9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Pushchair Car Seat
From Shiapedia
What to Look For in a Pushchair Car Seat
A pushchair is a seat with wheels that is designed for infants starting at 6 months. They usually have an adjustable seat that can recline to lie flat and have a five point harness.
Some pushchairs travel systems are compatible with a car seats to form a travel systems. This allows your child to move effortlessly from the car to the pushchair without having to be disturbed.
Safety
There are several essential safety features you should look for in a car seat. No matter if you're looking at a new or second hand model, it's crucial to make sure that the pushchair you select meets the required British standards and regulations.
Make sure that your pushchair is compliant with BS 197409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003 before you purchase it. This will guarantee that it's safe for babies and children to use. This includes making sure that it's fitted with an effective locking device and that the brakes are working properly (check these regularly).
When choosing a pushchair car seat, it's worth considering one that can recline and lie flat position. This is crucial for infants as research shows that babies who spend a significant amount of time in an upright position can have breathing problems. The car seat's scrunched-up shape blocks their airways, causing them to struggle to breathe.
If you prefer, you can choose a car seat that clicks seamlessly onto the frame of your pushchair as part of a travel system bundle. This will make the transition from stroller to car much easier as you won't have to wake your baby every time you change modes of transportation.
Some of the top pushchair car seat models offer side impact protection too. This is designed to decrease the impact force by offering additional padding, energy-absorbing materials and protecting your baby's shoulders, chest, and head. This kind of protection is especially crucial in the event of collisions with the sides, which can be more dangerous for babies.
A top tether strap is an additional useful safety feature to look out for to prevent the car seat from swaying forward in an accident and can help reduce the risk of head strikes. This is a legal requirement on all car seats that are coach-built.
Ease of Use
A pushchair car seat is among the most commonly used baby items so it's important to ensure it comes with good comfort and convenience features. There are many options available, including a cushion that is comfortable for the infant or an adjustable handlebar to accommodate parents' needs.
Some prams pushchairs prams have an infant carrycot that is ideal for infants. It lets them rest in a reclining position that is recommended for their health and development. A carrycot can be swapped over for a pushchair seat when they're older, and many are compatible with an automobile seat base as well.
Find a pushchair that can be folded quickly and compactly so that it fits into small spaces or in the boot of your vehicle. Some models fold with the seat in place which makes it simpler to use. There are a variety of brake options that are available based on your needs. A foot brake is ideal for general everyday use while an active hand brake is useful for those who are frequently stopping and starting on busy roads. There are also jogger style twin pushchairs that have three wheels that can help you maintain the momentum when you go either uphill or downhill.
Most pushchairs that are "from birth" will allow you to select which direction they are facing, either parent facing or world facing and can be changed by clicking the seat into the chassis. However, the Doona is an innovation that elevates this to a new level, with the option of both. You can either insert the infant car seats into the Doona and then recline the seat to a fully lie-flat position for babies or sit it upright as stroller. This feature is amazing because it can work without or with a base in your car. It can also be utilized on planes and trains!
If you plan to travel frequently or use ride-share vehicles A light seat that is easy to put in is a must. Make sure the base can be pushed into and out easily. Also, look into an all-in-one travel system that includes all the necessary items.
Style
The style of a pushchair is a very personal choice and it's not difficult to find something that suits both parents and children. You can choose an elegant, sleek look or something more eye-catching and fun, based on your personal preferences and budget. Top brands offer a broad selection of choices, so you can choose from a modern and vibrant style or traditional and modern.
You'll also need 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 includes the car seat and top Prams carrycot all in one package. This is the ultimate in convenience and comfort for families that are always traveling.
A lot of pushchairs come with the option of a lie-flat seat, allowing newborn babies to sleep in a completely flat position, which is suggested by experts to help with lung and spinal development. Some brands go the extra mile and include a top-quality one-handed recline system, allowing you to simply press the button to recline the seat of your pushchair to a more comfortable sitting position.
Some models have adjustable footrests, handlebars and other features to let you customize them to your child's evolving requirements. Some models have a reversible chair so that your child can face you to bond and assure them or go out into the world for exploration.
Finally, some brands offer a variety of accessories for pushchairs pushchairs, including footmuffs for colder weather and sun parasols to shield your little one from the sun. A sunshade is particularly important as it will help to prevent your baby overheating.
The best pushchair car seats will also have a 5-point harness designed to restrain your child's hips and shoulders, which are the most rigid points on their body. This is a safest and secure method of securing your child in their pushchair. You should only use pushchair car seats equipped with this type of safety harness. Be on the lookout for new one-pull harness systems like the one found on the Cybex Priam which allow you to precision-fit your child's seat belt with 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 quite bulky. To ensure that you have enough space pick car seats with an ample storage bin, parent tray, and cup holders for the child seat. This will allow you to keep all your essentials on the ready when you're on the go.
Find models that have a canopy built-in to protect your child from the weather. Other useful features include lockable front wheels to make it easier to maneuver as well as a tray for the parent that is easy to access, and self-standing fold.
The ultimate in convenience and safety The ultimate in convenience and safety, a Doona travel system bundle allows you to effortlessly transfer your child from the car seat to the pushchair, without disturbing them. The Doona ISOFIX Base is attached to the vehicle belt buckle of the car seat, and then clicks onto the frame of the pushchair. This revolutionary system means you can be ready to start your journey from the moment you are born, and save time on daily errands.
Another option is the egg3 - an award-winning, eye-catching 3-in-1 travel system that enables you to put your baby in the egg car seat from birth and then swap them over to the pushchair seat once they're big enough. This system is ideal for those who do not have a car, as it comes with car seat adaptors that are compatible with all major brands.
The egg3 can be converted into a tandem with the optional egg2/3 adaptors if you have twins or are expanding your family. Equipped with smart SensorSafe technology the egg car seat will notify you via your phone in real-time if there are 4 potentially unsafe conditions - unexpected chest clip unbuckling temperatures that are too hot or too cold in the car seat or your baby is sitting for too long.
You should consider investing in a hood refresh kit or a deep cleaning service to ensure your pushchair will be in perfect condition for your next journey. Start by vacuuming, then wipe down the fabric using warm soapy or sterilizing water.
