What to Look For in a Pushchair

A pushchair can be used from the very beginning of a child's life. It can be a stroller or pram and has many features that parents would love to see in their new pushchair.

Look for a seat with multiple recline positions and five-point harnesses to ensure your child's safety. Most often, it will include an upholstered carry cot frame that is compatible with a car seat for infants as well.

Safety

The most important thing to think about when selecting a pushchair for your baby or toddler is safety. It is essential that the pushchair is fitted with a five-point safety harness and is securely fastened. The harness should be able to fit comfortably around the child's shoulder, waist and between his legs. It should also feature buckles that can be easily attached and removed. The handlebars are an important consideration and pushchairs should be placed to stop children from climbing out of the seat.

A pushchair must also have a wide base to ensure stability and should be free of dangers such as sharp or curly edges that could cause injuries. Some pushchairs have locks on the wheels that is ideal for off-road use, as it will stop the wheel from coming off. Brakes are also important and should be easily accessible. They should be user-friendly and secure. Some pushchairs have wrist tether straps that provide security.

Prams, strollers and buggies must be used with care and must be regularly inspected. Don't overload prams or buggies with extra luggage and always ensure that the safety belt is secured with five points. Parents must ensure that their children do not play with the fold-away mechanism and keep their fingers away from any places which they could get trapped.

Many pushchairs come with a removable carrycot or bassinet which is great for newborns as they need to lie flat to sleep. This is especially important due to the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Infants who are in a straight position for too long can suffer breathing problems since they cannot breathe properly in a scrunched up position.

A few manufacturers produce single and double pushchairs that can be used by a variety of ages. These may be able to convert into prams by adding an adapter or a seat unit. It is crucial that pushchairs or prams that are specifically designed for older children include an adjustable backrest that is fully reclined as babies need to lie flat until about six months old.

Convenience

A pushchair should be easy to maneuver around tight spaces. It must also be able be able to roll across a variety of surfaces, from pavements to rough grass. Certain models come with suspensions that provide the smoothest ride for your child and lessens the stress on their joints.

A pushchair can often include storage underneath the seat, which is ideal for storing spare clothes changing bags push chairs and prams bottles of water. Some pushchairs come with a canopy that protects the child from the elements or sun. Some have a handle that is linked, which can be pushed with one hand. Some have a single handle which can be adjusted for different sizes.

Many pushchairs have the option to turn your baby's face towards you for comfort or away from you so they can explore the world. This is an excellent feature for newborns and infants.

Some pushchairs are able to be used right from birth, based on whether they feature a seat that is flat and a suitable safety harness. Check that the description of the pushchair clearly states that it can be used from birth. Also, ensure that it has a seat that is fully reclined that allows your baby to lie in a flat position, which is crucial for their development.

Pushchairs can usually fold into a compact unit and are easy to store in your car or at home. With the addition of an infant car seat or a carrycot they can be used as part of a travel system.

A pram is also called a bassinet for babies, a baby carriage or a baby carriage. It is specifically designed for infants and newborns. It has a flat sleeping area that lets your baby lie on their backs, which is important for their spinal and lungs development. A pram is an excellent option for older babies and toddlers beginning at six months.

Comfort

Comfort is key when buying the perfect pushchair for your child. It will be used for a long time and is one of the most expensive purchases you'll ever make. A majority of models come with comfortable seat padding as well as handles that can be adjusted to meet parents' heights. This allows you to control the pushchair, and lessens stress on your arms and shoulders particularly if you've been carrying your baby around all day!

It is recommended that newborn babies lie flat to sleep and some pushchairs provide an entirely flat sleeping position. It's essential that this is available to ensure that your little one gets the best possible rest for their health and development. Newborns lack the strength in their necks to stand upright for long periods of time and this may affect their breathing, so it's crucial that they can sit comfortably in a flat position.

Some 'from birth' pushchairs also come with the option of a carry cot, bassinet or baby hammocks that you could use to hold your newborn while they sleep. These are typically more expensive, but it is worth the extra cost to ensure that your child is secure and comfortable in the first few months of their life.

A canopy that is ventilated is another important feature to look out for when choosing a pushchair. It will keep your baby cool and comfortable during outings. This will improve their naps and overall health and wellbeing.

Many pushchairs have a wide variety of storage compartments and baskets that provide ample space for all of your baby's necessities. This is perfect to store toys and clothes to keep your child entertained on their walks. It will also save you from having to carry around bags of extra stuff when you go out.

Most pushchairs allow you to select which direction you would like your baby to be facing, either parent facing (rear) or world facing (front). Some models have the option to attach a carrycot the frame. You can then easily transfer your baby from the car to the pushchair, without causing any disruption to him.

A lightweight pushchair is essential if you're going to be travelling with your baby. It is easier to lift and put in the car boot or at home. It is also more maneuverable on public transport and in crowded areas.

Accessories

There are numerous accessories available for pushchairs that can make the life of your child easier and more comfortable. These could include items like sunshades and raincovers that are designed to fit comfortably over the pushchair, creating an insulating barrier that keeps your child safe from the harmful UV rays. Footmuffs (which are available as a part of pushchair bundles or separately) bags for shopping and a pram changing bag are also useful accessories.

Travel systems are another common accessory that lets you attach your car seat with strollers. This accessory makes travelling with your child much more enjoyable because you can keep them safely connected. It is also a great choice for parents who take public transport frequently.

When selecting a pushchair, it is important to consider the number of reclining positions and turning capabilities you may require. Most pushchairs come with the ability to reversibly seat, which allows you to change the direction that your child is facing. This can be especially helpful for newborns, who are advised to sleep in a flat position to help with their breathing and growth. It is also recommended to consider a pushchair that has the ability to change the seat from facing the parent to the child with the click of the button. This is useful when your child ages and you must keep an eye on them.

Other important aspects to look out for include the type of wheels that your pushchair comes with and whether these are fixed, swivel or lockable. The size of the wheel will also vary. Larger wheels offer more comfort. It is also important to determine whether the pushchair comes with pneumatic tyres or the most recent innovation - the PU tire. They offer all the advantages of air tyres without the risk of punctures.

Consider the fold function of your pushchair as well as its weight, as these will affect the ease to store it and transport. Some models have a smaller footprint when folded and can be easily tucked away in the boot of your car or in overhead compartments on public transport.