What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of prams and pushchairs can be confusing. Prams are made to carry newborns and young babies with a lie-flat seat.

Prams can also come with a carrycot or bassinet for babies. Some even offer the option of converting to a pushchair for older children.

If you intend to take public transportation or have to fold up your pushchair regularly, opt for a lightweight and compact stroller.

Comfort

Your pushchair will probably be utilized more often than your nappies and bottles. As such, it's important to ensure your child is safe on every trip by choosing a model with plenty of padding as well as an upholstered seat that can be adjusted to height.

It's also worth noting that many prams and buggies also come with a pram blanket that can help to keep your child warm. They can be easily put in the wash and are available in a range of designs and colours to match your preferences.

A pram is specifically designed for infants up to about six months old, when they're still at the stage that they must lay flat, usually with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice of either 'parent' facing or 'world-facing. This allows you to decide if you prefer your child to face you in order to bond with you, or explore the sights and sounds of their surroundings. Some prams can be converted into a pushchair, such as the iCandy Peach 7 - a luxurious double-sized pushchair that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

The most important thing to remember is that babies who are very young should not travel in any pushchair that does not recline completely to a flat position. This is due to the fact that being in a position that is prone to slumber can affect their breathing, because it causes them to inhale more air than normal and could cause respiratory problems in the longer term.

A pushchair is a seat with wheels that folds typically to a compact size. It's usually geared towards toddlers and older babies that are around three years old. They're typically made of a more durable material compared to prams. There are models where you can change the direction the seat faces to allow your child to be reassured by you or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

The safety of your baby in a pushchair or pram is crucial. You should never place your child in a pushchair or pram that is designed for their age and size. This will help them feel safe and secure, and also prevent accidents. When buying a second-hand pushchair or stroller it is crucial to perform visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good condition and not damaged in any way that could be harmful to your child.

If you're looking for the right pram or pushchair, look for one with a safety harness that includes quick and simple clips and connections. Make sure that the buckles do not have any slack and that the straps are snug around the baby's torso. Find models with a wider base as they are more stable than models with a narrow base.

Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with items. This could cause the pushchair to fall over and your baby may be thrown out. Don't put anything that could harm your baby inside the basket, such as drinks, snacks, or toys.

Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pushchair or pram. Whether you're cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, be sure to dry it thoroughly outside to prevent any mildew or mould from developing.

It's a great idea clean the removable footmuff that comes with your pushchair or pram before you use it again in winter. This can be accomplished by taking off the fabric and washing it in cool water with soap, and then letting it air dry outside. It's also a good idea to brush any dirt or mud off of the wheels and axles.

Experts recommend that babies lie flat in a pushchair or pram as early as possible. This will help them develop and reduce the chance of back issues as they get older.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, manufacturers and retailers are required to offer products that will be safe for normal or regular use. This is applicable to both new and second-hand prams as well as strollers.

Style

Parents may want the most practical set-up of wheels they can find However, many parents need a pram that is as stylish as their infant. There are plenty of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that combine quality engineering with fetching designs that are as striking as they are practical.

The first thing to consider when choosing a pushchair or pram is the padding and adjustable options. A pushchair that is easy to clean is crucial for children, pushchairsandprams as they can be messy. This is especially true if you plan to use your pushchair for long walks through rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Choose a stroller with removable seats and recline mechanisms that can be machine washed. Be sure that the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

Another thing to consider is the direction that your baby will face in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature let you switch the seat from parent facing (facing the parent to calm and bond) or world facing, so that your child can explore the world. Some pushchairs also offer this option, however it may not be an option for all models.

Combination prams, also referred to as 3-in-1 prams, are an increasingly popular choice for families as they can fit a bassinet basket and an incline seat on the same frame. They are typically designed to be used starting at birth and are suitable for infants 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, using adaptors. They are ideal for infants and toddlers between birth and three years old. They can be cheaper than buying separate items.

Twin prams and pushchairs can be the ideal option for siblings or twins who require the comfort and safety of. They are available in a variety of styles and can be fitted with a double or single car seat.

Storage

As well as offering security and comfort for your baby, a pram or pushchair should provide ample storage space for all the necessities. Look for models that have large shopping baskets that can accommodate everything your baby needs, including spare clothes and changing equipment, bottles of water and snacks. Some models include a separate compartment for the child or parent which is ideal to keep your personal belongings. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with additional storage consider a convertible model that has multiple configurations. It's important to have extra space particularly if you intend to take your child for long walks or leave home.

Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is maneuverability. Opt for swivel wheels to make it easy to navigate narrow passageways and also look for brakes with locking that are able to stop quickly. If you're considering a lightweight model, make sure it has the proper suspension and folding dimensions to allow for easy storage and transport. Alternatively, if you want something that is more durable for off-road travel, choose an option with strong, all-terrain wheels that can be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.

A pram is designed to offer an ideal sleeping position for infants. A pushchair is better designed for older babies and toddlers who can sit up independently. Some prams are able to be converted 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 can convert into the car seat or carrycot.

If you're not sure which pushchair or pram to select check out reviews on the internet and ask friends and family members for recommendations. Test-drive several options before making a final decision. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, how they fold and how they feel. Consider a convertible car which can be used for one or two children. This will save you money as you don't have to buy an entirely new set of wheels every time your child grows.