What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams come with a flat seat that is specifically designed to carry babies and newborns.

Some prams come with an infant bassinet or carrycot that is suitable for newborns. Some can be converted to a pushchair when the baby is older.

If you are planning to use public transport or fold your pushchair often opt for a lightweight and compact buggy.

Comfort

Your pushchair will probably be utilized more often than your nappies and bottles. It is important to choose one that has plenty of padding and a comfortable seating position that can be adjusted to height.

It's worth noting that a lot of prams and buggies also come with a pram blanket, which can help to keep your child warm. They can be easily put in the wash and are available in a variety of colors and designs to match your preference.

A pram is designed for babies who are about six months old, while they're still at a stage where they need to lie flat, typically with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. The majority of prams have the option of 'parent ' or world facing. This enables you to decide if you want your baby to face you to connect with you, or explore the sights and sounds of their surroundings. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 – a premium single-to-double pushchair which can be used from birth with the carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).

It is crucial to remember that infants less than six months old shouldn't be carried in a stroller that doesn't recline fully flat. This is due to the fact that being in a position that is prone to slumber can impact their breathing since it causes them inhale more air than normal and could lead to respiratory problems in the longer time.

A pushchair is a chair that folds into a compact space. It's designed for older babies and toddlers. These are often constructed of a stronger material compared to prams. There are also models where you can change the direction that the seat faces to allow your child to be reassured by you or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

It is essential to ensure your child is safe in a pushchair or pram. You should only ever put your child in a pushchair or pram specifically designed for their age and size. This will help them feel secure and safe and help to prevent any accidents. If you are buying a secondhand stroller or pushchair, it is important to perform visual safety checks. This will ensure it's in good condition, and is not damaged in a way that could cause harm to your baby.

When you are choosing a pram or pushchair choose one equipped with a safety harness that has easy and quick clips and connections. Verify that the buckles aren't loose and that the straps are snugly around your baby's waist. Find models that have a larger base as they are more stable than models with a smaller base.

Be careful not to overload your pushchair or pram with toys. This could cause the pushchair to topple over and your baby may fall out. Do not put anything that can hurt your baby in the basket, including drinks, snacks, and toys.

Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer when cleaning your stroller or pram. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pram and car seat, make sure to dry it outside thoroughly. This will stop mildew or mould from developing.

If your pram or pushchair has a removable footmuff, it's a good idea wash it before you use it again in winter. You can do this by removing the fabric and washing it with cool soapy water and allowing it to air dry outside. It is also recommended to scrub off any dirt or mud from the wheels and axles.

Experts suggest that infants lie flat as soon as possible in a pushchair or pram. This will help them develop and decrease the chance of back issues as they age.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to provide products that will be suitable for normal or predictable use. This applies to both new and second hand prams and strollers.

Style

While some parents are looking for the most functional set of wheels they can get their hands on, many want an infant stroller or pushchair that is as stylish as their new child's toy. There are a variety of high-end prams and pushchairs available that combine high-quality engineering with attractive designs that are both appealing and practical.

When selecting a pushchair or pram, the first thing you should think about is the seat padding. Babies are messy and having a pram that's easy to clean is essential. This is true especially in the event that you plan to take your stroller on long walks over rough terrain, or on dirt and gravel. Look for a pushchair that includes removable seat covers as well as a recline mechanism that can be machine-washed. Make sure the fabric is machine washable to keep your baby comfortable and dry.

Another thing to consider is the direction that your baby is facing in their pushchair. The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' let you switch the seat between facing parents (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or even world facing to let your child explore the world. Some pushchairs offer this feature as well but it's not necessary for all models and could be an option that is only available as an extra.

Combination prams are referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families due to the fact that they can accommodate bassinet baskets on the same frame. They are typically designed to be used from birth and are suitable for babies from 6 months to.

A travel system is similar to a combination stroller in that it allows you to connect a car seat to the frame using adaptors. They are ideal for infants and toddlers from birth to three years old and can be cheaper than buying separate items.

Twin prams or pushchairs are ideal choice for twins or siblings of the same age who need to be transported in a safe and comfortable manner. They are available in a variety of styles and are fitted with a double or single car seat.

Stores

Alongside providing comfort and safety for your baby the pram or pushchair should provide ample storage space for the most essential items. Look for models that have large shopping baskets that can store all the baby items, including spare clothes and changing equipment as well as bottles of water and snacks. Some also include a parent or child's compartment, which is ideal for storing all of your personal things. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with additional storage consider a convertible model that has multiple configurations. The extra space is crucial if you plan to take your child for long walks or trips away from home and require storage space for everything you'll need.

Another important aspect to consider is maneuverability. Opt for swivel wheel options to effortlessly navigate narrow spaces and also look for brakes with locking that are able to stop quickly. If you're thinking of a light model, ensure it has the correct dimensions for folding and suspension to make it easy to transport and store. If you're looking to buy something more durable for off-road travel then select a model with tough all-terrain tires that are able to be able to handle the rougher terrain.

A pram is designed to provide a flat sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is better suitable for older infants and toddlers who can sit up independently. Some prams can be transformed into a pushchair by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat, while other models such as the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that be converted into the car seat or carrycot.

Whichever type of pram or pushchair you decide to purchase, make sure to read reviews online and ask for suggestions from family and friends. If you can, test drive several models before making your decision to get an idea of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. You may also want think about whether a convertible model is the right option for you, as they can be used interchangeably between one or two babies and reduce the cost of buying a new set of wheels each time your child grows older!