What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of push chairs and prams can seem confusing. Prams are made to carry newborns and young babies with a lie-flat seat.
Some prams include an infant bassinet or carrycot that is suitable for infants. Some can be converted into an infant pushchair once the baby is older.
If you are planning to use public transportation or have to fold your pushchair frequently, opt for a lightweight and compact buggy.
Comfort
Your pushchair is likely to get more frequently used than your nappies and bottles. Therefore, it's crucial to make sure your child is comfortable on every outing by choosing a model that has plenty of padding and a comfortable seat that can be adjusted for height.
It's worth noting that a lot of prams and buggies also come with a pram blanket that helps to keep your child warm. They are easy to wash and come in a variety of designs and colours.
A pram is specifically designed for infants up to approximately six months old while they're still at a stage that they must lay flat, usually with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams will offer the option of facing the parents and the world facing', which means you can choose whether to let your baby face you for bonding or to let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams can be converted to pushchairs prams, like the iCandy Peach 7 - a deluxe single to double pushchair that is suitable from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).
The most important thing to be aware of is that very young babies should not travel in any pushchair that does not recline completely to a flat position. When they are in a crouching posture, it can impact their breathing as they inhale more than normal. This can lead to respiratory problems in the future.
A pushchair is a seat on wheels that folds typically, to a small size. It's usually geared toward toddlers and older infants that are around three years old. They're typically made of a more durable material than a pram, and you will typically find models that let you alter the direction of the seat so that your child can either face towards you to feel safe or away from you so that they can explore the world around them.
Safety
It is crucial to ensure your child is safe in a pram or pram. It is best to only put your child in a pram or pushchair that has been designed to fit their size and age. This will ensure that they feel safe and secure, and will prevent accidents. If you're buying a pushchair or pram used it's essential to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that the item is in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could be dangerous to your baby.
When choosing the right pram or pushchair make sure you choose one with an safety harness with simple and fast clips. Verify that the buckles don't have any slack and that the straps are snug around your baby's torso. Also look for a wide base, which will offer more stability than models with narrow bases.
Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with toys. This could cause the pushchair to tip over, and your baby could be thrown out. Also, don't put anything in the storage basket that could fall out and harm your baby - this includes drinks, toys and food items.
Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer when cleaning your stroller or pram sets. Whether you're cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, always dry it thoroughly outdoors to prevent any mildew or mould from developing.
It's a great idea wash the removable footmuff on your pushchair or pram prior to when you can use it again in winter. You can do this by taking off the fabric and washing it with cool soapy water, then leaving it to air dry outdoors. It is also recommended to scrub off any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.
Experts recommend that infants lay flat as soon as they can in a pram or pushchair. This will aid their development and lessen back pain later in life.
Retailers and manufacturers have obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to provide products that are safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. This is applicable to new pushchairs and prams as well as second-hand ones.
Style
While some parents are after the most practical set of wheels that they can find, many want a pushchair or pram that's just as stylish as their brand new bundle of joy. There are a variety of high-end prams and pushchairs that combine top-quality engineering with stylish designs that are both appealing and practical.
The first thing to consider when selecting a pushchair or pram is the padding and adjustable options. Babies can be messy creatures and having a pram that's easy to clean is essential. 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. Choose a stroller 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 comfortable and dry.
You should also consider the direction your baby will face in their pushchair. The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' allow you to change the seat to face either parent (facing the parent to calm and bond) or even world facing so that your child can explore the world. Some models have this option too, but it's not a necessity for all models and may be an optional feature.
Combination prams are referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families since they can fit bassinet baskets on the same frame. They are usually designed for use from birth and are suitable for infants up to six months.
A travel system is an alternative to a combination pram, as it permits you to fit car seats onto the frame too, usually with adaptors. They are an excellent choice for toddlers and infants until three years old and can be cheaper than purchasing separate products.
Twin prams or pushchairs can be a excellent option for twins or siblings of the same age who require transport in safety and comfort. They are available in a variety of styles and are fitted with a double or single car seat.
Storage
Alongside providing comfort and safety for your little one, a pram or pushchair should provide ample storage for all the essentials. Find models with large shopping baskets that can store everything your baby needs including spare clothes, changing gear, bottles of water and snacks. Some also include a child's or parent's area, which is ideal for storing all your personal items. If you're looking for a pushchair with more storage space consider a convertible pushchair that offers various configurations. Extra space is important, 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 wheel options to effortlessly navigate narrow spaces and be sure to look for brakes with locking that are able to stop quickly. If you're considering a lightweight model, make sure it has the correct dimensions for folding and suspension for easy transport and storage. If you're looking for something that's more durable for off-road travel then pick a model with robust all-terrain tires that can be able to handle the rougher terrain.
A pram is designed to provide an easy sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is best suitable for older infants and toddlers who can sit up independently. Some prams can be converted into a pushchair simply by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat, while other models such as the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that be converted into a car seat or carrycot.
Whatever kind of pushchair or pram you choose, be sure to read reviews on the internet and ask for recommendations from your family and friends. If you can, test drive several models before making a decision. This will give you an impression of how they feel and how they fold and how heavy they are. You might also want to consider whether a convertible model is the right choice for you, since they can be used interchangeably between one or two babies and save money on buying an entirely new set of wheels every time your baby grows older!