your child being in the carrier for too long.
If you're looking to ensure that your pushchair is in good condition for your next trip out, think about purchasing a hood refresh kit or a thorough clean service. Begin by vacuuming, then wipe down the fabric with soapy water or sterilising water.