What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams come with a flat seat that is specifically designed to carry newborns and infants.

Prams may also come with a carrycot or bassinet for newborns. Some models even have the option of converting to an infant pushchair.

If you plan on using public transport or fold your pushchair frequently pick a light and compact buggy.

Comfort

Your pushchair will probably be more frequently used than your bottles and nappies. Therefore, it's crucial to make sure your child is safe on every trip by selecting a model that has plenty of padding and an upholstered seat that can be adjusted for height.

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

A pram is designed for babies who are around six months old, while they're still at a stage in which they have to lay flat, usually with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams offer the option of 'parent facing or world facing. This enables you to decide if you want your baby to face you to connect with you, or to explore the sights and sounds of their surroundings. Some prams convert into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 – a luxurious single-to-double pushchair that 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 very young babies should not travel in any pushchair that does not recline to a completely flat position. A crouching position can impact their breathing as they breathe more than normal. This could cause breathing problems in the long run.

A pushchair is a vehicle with wheels that folds typically to a compact size. It's usually geared toward toddlers and older infants until about three years old. They're typically made of a more durable material than prams. There are also models that allow you to change the direction that the seat is facing to allow your child to face you for reassurance or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

It is crucial to ensure that your child is safe in a pushchair or pram. Only ever put your baby in a pram or pram that is designed for his age and size. This will help them feel safe and secure and help to prevent any accidents. If you're buying a pushchair sale or pram used it is essential to carry out visual safety inspections. This will ensure it is in good working order and is not damaged in a way that could cause harm to your baby.

When you are choosing the right pram or pushchair choose one with a safety harness which has easy and quick clips and connections. Check that the buckles are not loose and that the straps are snugly around the waist of your child. Also, look for a wide base, which will offer more stability than models with narrow bases.

Be careful not to overload your pushchair or pram with items. This could cause it to tip and your baby could be thrown out. Similarly, don't put anything in the storage basket that could fall out and hurt your baby. This includes toys, drinks and snacks.

Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or stroller. Whether you're cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, make sure you dry it thoroughly outside 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. You can do this by taking off the fabric and washing it in soapy water, then leaving it to air dry outside. You should also brush off any dirt or mud that has accumulated on the wheels and axles.

Experts suggest that infants lay flat as soon as possible in a pushchair or pram. This will aid in their development and reduce back pain later in life.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, manufacturers and retailers are required to supply products that will be suitable for normal or predictable use. This applies to new and second hand prams and strollers.

Style

Parents may want the most practical set-up of wheels they can find, but many parents also want a pram that is as stylish as their infant. There are a variety of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that combine high-end engineering with attractive designs that are both attractive and practical.

When choosing a pram or pushchair, the first thing to consider is the seat padding. A pushchair that is simple to clean is crucial for infants, who are often messy. This is especially true if you plan to make use of your pushchair for long walks through rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Look for a pushchair that has removable seat covers and recline mechanisms which can be machine washed. Check that the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby comfortable and dry.

Another thing to consider is the direction that your baby is facing in their pushchair. The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' allow you to change the seat between parent facing (facing towards the parent for bonding and reassurance) or facing the world so that they can explore the world around them. Some pushchairs offer this feature too but it's not required for all models and could be an option that is only available as an extra.

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

A travel system is similar to a combination stroller in that it allows the attachment of a car seat to the frame using adaptors. These are great for babies and toddlers up to three years old and can be less expensive than buying separate products.

Twin prams and pushchairs can be a great choice for twins or siblings who require comfort and security. They come in a variety of styles and can be fitted either with one car seat or a double.

Stores

In addition to providing safety and comfort to your little one, a pram or pushchair should provide ample storage space for the most essential items. Find models with a spacious shopping basket that can hold all your baby supplies including spare clothing as well as changing gear, bottles of water and snacks. Some include the child's or parent's compartment which is ideal for storing all of your personal belongings. If you're looking for a stroller that is more spacious opt for a model that comes with different configurations. The extra space is crucial, especially if you plan to take your child on long walks or to be away from home.

Another important aspect to consider is the ability to maneuver. Opt for swivel wheels so you can make it easy to navigate narrow passageways and be sure to look for locking brakes that are responsive enough to stop quickly. If you're looking at a light-weight model, make sure that it has the appropriate suspension system and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transportation. If you're looking for something more sturdy for off-roading, pick an option with strong, all-terrain wheels that can be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.

The primary distinction between a pram and pushchair is that a pushchair offers a lie-flat sleeping position for newborns, while pushing chairs are more designed for older children and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs by removing the bassinet, and replacing it with an adult seat. Other models like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle can convert into a carrycot, or car seat.

If you're not sure which type of pram or pushchair to choose check out reviews on the internet and ask friends and family for recommendations. If possible, test-drive several models before making your choice to get an impression of how they feel and fold, and how heavy they are. You may also want to consider whether a convertible model is the right option for you, as they can be used interchangeably between one or two children and save money on purchasing a new set of wheels each time your little one gets older!