What to Look For in Pushchairs

A pushchair is a secure method of transport for your baby. They are also comfortable and offer an enjoyable ride.

Consider buying a sun shade for your child to protect them from the sun. Most pushchairs come with one but if not, most brands sell them as an accessory.

If you're planning to have another baby consider a convertible pushchair which can transform into a double. Some travel systems come with an infant carry cot or seat unit.

Safety

The pushchair is your baby's vehicle of choice, so it's important to ensure it's secure. All coach-built prams, strollers and buggies must be compliant with British standard BS7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003. This certification should be displayed on product's label of a trusted brand.

A five-point harness will ensure your baby's safety. It should fit snugly over their shoulders and around their waists as well as between their legs. Make sure that the buckles and straps are easy to clip together and undone.

Check that the brakes on your pushchair are easy to access and work as intended. You should also consider investing in reflective strips to assist other road users spot you and your child in the winter dark.

If your pushchair is designed to hold two children, make sure that it has one footrest that runs across the length of both seats. This will prevent children from getting their feet caught between the footrests, and possibly falling out of the pushchair.

All pushchairs, prams and buggys should have a maximum weight limit. It's important to know the weight limit before you start using the pushchair as putting an overweight child in a pushchair could cause it to become unstable.

A quality pushchair must be able to endure being pushed over a wide variety of surfaces, so pick one with large, sturdy wheels. The tyres need to be made of durable material, which will resist punctures and offer good traction on slippery roads. Some pushchairs are designed to be used off-road and come with a special suspension to provide a smooth ride.

Comfort

It's crucial to choose a pushchair which is comfortable for your child. It's as simple as ensuring it is padded enough to ensure your child is safe and supported or a footmuff order to keep him warm and cosy during the colder months. Many pushchairs also have convertible seats that allow you to choose to face your baby for bonding and comforting or away from them so they can explore the world around them.

For new parents it's a good idea to look for a pushchair with a seat that can lie flat. Experts advise that babies rest in a flat position for their first few months to assist with their lung development and breathing. Many pushchairs claim to be able to recline fully, however it's crucial to verify that the seat is actually able to offer a lie-flat position and is safe for babies.

Some pushchairs are light, making them easy to get into and out of the car and pass through narrow doors. Some pushchairs are also able to fit inside overhead luggage racks of trains and planes. These kinds of pushchairs typically feature a quick and easy fold mechanism that allows you to fold the frame down with one hand. They can also be used to accommodate the infant car seats which makes them suitable for use right from birth.

Other pushchairs such as the Silver Cross Adorra2 offer a elegant and luxurious design that is sure to turn heads. They can also support various baby accessories such as car seat adapters and rain covers to shield your little ones from the elements. They are designed to be adaptable enough to cope with real family life. They come with a quick and easy to adjust five-point safety harness and large puncture proof wheels.

Style

You'll probably use your pushchair the most, so it is important to choose one that you and your child enjoy. Take note of the small details, like the comfort of the padding and whether the handlebar can be adjusted in height. There are plenty of other little extras that make an impact, such as a basket for storage or front wheel lock.

A pram is designed to transport two children simultaneously, usually a toddler and baby. It's more compact than a pushchair and is easier to navigate in tight spaces or on public transport. It could be a single-seater model, in which the child sits behind the parent, or a tandem one, where one child is seated behind the other.

Pushchairs and prams can be used from birth, although most are designed for older babies because they're larger than buggies, and feature reclined seats that can be positioned to face toward or away from you. There is often the option of adding an infant car seat, carry cot or stroller to allow them to be used from birth until your child becomes a toddler. This is a great value travel system.

Some pushchairs pushchairs have only one brake pedal. Others come with a foot brake and a hand brake. These brakes work together to stop safely and easily your pushchair. The foot brake is usually situated on the rear axle and the handbrake is located near the rear wheels, at the top of the frame. The foot brake is ideal for parents who live on steep hills or in the country, as it keeps them from losing control of their pushchair.

Size

There are a variety of different sizes of pushchairs. Some are able to be used from birth as they have an adjustable seat that can be sat on and a bassinet or carrycot attachment. Some are able to be used as soon as the child can stand up on their own, which is usually about 6 months. The seat can be facing either towards parents to encourage bonding and reassurance or away from them, allowing the child to explore the world around them.

The size of the wheel is important. Some have larger wheels to improve their maneuverability on rough surfaces. Some have smaller wheels to enable a lighter framework and are more easy to newborn push chair over paved surfaces.

Some pushchairs have one pedal that locks the rear wheels. This is great those who stop for coffee or for shopping. Some have two brakes pedals to increase control and safety. Your pushchair needs to have strong brakes because they will be used on difficult terrains. Check the brakes regularly.

There are a number of features that can aid you in choosing the perfect pushchair for your family and infant. Easy to use features like one hand compact fold, simple to adjust safety harnesses or adjustable handlebars make life with newborns and small children much easier.

A good pushchair will ensure the security and comfort of your child. You'll likely use this product for a long time and therefore, you must be sure to consider the features that are important to your family.

Buying a pushchair

Consider carefully what features you would like to have in your pushchair. It will be with you and your child for many years So you must choose wisely. Think about how it fits to your lifestyle. An all-terrain stroller is great for walking in the countryside, but not so good on a shiny store floor. If you're planning on using it with your grandparents, you might want something that is easy for them to manage and navigate without feeling like they require a PhD to operate.

You'll need the pushchair that comes with an infant car seat, or a reclining seat unit. Newborns should be able to lay flat. Some models also come with a reversible seat unit so you can have your baby face you or world facing as they grow older.

When choosing a pushchair you might want to consider accessories such as baskets and shopping trays, or pram changing bags which can make it easier to run errands with your little one in tow. Some pushchairs have hoods that offer additional protection from the sun's rays, and others come with rain covers to keep your baby dry when it starts to rain.

Some pushchairs are able to be converted into a single or a double and can adapt to your expanding family. This is typically done by adding a second seat unit or carrycot. This is an option to consider if you plan on having a second child shortly after the first or if you're not certain of your future plans.