What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of pushchairs and prams can be confusing. Prams come with a flat seat that is specifically designed to be used by newborns and infants.

Some prams include the option of a carrycot or bassinet for newborns. Some can be converted to an infant pushchair once the baby is older.

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

Comfort

Your pushchair is likely to get more frequently used than your nappies and bottles. It is essential to select a model that has plenty of padding, a comfortable seat and can be adjusted to height.

Many buggies, prams and pushchairs come with a blanket to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped into the wash and are available in a variety of colors and designs to fit your personal style.

A pram is designed for infants up to six months of age, and they are still at the point where they require to lie flat. Most often, a carrycot, or bassinet, is attached to the frame. Most prams have a choice of facing the parents and the world facing', so you can decide whether to have your baby face you to bond with them or allow them to explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs. For instance, the iCandy Peach 7 – a luxurious single-to-double pushchair that can be used as early as birth with a carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg using elevators).

The most important thing to be aware of is that babies who are very young should not be in any pushchair that is not able to recline to a completely flat position. When they are in a crouching posture, it can impact their breathing as they breathe more than they would normally. This could cause respiratory issues in the long term.

A pushchair is a vehicle on wheels that folds typically, to a small size and it's generally geared towards toddlers and older babies that are around three years old. These are often made of a more durable material than prams. There are also models where you can change the direction that the seat faces to allow your child to be reassured by you or turn away to explore the world.

Safety

It is important to ensure that your child is safe in a pram or pram. It is best to only place your child in a pram or pushchair that is designed for their age and size. This will make them feel secure and safe and prevent accidents. If you are buying a secondhand stroller or pushchair, it is important to conduct a visual safety check. This will ensure that the item is in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could pose a risk to your baby.

When you are choosing a pram or pushchair, look for one with a safety harness which has quick and easy clips and connections. Make sure that the buckles do not have any slack and that the straps are snug around the torso of your baby. Also, look for a broad base, as this will offer more stability than models that have narrow bases.

Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with items. This could cause the pushchair to fall over, and your baby could fall out. Do not put anything that can hurt your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, or toys.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pushchair or pram. Whether you're cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, always 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 removing the fabric, washing it in cool water with soap and letting it air dry outside. It is also recommended to scrub off any dirt or mud off the axles and wheels.

Experts recommend that infants lie flat as soon as they can in a pushchair or pram. This will help their development and reduce back problems later in life.

Manufacturers and retailers have obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to supply products that are safe in the normal or reasonably anticipated use. This is applicable to new pushchairs and prams as well as second-hand ones.

Style

Some parents want the most functional set-up of wheels they can get However, many parents require a stroller that is as stylish as their child. Fortunately, there are plenty 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 selecting a pushchair or pram is the seat padding and the options for adjustability. Babies are messy and so having a pushchair that's easy to clean is important. This is particularly true in the event that you plan to take your stroller on long walks over rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Look for a pushchair with removable seat covers and recline mechanisms which can be washed in the machine. Check that the fabric can be washed by machine to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

Another thing to consider is the direction your baby is facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to switch the seat between facing parents (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or to the world, so that they can explore the world. Some models have this option too however it's not a necessity for all models and may only be an optional extra.

Combination prams, also referred to as 3-in-1 prams, are a popular choice for families as they can fit both an infant basket and an incline seat on the same frame. They are usually designed to be used from birth and are suitable for infants from 6 months to.

A travel system is an option to a combination pram in that it allows you to fit car seats onto the frame too, usually by using adaptors. These are great options for toddlers and infants until three years old and are more affordable than buying separate products.

Twin prams or pushchairs can be a excellent option for twins or siblings of the same age who need to be transported in safety and comfort. They come in a variety of designs and can be fitted with one car seat or a double.

Stores

A pushchair or pram must not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but also offer ample storage for all of the essentials. Find models with large shopping baskets that can accommodate all your baby supplies including spare clothing as well as changing gear bottles of water, and snacks. Some models come with a compartment for the parent or child, which is perfect to store your personal items. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with more storage space choose a convertible pushchair that comes with different configurations. Extra space is important particularly if you intend to take your child for long walks or away from home.

Maneuvrability is an additional feature to think about. Opt for swivel wheels to make it easy to navigate narrow passageways and also look for brakes with locking that are responsive enough to stop quickly. If you're considering a lightweight model, make sure it has the proper dimensions for suspension and folding for easy transport and storage. If you're looking for something that's more robust for off-roading, pick a model with tough all-terrain tires that can be able to handle the rougher terrain.

A pram is designed to provide an easy sleeping position for infants. A pushchair is more designed for older babies and toddlers that can sit up independently. Some prams can be transformed to a pushchair by taking out 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 convert into a car seat or carrycot.

If you are unsure about the type of pram or pushchair to choose look up online reviews and ask your friends and family for suggestions. Try out a variety of models before settling on one. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, how they fold and how they feel. You may also want to think about whether a convertible model is the best choice for you, since they can be used interchangeably between two babies and save money on buying an entirely new set of wheels every time your baby grows up!