What to Look For in Pushchairs

A pushchair is a secure way to transport your baby. They are also comfortable and provide an easy ride.

Consider purchasing a parasol for your child to shield them from the sun. Most pushchairs include one however, many manufacturers offer them as an accessory.

If you're planning on another baby take a look at the possibility of a convertible pushchair that could grow into a double. Some travel systems have the option of a carry cot or a seat unit.

Safety

The pushchair is your baby's home on the road therefore it's crucial to ensure it's secure. All prams, strollers and buggies must be compliant with British standard BS7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003. This certification must be displayed on the product information of a reputable brand.

A five-point harness can ensure your baby's safety. It should fit comfortably over their shoulders, around their waists and between their legs. Verify that the buckles are simple to remove and clip and that the straps have strong connections.

Also, make sure that the brake on your pushchair is accessible and is working as it should. It's also worthwhile to invest in a reflective strip for your pushchair to help other road users see you and your child during the winter's dark days.

If your pushchair can carry two children, make sure that the footrest runs across both seats. This will prevent the child from getting their foot caught between the foot rests of each and possibly falling out of the stroller.

All prams, pushchairs and buggys come with a maximum weight limit. It is important to be aware of this limit prior to using the pushchair as putting a heavy child in a pushchair may cause it to be unstable.

A great pushchair should be able to endure being pushed across a wide range of surfaces, so make sure you choose a model with large, robust wheels. The tyres must be made of a durable material that can be resistant to puncturing and have excellent traction to keep you going on slippery roads. Some pushchairs are even designed for off-road use and have a special suspension for an extra smooth ride.

Comfort

It is crucial to choose a pushchair which is comfortable for your child. This could be as simple as ensuring that it has enough padding to ensure they're secure and supported or a footmuff to keep them warm and cosy in the colder months. Many pushchairs have reversible seats that allow you to decide if you want to face your child for bonding or reassuring, or from them to explore the world.

It's beneficial for parents who are new to the area to look for a pushchair that has an adjustable seat that can be placed in a flat position. Experts suggest that babies lie flat for the first few months of their lives to assist in breathing and lung development. Many pushchairs claim to be able to recline fully but it's important to check that the seat actually offers a lie-flat position and is safe for newborns.

Some pushchairs are light and easy to get into and out of cars and can be inserted into narrow doorways. They might also fit into overhead luggage racks on planes and trains. These types of pushchairs usually have a quick and simple fold mechanism that allows you to fold the frame down with one hand. They can also accommodate a carrycot and infant car seat, making them suitable for use right from birth.

Other pushchairs, like the Silver Cross Adorra2, offer the most luxurious and premium experience with an exquisite design that turns heads. They can also support a range of baby accessories such as car seat adapters as well as rain covers to shield your little ones from the elements. They are designed to be adaptable enough to cope with real family life. They come with an easy and quick to adjust five-point safety harness, as well as large puncture-proof wheels.

Style

A pushchair is probably the baby item you will use the most often, so it's important to find one that you and your child are happy with. Consider the details, like the comfort of the padding and whether the handlebar can be adjusted in height. There are other small details that can make a significant difference, like a basket to store things or a front wheel lock.

A GaGaDumi Boston Pram 3 In 1 Set - Black/Beige is designed to allow two children to be transported simultaneously, usually a toddler along with an infant. It is smaller than a single pushchair which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and on public transport. It could be a single-seater model, in which the child sits behind the parent or a tandem one, where one child is seated behind the other.

Pushchairs and prams can be used from birth however, they are mostly targeted at older children as they are more spacious than buggies and come with an adjustable seat that can be positioned to face toward or away from you. There is often the option of adding an infant car seat, carry cot, or stroller to allow them to be used from birth until your child is a toddler. This is a fantastic value travel system.

Some pushchairs have only one brake pedal. Some have both a foot brake and hand brake. These brakes work together to stop safely and easily your pushchair buggy. The foot pedal is usually located on the rear axle of the pushchair and the hand brake is situated on the top of the frame, right next to the rear wheels. The foot brake is ideal for parents who live on a slope or in the countryside since it prevents the parent from losing control of the pushchair.

Size

There are a number of different sizes of pushchairs. Some pushchairs are able to be used as early as the time of birth, since they have a lie-flat seating and an attachment to a bassinet or carrycot. Some are able to be used as soon as the child is able to sit up unaided, which is usually around 6 months. The seat can be positioned or facing the parents to help them bond and comfort them, or away from them so that they can explore their surroundings.

The size of the wheel is important. Some have larger wheels to allow to facilitate better maneuverability over rougher surfaces. Some have smaller wheels to allow for a lighter framework and are easier push over paved surfaces.

Some pushchairs have a single pedal that locks the rear wheels. This is helpful in the event that you need to stop for a coffee break or go shopping. Some have two brake pedals that help control and safety. Your pushchair must have good brakes as it will be used on difficult terrains. Make sure you check the brakes on a regular basis.

There are a number of features that will assist you in finding the ideal pushchair to suit your family and baby. Features that are easy to use such as one hand compact fold, easy to adjust safety harness or adjustable handlebars can make life with a newborn and young children much simpler.

The choice of the right pushchair is an investment in the comfort and safety of your toddler or baby. It's likely to be the baby product you'll use for the longest time so it's important to take the time to think about which features are important to you and your family.

A pushchair to buy

Your pushchair is one of the biggest purchases you'll make for your baby and it will be with you for several years, so you need to think about the features that will work best for you. Consider how it will fit into your daily routine. An all-terrain stroller is ideal for walks in the country but not ideal on a shiny store floor. If you plan to use it with your grandparents, you might want something that is easy to steer and control without feeling like they require an academic degree.

Newborn babies need to lie-flat so you'll need an infant pushchair that has a carrycot or infant car seat (travel system) or an adjustable seat that can be used from birth. Some models also have an adjustable seat so that you can choose to have your baby face you or world facing as they grow older.

You may also want to consider accessories such as shopping trays, baskets and changing bags for prams to make it easier for you to complete errands while your child is in your care. Some pushchairs come with hoods that offer extra protection from the sun, whereas others come with rain covers to keep your baby dry when it begins to rain.

Some pushchairs are able to be converted into a single or a double and can adapt to your growing family. This is usually done by adding a second seat unit, or carrycot. This is a good choice when you're thinking on having another child shortly after baby number one or in case you're not sure of what your plans for the future are at this point.