What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat

A pushchair is a type of chair on wheels specifically designed for infants up to 6 months. They typically have a seat that can recline to lie flat and feature a five-point harness.

Some pushchairs are compatible with a car seats to create a travel system. This lets your baby effortlessly move from car to pushchair without disturbing them.

Safety

There are a number of important safety features you should look for in a pushchair car seat. If you're thinking of buying a brand new or second-hand model, it is essential to ensure that the pushchair you select meets the necessary British standards and regulations.

Make sure that your pushchair meets BS 749:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you purchase it. This will ensure that it's safe for infants and children to use. This will include ensuring that it's fitted with an effective locking device and that the brakes are working well (check them often).

It's worth looking for a car seat that can recline to a flat, comfortable position when you choose a stroller. This is particularly important for newborns, as research has proven that babies who spend too much time in a straight position can have difficulty breathing. This is due to the fact that their airways become restricted by the curly shape of the car seat and they struggle to absorb oxygen.

Alternatively, you can choose a baby car seat that is able to snap onto the chassis of your stroller as part of a travel system bundle. This allows the transition between the stroller and car simpler, as you won't have to wake your child up each time you need to switch modes of transport.

Some of the best pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection as well. This is designed to decrease the impact force of a collision by providing extra padding and energy-absorbing materials to protect your baby's shoulders, head and chest. This type of protection is particularly important in the event an accident on the side that could be deadly for young babies.

A top tether strap is an additional important safety feature to look for, as this prevents the car seat from whipping forward in an accident, and can reduce the chance of head strikes. This is a legal requirement for all car seats that are coach-built.

Simple to Use

A pushchair car seat is among the most frequently used baby products so it's essential to have a seat that is comfortable and convenience features. If it's a comfy cushion for your baby's seat or a handlebar that can be adjusted for parents, there are plenty of accessories to choose from!

Some pushchairs have the option of a carrycot, which is perfect for newborns. It allows them to rest in a flat position which is ideal for their health and growth. A carrycot can be swapped over for a pushchair seat when they're older. Most are compatible with a car seat base too.

Find a pushchair that folds easily and compactly to fit into tight spaces or the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat tucked in making it much more convenient to use. A brake is also a must-have and there are several different options to choose from based on your preferences. A foot brake is ideal for use in everyday life, and an active hand brake is useful if you're often stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also jogger-style pushchairs that have three wheels that help you maintain the momentum when you go either uphill or downhill.

Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature let you choose which direction the seat will face either the direction of the parent or facing the world. This can be changed by simply clicking the seat onto the chassis. The Doona, however, is a game changer since it allows you to choose both. It is possible to plug in the infant car seat into the Doona and then set it upright as a stroller or recline it into a lie-flat mode for babies. It's an amazing feature that can be used with or without the base of your car and can be used on trains and planes!

If you plan on travelling frequently or using ride-share cars, a lightweight and easy to install seat is essential. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out. Also, consider the possibility of a travel stroller system which includes all the essentials.

Style

Style is a personal choice and you can find something that suits both parents and children. Based on your budget and preferences, you can choose a sleek and sophisticated look, or something more appealing. There are lots of options available from top brands, so whether you want something classic and contemporary or modern and colourful you'll find it.

It is also important to think about how much you're willing to spend on your pushchair car seat as it will probably be among your most expensive baby purchases. Many parents decide to purchase a travel system that comes with the car seat and carrycot in one package. This gives you the most convenience and comfort from birth and is ideal for busy families who need to get out and often.

Many pushchairs have a seat that is lie-flat, allowing newborn babies to rest in a flat position, which is recommended by experts as it helps in the development of the lungs and spine. Some brands go the extra mile by including a premium one hand recline system that allows you to simply press a single button to recline the seat of your pushchair into a more comfy position.

Certain models come with adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features to allow you to customize them to your child's evolving requirements. Some models come with a convertible chair that can be turned upside down so your child can sit in front of you to bond with and reassure them or face the world to explore.

Certain brands also provide accessories for pushchairs, like socks for colder weather, or sun parasols that shield your child from the sun. A sunshade can help prevent your child from overheating.

The best pushchair car seats come with a 5-point harness which is designed to hold your child at their shoulders and hips, the most rigid points on their body. This is the safest and most secure way of securing your child in their pushchair. You should only ever use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. Check out new one-pull harness systems like that found on the Cybex Priam, which allows you to fit your child's seat belt using only the pulling of a strap, making sure it is secure and safe fit.

Storage

It's a fact that a pushchair car seat can be pretty bulky. Therefore the best way to make sure you have enough space is to opt for one that has an ample storage basket along with a tray for the parents and cup holders for your child's seat. This will allow you to keep your essentials at the ready when you're on the go.

Choose models that have a canopy built-in to shield your child from the elements. Other helpful features include locking swivel front wheels to provide you with more maneuverability as well as a convenient tray for parents and a self-standing fold that means it's super easy to store away when not in use.

The most convenient and secure A Doona travel system bundle lets you to seamlessly move your child from the car seat to the pushchair without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX base secures to the car seat's belt buckle and then clicks on to the pushchair frame. This innovative system means you'll be ready go right from birth, thereby making it easier to run your daily errands.

Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3 in 1 travel system that allows you to put your baby in the car seat of an egg from the moment they are born and switch them to a pushchair seat when they're big enough. This system is ideal for those who don't have the luxury of a car, as it includes car seat adaptors that work with all major brands.

The egg3 can be converted into a tandem using egg2/3 adaptors that are available in case you have twins or are looking to expand your family. The egg car seat features smart SensorSafe technology that alerts you in real-time through your smartphone in case of four potential dangers. This includes unexpected chest clip unbucklings, temperatures too cold or warm in the car seat or your baby sitting for too long.

If you want to ensure that your pushchair is in great condition for your next trip out, consider investing in an hood fabric refresh kit or a complete clean service. Begin by vacuuming, and then wiping down with warm soapy water or gentle sterilising fluid. Be sure to dry the fabric in the sunlight.