What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can seem confusing. Prams are designed to carry infants and babies. They come with a lie-flat seat.

Some prams come with a bassinet or carrycot for newborns. Some even have the option of being converted into an infant pushchair.

If you're planning to travel by public transport or fold your pushchair regularly opt for a lightweight and compact buggy.

Comfort

Your pushchair is likely to get more frequently used than your nappies and bottles. As such, it's important to ensure that your child is comfortable during every outing by choosing one with plenty of padding as well as an upholstered seat that can be adjusted for height.

It's worth noting that a lot of prams, buggies and pushchairs come with a pram blanket that can help to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped into the washing machine and are available in a variety of designs and colours to suit your preference.

A pram is designed for infants up to six months of age, when they are still at a stage where they require to lie flat. A carrycot or bassinet is attached to the frame. The majority of prams have the option of either 'parent' facing or 'world-facing. This enables the user to decide whether they want your baby to face you to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds in their environment. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs. For instance, the iCandy Peach 7 – a premium single-to-double pushchair which can be used as early as birth with the carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg using elevators).

The most important thing to be aware of is that babies who are very young should not travel in any pushchair that is not able to recline completely to a flat position. This is due to the fact that being in a crouched up position can affect their breathing, because it causes them to breathe in more air than they normally do and could cause respiratory problems in the longer term.

A pushchair is a seat with wheels that folds usually to a very compact size and it's generally geared toward toddlers and older infants that are around three years old. They're usually made of more durable materials than a pram. You will typically find models that let you alter the direction of the seat so that your child can either face you for reassurance or away from you so they can explore the world around them.

Safety

It is important to ensure that your child is secure in a pushchair or pram. Only ever place your baby in a pram or pram designed to his size and age. This will make them feel safe and secure and help to prevent any accidents. If you're purchasing a pushchair or pram second-hand it's essential to carry out visual safety inspections. This will ensure that it's in good condition and not damaged in any way that could pose danger for your child.

When selecting a pram and car seat or pushchair make sure you choose one with an safety harness with quick and easy clips. Check that the buckles don't have any looseness, and that the straps are snug around the torso of your baby. Also, look for a broad base, as this will give more stability than narrow-based models.

Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with items. This could cause it to tip over and your baby may fall out. Don't place anything in the basket that could fall out and hurt your baby. This includes toys, drinks and snacks.

Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pushchair or pram. If you're cleaning the fabric or washing the hood, make sure you dry it thoroughly outdoors to prevent any mildew or mould forming.

It's a good idea to clean the removable footmuff that comes with your pushchair or pram prior to when you use it again in winter. It's as simple as removing the fabric and washing it in soapy water, and then allowing it to air dry outside. It's also recommended to scrub any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.

Experts advise that babies lie flat in a pushchair or pram as soon as possible. This will aid their development and reduce the risk of back problems as they age.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, both retailers and manufacturers are required to supply products that are safe for normal or reasonably predictable use. This applies to new and second-hand prams as well as strollers.

Style

Parents may want the most practical set-up of wheels they can get However, many parents want a pram that is as fashionable as their baby. There are a lot of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that blend high-end engineering with fetching designs that are as striking as they are practical.

The first thing to think about when choosing a pushchair or pram is the seat padding and the options for adjustability. A pushchair that is simple to clean is essential for infants, who can be messy. This is particularly true in the event that you plan to make use of your pushchair for long walks in rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Choose a stroller with removable seats and recline mechanisms 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 your baby is facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to switch the seat to face either parent (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or to the world, so that your child can explore the world. Some prams also have this option, but it may not be a requirement for all models.

Combination prams are also referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families because they can fit a bassinet basket on the same frame. They are designed to be used from birth, and are suitable for children as young as six months old.

A travel system is similar to a stroller combination in that it allows you to connect car seats to the frame, with adaptors. These are great options for toddlers and babies from 3 years old and are more cost effective than buying separate items.

Twin prams or pushchairs are a great option for twin babies or siblings of the same age who require transportation in comfort and safety. They are available in a variety of styles and equipped with a double or single car seat.

Storage

In addition to providing comfort and safety for your baby, a pushchair or pram should provide ample storage for all the essentials. Find models with a spacious shopping basket that can accommodate all the baby items, including spare clothes and changing equipment as well as bottles of water and snacks. Some models include a separate compartment for the parent or child that is ideal to store your personal items. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with more storage space, opt for a convertible pushchair that offers different configurations. It's important to have extra space particularly if you intend to take your child for long walks or to be away from home.

Maneuvrability is a further aspect to take into consideration. Opt for swivel wheels so you can effortlessly navigate narrow spaces and be sure to look for brakes with locking that are responsive enough to stop quickly. If you are looking at a light-weight model, make sure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions for simple storage and transportation. If you're looking to buy something more durable for off-road travel then pick a model with sturdy all-terrain tires that can take on rough terrains.

The main distinction between a pram and pushchair is that a pushchair offers an easy, flat sleeping position for newborns, while a pushchair is more suited to older babies and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams convert into pushchairs by taking out the bassinet and replacing it with an adult's seat. Other models, like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle can be converted into a carrycot or car seat.

Whichever type of pushchair or pram you pick, make sure to read reviews online and seek recommendations from friends and family. Test-drive several options before making a final decision. This will give you an idea of their weight, their folding capabilities and how they feel. Consider a convertible car which can be used for one or two children. This will save you money since you won't need to purchase a new set of wheels every time your child grows.