What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can seem confusing. Prams have a flat, padded seat that is specifically designed to carry babies and newborns.

Prams can also come with a bassinet or carrycot for babies. Some can be converted to a pushchair when the baby is older.

If you plan to travel by public transport or fold your pushchair frequently, choose a lightweight and compact buggy.

Comfort

Alongside bottles and nappies, your pushchair is likely to be among the most frequently used baby products you have. It's therefore crucial to ensure your child is comfortable on every outing by choosing a model that has plenty of padding and a comfortable seat that can be adjusted for height.

Many prams, buggies, and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. They can be popped into the wash and are available in a variety of different colours and designs to match your preference.

A pram is designed for newborn babies up to around six months old, while they're still at the stage in which they have to lie flat, typically with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams offer the option of either 'parent' facing or 'world-facing. This allows you to choose whether you prefer your child to face you in order to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds of their environment. Some prams can be converted into a pushchair, such as the iCandy Peach 7 - a deluxe single to double pushchair that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

It is crucial to remember that babies under six months old should not be transported in a pushchair that isn't able to recline completely flat. Traveling in a crouching position can affect their breathing as they inhale more than they would normally. This could cause respiratory issues in the long term.

A pushchair is a seat that can be folded into a compact space. It's specifically designed for older children and toddlers. They are typically made of a more durable material compared to prams. You can also find models that allow you to alter the direction in which the seat is facing so that your child can look at you for comfort or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

The safety of your child in a pushchair or pram is crucial. Always put your baby in a pushchair or pram designed to his size and age. This will make them feel safe and secure, and prevent accidents. If you are buying a secondhand stroller or pushchair it is crucial to perform visual safety checks. This will ensure it's in good working order and is not damaged in a way that could be harmful to your child.

When you are choosing the right pram or pushchair, choose one that has a safety harness that is quick and easy clips. Make sure the buckles aren't loose and that the straps fit comfortably around the waist of your child. Find models with a larger base since they are more stable than models with a narrow base.

Be careful not to overload your pushchair or pram with items. This can cause the pushchair to fall over, and your baby could fall out. Similarly, don't put things in the storage basket that could fall out and harm your baby - this includes toys, drinks and food items.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pram or pushchair. When cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, make sure you dry it thoroughly outside to prevent mould or mildew developing.

It's a great idea to wash the removable footmuff on your pushchair or pram before you return to it 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 a good idea to brush any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.

Experts advise that infants lie flat as soon as possible in a pushchair or pram. This will aid their development and lower the chance of developing back problems as they get older.

Retailers and manufacturers have obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to offer products that are safe in the normal or reasonably anticipated use. This applies to new and second hand prams and strollers.

Style

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

The first thing you should consider when choosing a pushchair or pram is the seat padding and the options for adjustability. A pushchair that is simple to clean is crucial for infants, who are often messy. This is especially important when you intend to make use of your pushchair for long walks on rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Search for a pushchair that comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanisms that can be machine-washed. Make sure the fabric is machine washable to keep your baby comfortable and dry.

Another thing to think about is the direction your baby will face in their pushchair. Most 'from-birth' pushchairs allow you to switch the seat to face either parent (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or world facing, so that your child can explore the world. Some prams have this option, however it may not be an option for all models.

Combination prams, also known as 3-in-1 prams, are a popular choice for families as they can fit the bassinet basket as well as an incline seat on the same frame. They are usually designed for use from birth and are suitable for Pram Pushchair infants from 6 months to.

A travel system is similar to a combination stroller in that it allows the attachment of a car seat to the frame, with adaptors. These are a great option for babies and toddlers from 3 years old and are cheaper than purchasing separate items.

Twin prams and pushchairs can be a great choice for siblings or twins who require comfort and security. They are available in a variety of styles and can be equipped with a single or double car seat.

Stores

A pushchair or pram should not only be safe and comfortable for your child, but should also provide ample storage space for all of the essentials. Look for models with an ample shopping basket that can accommodate all your baby supplies, including spare clothes as well as changing gear as well as bottles of water and snacks. Some models come with a compartment for the parent or child that is ideal to store your personal items. If you're looking for a pram with even more storage consider a convertible pushchair that comes with different configurations. It's important to have extra space particularly if you intend to take your child on long walks or to be away from home.

Maneuvrability is a further aspect to think about. 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're considering a lightweight model, ensure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions for simple storage and transportation. If you're looking for something more robust for off-road use, choose a model that has sturdy all-terrain tires that can handle rougher surfaces.

The main difference between a pram versus a pushchair is that a pushchair offers the option of a lying-flat sleep position for newborns, while the pushchair is better designed for older children and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own. Some prams can be converted into a pushchair by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat and other models like the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that transform into an automobile seat or a carrycot.

If you're not sure which pram or pushchair to choose check out online reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations. If you can, test drive a few options before making your choice to get an idea of how they feel and how they fold and how heavy they are. You may also want consider whether a convertible model is the best choice for you, since they can be used interchangeably between two babies, and you can reduce the cost of buying an entirely new set wheels each time your little one grows older!