What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of prams and pushchairs can be a bit confusing. Prams have a flat, padded seat that is specifically designed to be used by newborns and infants.
Prams can also come with a carrycot or bassinet for newborns. Some can be converted to an infant pushchair once the baby is older.
If you plan to take public transportation or fold your pushchair often, choose a lightweight and compact travel pram pushchair.
Comfort
Alongside nappies and bottles, your pushchair will be one of the most used baby products you own. As such, it's important to ensure your child is safe on every trip by choosing one with plenty of padding as well as 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, which can help to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped into the wash and are available in a range of different colours and designs to match your preferences.
A pram is designed for newborn babies up to around six months old, as they're at a stage in which they have to lay flat, usually with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice of 'parent ' or 'world facing.' This allows the user to decide whether they want your baby to face you to bond with you, or explore the sights and sounds of their environment. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs. For instance, the iCandy Peach 7 – a deluxe single-to-double pushchair (Read A lot more) that can be used from birth with a carrycot up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).
The most important thing to remember is that babies who are very young should not travel in any pushchair that doesn't recline completely to a flat position. Traveling in a crouching position could affect their breathing since they breathe in more air than they would normally. This could lead to respiratory issues in the future.
A pushchair is a chair on wheels that folds typically, to a small size, and is generally designed towards older babies and toddlers up to the age of about three years old. They're often made from more durable materials than a pram. You will typically find models that allow you to switch the direction of the seat so that your child can either face you to feel safe or away from you so that they can explore the world around them.
Safety
It is essential to ensure your child is safe in a pushchair or pram. It is best to only put your child in a pushchair or pram that has been made for their age and size. This will ensure that they feel safe and secure and will prevent accidents. When buying a second-hand stroller or pushchair it is essential to conduct a visual safety check. This will ensure that the item is in good prams working order and isn't damaged in any way that could pose danger to your baby.
When choosing the right pram or pushchair pick one that comes with a safety harness that is simple and fast clips. Check that the buckles aren't loose and that the straps fit comfortably around the waist of your child. Look for models with a larger base since they will be more stable than models with a smaller base.
Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with items. This could cause it to tip and your baby might fall out. Be careful not to put anything that could harm your baby inside the basket, including drinks, snacks, or toys.
Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your compact stroller or pram. If you're cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, be sure to dry it thoroughly outside to prevent mildew or mould from developing.
It's a great idea wash the removable footmuff on your pram or pushchair before you return to it in winter. This can be done by taking off the fabric and washing it in cool water using soap and letting it air dry outside. You should also brush off any dirt or mud off the axles and wheels.
Experts advise that babies lie flat in a pushchair or pram as early as they can. This will help their development and reduce the chance of back issues as they age.
Retailers and manufacturers are required to fulfill obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to offer products that are safe for regular or reasonably foreseeable usage. This applies to both new and second-hand prams as well as strollers.
Style
Some parents want the most practical set-up of wheels they can get however, many parents want a pram that is as stylish as their child. There are plenty of prams and pushchairs that are high-quality available that blend high-end engineering with fetching designs that are as striking as they are practical.
When you are choosing a pushchair or pram, the first thing to consider is the seat padding. Babies can be messy creatures and so having a pushchair that's easy to clean is important. This is particularly true if you intend to take your stroller on long walks over rough terrain, or on dirt and gravel. Find a pushchair which includes removable seat covers as well as a recline mechanism that can be machine-washed. Be sure that the fabric is also breathable, which will help keep your baby comfortable and dry.
You should also think about the direction your baby will face in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to switch the seat to face either parent (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or world facing, to let your child explore the world. Some pushchairs also offer this option, however it may not be a requirement for all models.
Combination prams, also called 3-in-1 prams, are a very popular choice for families as they can fit the bassinet basket as well as an incline seat on the same frame. They are designed to be used right from birth and are suitable for infants as young as six months old.
A travel system is similar to a stroller combination in that it allows you to connect car seats to the frame using adaptors. These are great options for toddlers and infants up to three years and can be cheaper than purchasing separate items.
Twin prams and pushchairs are a great choice for siblings or twins who need to travel in comfort and security. They are available in a variety of styles and are able to be fitted with one car seat or a double one.
Storage
A pushchair or pram must not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but should also provide ample storage space for all the essentials. Find models with an ample shopping basket that can hold all your baby supplies, including spare clothes and changing equipment bottles of water, and snacks. Some models also have the child's or parent's compartment that is ideal for keeping all your personal belongings. If you're looking for a pushchair with additional storage, opt for a convertible pushchair that offers multiple configurations. The extra space is crucial especially if you want to take your child on long walks or leave home.
Maneuvrability is another important feature to take into consideration. Select swivel wheels to navigate narrow passageways easily. Also look for locking brakes with a responsive stopping power. If you're thinking of a light model, ensure it has the correct dimensions for suspension and folding to allow for easy storage and transport. Alternatively, if you want something that is more durable for off-road travel, choose an option with strong all-terrain wheels able to handle rougher terrains better than pavements.
The primary difference between a pram and pushchair is that a pram provides the option of a lying-flat sleep position for infants, whereas pushing chairs are more designed for older children and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs by removing the bassinet, and replacing it with a seat for an adult. Other models like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle can be converted into a carrycot or car seat.
If you are unsure about which type of pram or pushchair to choose, read online reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations. Test-drive several options before settling on one. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, their fold and how they feel. Consider a convertible vehicle, which can be used for one or two children. This will save you money as you don't have to buy a new set of wheels each time your child grows.