9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Pushchair Car Seat
What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a type of chair on wheels designed for babies from 6 months. They typically come with a seat that reclines to lay flat, and a five-point harness.
Some pushchairs can be used with a car seats to form a travel systems. This allows your child to move effortlessly from the car to the pushchair, without being interrupted.
Safety
There are several safety features you need to consider when selecting a car seat to use as a pushchair. Whether you're considering a brand new or second-hand model it is essential 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 1888:2003. This will ensure that it's safe for infants and children to use. This includes ensuring that it has a locking device that is secure and that the brakes function properly.
It's worth looking for car seats that recline to a flat position when you are choosing a pushchair. This is particularly important for newborns, as research has shown that young babies who spend a lot of time in a straight position might have trouble breathing. This is because their airways are impeded by the curly design of the car seat, and they struggle to take in oxygen.
You can also opt for an option that includes a baby car-seat that fits seamlessly into the chassis of your stroller. This allows you to switch between your car and stroller newborn a lot simpler, since you don't have to wake your child up every time you need to switch modes of transportation.
Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to reduce the force of a collision by providing additional padding and energy-absorbing materials to safeguard your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This kind of protection could be particularly important in the case of a collision on the side, which is more dangerous for young babies.
A top tether strap is another useful security feature to search for to prevent the car seat from swaying forward in the event of an accident. It also can help reduce the risk of head injuries. This is a legal requirement for all coach-built car seat.
Ease of Use
A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products so it's important that it has good comfort and convenience features. Whether that's a comfortable cushion for your baby's seat or a handlebar that can be adjusted for parents, there are numerous accessories to pick from too!
Some pushchairs include a carrycot which is perfect for babies. It allows them to sleep flat, which is best for their health and growth. A carrycot is a great alternative for a pushchair seat when they're older and most can work safely with a car seat base too.
When selecting a pushchair ensure that it folds easily and has a compact fold, so it can be tucked away in small spaces or in the boot of your car. Some models can fold with the seat attached, making them more user-friendly. A brake is also essential and there are several different options to choose from based on your preferences. A foot brake is ideal for general everyday use while a hand brake that is active can be useful when you're frequently stopping and beginning on busy streets. There are also jogger type pushchairs with three-wheeled designs that help you maintain momentum when going either uphill or downhill.
Most 'from-birth' pushchairs let you choose which direction the seat will face either the direction of the parent or world facing. The option to change this can be done by simply clicking the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however, is a game changer as it allows you to select both. It is possible to plug in the infant car seat into the Doona and then put it upright as stroller or recline it to a full lying flat position for infants. This is a fantastic feature because it can work with or without a base in your car. It can also be used on planes and trains!
If you plan on traveling frequently or using ride share vehicles A lightweight and easy to install seat is essential. Make sure the base can be clicked in and out quickly, and consider looking for an all-in-one travel system that includes all the necessary items.
Style
Style is a personal preference It is possible to find something that is suitable for both parents and infants. Based on your budget and taste you can select an elegant and stylish appearance, or something that is more striking. Top brands offer a wide variety of options to choose from something modern and colourful or traditional and contemporary.
It is also important to think about how much 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 has the car seat as well as the carrycot. This is the best in convenience and comfort for families that are always on the go.
Many pushchairs feature the option of lying flat, which allows babies to lie flat. This is a recommendation from experts due to the fact that it aids in lung development and spinal development. Some brands go above and beyond by including a premium one hand recliner that allows you to press a single button to recline the seat of your pushchair into a more comfy position.
Certain models of pushchairs have footrests, adjustable handlebars, and other features so that you can tailor the model to your child's requirements. Some models even have a reversible seating option so that your baby can sit with you for reassurance, bonding, or face the world to explore their surroundings.
Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs such as feetmuffs for colder weather or sun parasols that protect your child from the sun. A sunshade is particularly important as it will help to stop your baby from overheating.
The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness that is designed to secure your child at their shoulders and hips, the most rigid parts of their body. This is the safest and most secure method to restrain your child's body in their pushchair pram. You should only ever use pushchair car seats that have this type of safety harness. Be on the lookout for new harnesses with one-pull systems like the one found on the Cybex Priam which allow you to precisely fit your baby's seat belt with just the release of a strap guaranteeing a secure and safe fit.
Storage
It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be quite heavy. To ensure you have plenty of space, choose an infant car seat that has large storage bins as well as a tray for parents and cup holders for the child seat. This will enable you to keep all your essentials on hand when you are on the go.
You may also search for one with a built-in weather canopy to protect your little one from the elements. Other handy features include locking swivel front wheels to allow for greater maneuverability and a parent tray that is easy to access and a self-standing fold that means it's easy to store when not in use.
Doona travel systems bundles provide the best in convenience and security. You can easily move your baby from their car seat to their pushchair, without disturbing him or her. The Doona ISOFIX Base attaches to the vehicle belt buckle on the car seat and then snaps onto the pushchair frame. This innovative system means you'll be ready to start your journey from the moment you are born, saving valuable time on everyday tasks.
Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3 in 1 travel system that allows you to place your baby in the car seat for your egg from the moment they are born and switch the seat to a pushchair seat unit when they're big enough. With adaptors for car seats that are compatible with the majority of major brands, this system is a great option for those who don't own cars.
The egg3 is able to be converted into a tandem using egg2/3 adaptors that are available in case you have twins or are looking to expand your family. Equipped with intelligent SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will notify you via your smartphone in real-time when there are any of the following situations - chest clip buckle not being secured temperatures that are too hot or too cold in the car seat, or your baby being sitting for too long.
Consider investing in a Hood refresh kit or deep cleaning service to ensure that your pushchair is in great condition for your next trip. Start by vacuuming, then wipe down the fabric using warm soapy or sterilizing water.