What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a seat with wheels that is designed for infants up to 6 months. They usually have seats that recline and lie flat, and feature a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used with a carrycot or car seats to create a travel systems. This allows your baby to easily move from car to pushchair without causing any disturbance.
Safety
There are many security features to be looking for when selecting a car seat to use as a pushchair. Whether you're considering a brand new or second hand model, it's important to ensure that the pushchair you select meets the required British standards and guidelines.
Make sure your pushchair is compliant with BS 7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 prior to you purchase it. This will ensure it's safe for babies and children to ride in. This includes ensuring it has an locking device that is secure and that the brakes are working properly.
It is important to look for an automobile seat that can recline to a flat position when you choose a
lightweight stroller. This is important
pram for newborn newborns as research shows that babies who spend a lot of time in a seated position can experience breathing problems. This is due to the fact that their airways become restricted due to the squishy design of the car seat and they struggle to get oxygen.
If you prefer, you can choose a baby car seat that snaps onto the frame of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This allows the transition between stroller and car simpler, as you won'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 reduce the impact force of a collision by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to safeguard your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This type of protection can be especially important in the case of a side-on collision which is a greater risk for young babies.
A top tether strap is an additional important safety feature to look out for to prevent the car seat from moving forward in the event of an accident. It also can reduce the chance of head injuries. This is a legal requirement on all car seats that are coach-built.
Easy of Use
A
pushchair car seat is among the most used baby products so it's essential to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. There are a variety of accessories available, whether it's a cushion that is comfortable for the baby or an adjustable handlebar to accommodate parents.
Some pushchairs come with a carrycot which is perfect for infants. It lets them sleep in a lie-flat position, which is recommended for their health and development. If they get older it is possible to have a carrycot converted into a pushchair. Most can also be used with the base of a car seat.
Find a pushchair that can be folded easily and compactly so that it fits into tight spaces or the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat tucked in, making it more convenient to use. There are numerous brake options that are available based on your preferences. A foot brake is suitable for everyday use, whereas an active handbrake is useful for those who are constantly stopping and beginning your journey on traffic-filled streets. There are also jogger-style pushchairs with three wheels that help you maintain the momentum when you go uphill or downhill.
Most 'from birth' pushchairs will allow you to select the direction they face, either parent facing or world facing, and this can be changed by pressing the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is a game changer that elevates this to a new level, with the option of both. You can either click the infant car seats into the Doona, and then recline the seat into a lying position for infants or sit it upright as a stroller. This feature is remarkable because it can work without or with an existing base in your car. It is also utilized on planes and trains!
If you are planning on traveling frequently or using ride share cars an easy and light to set up seat is a must. 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 preference and you can find something that suits both parents and babies. You can opt for sleek, sophisticated design or something that is more attractive and fun, depending on your preferences and budget. Top brands offer a wide variety of options and you can pick from a contemporary and vibrant or classic and contemporary.
You'll also have to consider how much 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 buy an entire travel system that includes both a car seat as well as a carrycot. This is the best in convenience and comfort for families that are always on the go.
A lot of pushchairs come with the option of a lie-flat seat that allows newborns to sleep in a fully flat position that is recommended by experts for helping with lung and spinal development. Some brands go above and beyond by incorporating a premium hand recline system that allows you to simply press a single button to recline the seat of your pushchair for a more comfy position.
Some pushchairs have footrests that can be adjusted, handlebars that are adjustable, and other features so that you can customize the model to your child's needs. Some models even have a reversible seating option so that your child can face you for reassurance and bonding, or face the world to explore their surroundings.
Finally, some brands provide a variety of accessories for your pushchair, such as the footmuffs that are ideal for colder weather as well as sun parasols to shield your little one from the sun. A sunshade can prevent your baby from overheating.
The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness designed to hold your child's hips and shoulders, the most rigid points of their body. This is the safest and most secure way to restrain your child's body in their pushchair. You should only ever use pushchair car seats that are fitted with this type of safety harness. Be on the lookout for new harnesses that have a one-pull mechanism like that found on the Cybex Priam which allow you to precision-fit your child's seat belt using only the pulling of a strap, ensuring a safe and secure fit.
Stores
It's not a secret that a pushchair car seat can be quite bulky. Therefore the best way to make sure you have enough space is to opt for one that has an ample storage basket, parent tray and child seat cup holders. This will let you keep your essentials at the ready when you're on the go.
You can also look for a model that has an built-in weather canopy that will shield your child from the elements. Other helpful features include locking front wheels that allow for greater maneuverability as well as a tray for the parent that is easy to access and self-standing fold.
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 disrupting them. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the vehicle belt buckle of the car seat, and then clicks onto the pushchair frame. This innovative system allows you to be prepared from birth and save time in
running pram chores.
Egg3 is another alternative. This award-winning 3-in-1 travel system lets you to put your baby in a car seat when they are born. You can then change them into a pushchair unit once they reach the proper age. This system is ideal for those without cars, since it comes with car seat adaptors that are compatible with all major brands.
If you're looking to expand your family or have twins, the egg3 comes with the versatility to convert to tandem with the egg2/3 tandem adaptors that are available. With its the intelligent SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will alert you via your smartphone in real-time when there are 4 potentially unsafe conditions - unexpected chest clip not buckled, temperature too hot or cold in the carrier, or your baby being seated for too long.

If you're looking to make sure your
folding pushchair is in top condition for the next time you take it out, consider purchasing an hood fabric refresh kit or a deep clean service. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping the hood down with warm soapy water or a gentle sterilising fluid, making sure to dry the fabric in the sun.
