What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams are designed to carry newborns and young babies with a lying-flat seat.

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

If you intend to take public transport or fold your pushchair frequently pick a light and compact stroller.

Comfort

Your pushchair is likely to be more frequently used than your nappies and bottles. As such, it's important to make sure your child is comfortable on every trip by choosing an option with plenty of padding and an upholstered seat that can be adjusted for the height of your child.

Many buggies, prams and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. They are easy to wash and come in a range of designs and colours.

A pram is designed for infants up to six months of age, when they are still at the stage that they need to lay flat. A bassinet, or carrycot, will be attached to the frame. Many prams for newborns allow the choice of 'parent facing or 'world facing.' This allows you to choose whether you prefer your child to face you to bond with you, or explore the sights and sounds in their surroundings. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 – a premium single-to-double pushchair which can be used from birth with a carrycot up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).

The most important thing to keep in mind is that babies who are very young should not travel in any pushchair that does not recline to a completely flat position. This is because being in a position that is prone to slumber could affect their breathing because it causes them to breathe more air than normal and could lead to respiratory issues in the long term.

A pushchair is a seat with wheels that folds typically to a compact size and it's generally geared toward toddlers and older infants up to the age of approximately three years old. They're typically made of a more durable material than a pram. You can usually find models that let you change the direction of the seat so that your baby can either face towards you to provide reassurance, or away from you so they can explore the world around them.

Safety

It is important to ensure that your child is safe in a pushchair or pram. You should never place your child in a pushchair or pram specifically designed for their size and age. This will make them feel secure and safe and will help prevent accidents. If you're buying a baby pushchair or pram second-hand it's essential to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could be dangerous to your baby.

When you are choosing a pram or pushchair pick one that comes with an safety harness with simple and fast clips. Make sure that the buckles don't have any looseness and that the straps are snug around your baby's torso. Also, look for a wide base, as this will offer more stability than models with narrow bases.

Avoid overloadeding your pushchair or pram with toys. This can cause the pushchair to topple over and your baby may fall out. Be careful not to put anything that could harm your baby inside the basket, such as drinks, snacks, and toys.

Follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean your pram or pushchair. When cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, be sure to dry it thoroughly outdoors to avoid any mildew or mould forming.

It's a great idea to wash the removable footmuff on your pushchair or pram before you can use it again in winter. You can do this by taking the fabric off and washing it in cool soapy water, then leaving it to air dry outside. It's also recommended to scrub any dirt or mud off of the wheels and axles.

Experts recommend that babies lay flat in a pushchair or pram as early as they can. This will aid their development and help reduce back pain later in life.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, both retailers and manufacturers are required to supply products that will be safe for normal or predictable use. This is the case for new pushchairs and prams as well as second-hand ones.

Style

While some parents are seeking the most efficient set of wheels that they can find Many parents want a pram or pushchair that's just as stylish as their brand new baby. There are a lot of prams and pushchairs that are high-quality available that combine high-end engineering with attractive designs that are as striking as they are practical.

When selecting a pushchair or pram the first thing to think about is the seat padding. A pushchair that is simple to clean is essential for infants, who are often messy. This is true especially when you plan to take your stroller on long walks on rough terrain, or on dirt and gravel. Choose a stroller with removable recline and seat covers that can be machine washed. Check that the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

It is also important to consider the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most 'from-birth' pushchairs allow you to switch the seat between facing parents (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or to the world, so that your child can explore the world. Some pushchairs also offer this option, however it may not be a requirement for all models.

Combination prams, also referred to as 3-in-1 prams, are an increasingly popular option for families because they can fit a bassinet basket and an infant seat on the same frame. They are made to be used from birth and are suitable for babies from six months old to.

A travel system is similar to a combination stroller in that it allows you to attach a car seat to the frame, using adaptors. They are perfect for babies and toddlers from birth to three years old. They are less expensive than purchasing separate items.

Twin prams and pushchairs are a great choice for twins or siblings who need to travel in the comfort and safety of. They are available in a variety of designs and can be fitted with one car seat or a double one.

Stores

A pushchair or pram must not only be safe and comfortable for your child, but provide ample storage space for all of the essentials. Look for models that have large shopping baskets that can hold all the baby items including spare clothes, changing gear bottles of water, and snacks. Some also include the child's or parent's compartment that is ideal for storing all of your personal items. If you're looking for a stroller that is more spacious and storage space, consider a pushchair that has different configurations. It's important to have extra space especially if you want to take your child on long walks or to be away from home.

Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the ability to maneuver. Choose swivels wheels to navigate narrow passageways easily. Also, look for locking brakes that have a receptive stopping power. If you are looking at a light-weight model, make sure that it has the appropriate suspension system and foldable dimensions to facilitate storage and transportation. If you're looking for something that's more robust for off-road use, pick a model with robust all-terrain tires that can handle rougher surfaces.

A pram is designed to provide an easy sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is better suited for older babies and toddlers who can sit 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 models that can transform into a car seat or carrycot.

Whatever type of pushchair or pram you choose, be sure to read online reviews and ask for recommendations from your family and friends. 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. Consider a convertible vehicle, which can be used for one or two kids. This will save you money since you won't need to buy a new set of wheels each time your child grows.