What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of prams and pushchairs can be confusing. Prams are designed to transport infants and toddlers with a lie-flat seating.
Some prams come with a bassinet or carrycot for newborns. Some can be converted into a pushchair when the baby is older.
If you're planning to travel stroller by public transport or fold your pushchair often pick a light and compact pushchair.
Comfort
Your pushchair is likely to get used more than your nappies and bottles. It's therefore crucial to ensure that your child is comfortable on every trip by choosing a model that has plenty of padding and a comfortable seat that can be adjusted for the height of your child.
Many buggies, prams, and pushchairs include a fitted blanket to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped into the washing machine and are available in a range of designs and colours to fit your personal style.
A pram is made 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 either 'parent' facing or world facing. This enables you to choose whether you prefer your child to face you to bond with you, or explore the sights and sounds of their environment. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 – a premium single-to-double stroller pushchair which can be used as early as birth with a carrycot up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).
The most important thing to be aware of is that babies who are very young should not be in any pushchair that does not recline completely to a flat position. Traveling in a crouching position can affect their breathing as they inhale more than they would normally. This can lead to breathing problems in the future.
A pushchair is a type of seat that folds into a small space. It's designed for older babies and toddlers. They are typically made of a more durable material compared to prams. There are models that allow you to alter the direction in which the seat faces to allow your child to face you for reassurance or turn away to explore the world.
Safety
The safety of your child in a pram or pushchair is essential. It is best to only put your child in a pram or pushchair pram that has been made for their size and age. This will make them feel safe and secure and prevent accidents. When purchasing a second-hand stroller or pushchair, it is important to perform visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good condition and is not damaged in a way that could be harmful to your baby.
When choosing the right pram or pushchair, choose one that has a safety harness that is quick and easy clips. Make sure the buckles are not loose and that the straps fit snugly around your baby's waist. Also, look for a wide base, which will offer more stability than models with narrow bases.
Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with items. This can cause the pushchair to tip over and your baby may fall out. Don't put anything that could harm your baby inside the basket, such as drinks, snacks, and toys.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or stroller. Whether you're washing the fabric or cleaning the hood, make sure you dry it thoroughly outdoors to prevent mildew or mould forming.
If your pram or pushchair has a removable footmuff, it's a good idea wash it before you use it again in winter. This can be done by taking off the fabric, washing it in cool water using soap, and then letting it air dry outside. It's also an excellent idea to scrub any dirt or mud off of the wheels and axles.
Experts suggest that babies lie flat in a pushchair or pram as soon as they can. This will help their development and lower the chance of back issues as they get older.
Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, manufacturers and retailers are required to supply products that are safe for normal or reasonably reliable use. This is applicable to both new and second-hand prams as well as strollers.
Style
Some parents are looking for the most efficient set-up of wheels they can find however, many parents require a stroller that is as stylish as their baby. There are a variety of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that combine high-quality engineering with stylish designs that are both appealing and practical.
The first thing to think about when selecting a pushchair or pram is the padding and adjustable options. Babies are messy and therefore having a pushchair that is easy to clean is important. This is particularly true in the event that you plan to take your stroller on long walks on rough terrain, or on dirt and gravel. Look for a pushchair that has removable seat covers and recline mechanism which can be machine washed. Check that the fabric can be washed by machine to keep your baby dry and comfortable.
Another thing to think about is the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most 'from-birth' pushchairs let you switch the seat to face either parent (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or even world facing so that they can explore the world. Some pushchairs also offer this option, however it's not an option for all models.
Combination prams, also referred to as 3-in-1 prams, are a popular option for families because they can fit both the bassinet basket as well as a pushchair seat on the same frame. They are typically designed to be used from birth and are suitable for infants as young as six months old.
A travel system is an option to a combined pram in that it allows you to put car seats on the frame too, usually by using adaptors. They are ideal for infants and toddlers from birth to three years old and can be cheaper than buying separate items.
Twin prams and pushchairs can be the ideal option for twins or siblings who need to travel in the comfort and safety of. These are available in many designs and can be fitted either with a single car seat or a double.
Stores
A pushchair or pram must not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but have ample storage space for all of the essentials. Find models with a large shopping basket to contain all your baby's necessities like spare clothes as well as changing equipment, bottles of water and snacks. Some also include the child's or parent's compartment that is ideal for storing all your personal items. If you want a pram with more storage, choose a pushchair with various configurations. The extra space is crucial if you plan to take your child for long walks or trips away from home and require storage space for everything you'll need.
Maneuvrability is another important feature to take into consideration. Opt for swivel wheel options to effortlessly navigate narrow spaces and also look for brakes with locking that are able to stop quickly. If you're considering an ultra-lightweight model, make sure that it has the appropriate suspension system and foldable stroller dimensions to facilitate storage and transportation. If you're looking for something that's more robust for off-road use, choose a model that has tough all-terrain tires that are able to handle rougher surfaces.
The main difference between a pram versus a pushchair is that a pram offers a lie-flat sleeping position for infants, whereas a pushchair is more designed for older children and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own. Some prams convert into pushchairs by taking out the bassinet and replacing it with a seat for an adult. Other models, like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle are able to convert into a carrycot, or car seat.
If you're not sure which type of pushchair or pram to select look up online reviews and ask your friends and family for suggestions. If you are able, test-drive a few models prior to making your decision to get an idea of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. You might also want to think about whether a convertible model is the right option for you, because these can be used interchangeably between two children and save money on purchasing a new set of wheels each time your little one grows up!