What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of push chairs and prams can seem confusing. Prams have a flat, padded seat that is specifically designed to be used by newborns and infants.
Prams are also available with a bassinet or a carrycot for infants. Some even offer the option of being converted into a pushchair for older babies.
If you're planning to travel by public transport or fold your pushchair often pick a light and compact pushchair.
Comfort
Alongside nappies and bottles, your pushchair is likely be one of the most frequently used baby items you have. It is essential to select one that has plenty of padding as well as a comfortable seat that can be adjusted in height.
It's important to note that many prams, buggies and pushchairs come with a fitted pram blanket that helps to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped into the washing machine and are available in a range of colors and designs to match your style.
A pram is suitable for babies up to six months of age, when they are still at the point that they need to lay flat. Often, a carrycot or bassinet will be attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice of 'parent facing or world facing.' This allows the user to decide whether they want your baby to face you to connect with you, or explore the sights and sounds in their surroundings. Some prams can be converted to pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 - a luxurious double-sized pushchair that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).
The most important thing to remember is that infants and toddlers shouldn't be using any pushchair that doesn't recline to a fully flat position. Traveling in a crouching position can affect their breathing as they breathe in more air than they would normally. This could lead to respiratory issues in the long term.
A pushchair is a type of seat that folds into a small space. It's specifically designed for older children and toddlers. They're typically made of more durable materials than a pram and you can usually find models that allow you to alter the direction of the seat so that your child can either face towards you to feel safe or away from you so they can explore the world around them.
Safety
It is important to ensure that your baby is safe in a pram or pram. Make sure that you put your baby in a pushchair or pram that is made for his age and size. This will help them feel safe and secure and also prevent accidents. If you're buying a pushchair or pram used it's essential to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could be dangerous to your baby pram.
When you are choosing the right pram or pushchair, choose one that has an safety harness with simple and fast clips. Check that the buckles don't have any looseness, and that the straps are snug around the torso of your baby. Look for models with a wider base as they are more stable than those with a narrow base.
Be careful not to overload your pram or pushchair with toys. This could cause it to tip and your baby could fall out. Don't put anything that could hurt your baby in the basket, including drinks, snacks, or toys.
Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or stroller. When cleaning the fabric or washing the hood, be sure to dry it thoroughly outdoors to prevent any mildew or mould forming.
If your pushchair or pram has a removable footmuff it's a good idea to wash it before you use it again in winter. It's as simple as taking off the fabric and washing it with cool soapy water, then leaving it to air dry outdoors. It's also a good idea to brush any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.
Experts advise that babies sit flat in a stroller or pram as early as possible. This will help their development and lessen back pain later in life.
Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, manufacturers and retailers are required to supply products that are safe for normal or reliable use. This is the case for new prams and pushchairs as well as second-hand ones.
Style
Some parents are looking for the most efficient set-up of wheels they can get, but many parents also want a pram that is as fashionable as their baby. There are a variety of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that combine top-quality engineering with attractive designs that are both eye-catching and practical.
The first thing to consider when selecting a pushchair or pram is the seat padding and the options for adjustability. A pushchair that is easy to clean is crucial for children, as they can be messy. This is particularly true when you intend to make use of your pushchair for long walks in rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Find a pushchair which includes removable seat covers as well as a recline mechanism that 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 think about the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs "from birth" allow you to change the seat to face towards parents (facing towards the parent to provide reassurance and bonding) or facing the world to allow your child to discover the world around them. Some prams also have this option, but it may not be required for all models.
Combination prams are also referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families since they can accommodate a bassinet basket on the same frame. They are often designed to be used from birth and are suitable for infants from 6 months to.
A travel system is a similar option to a combination pram as it allows you to put car seats on the frame, typically by using adaptors. They are ideal for infants and toddlers from birth to three years old and can be less expensive than buying separate items.
twin stroller prams and pushchairs are a great choice for siblings or twins who require comfort and security. They are available in a variety of styles and are able to be fitted with either a single car seat or a double one.
Storage
A pushchair or pram should not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but also have ample storage space for all the necessities. Find models with a spacious shopping basket that can accommodate all your baby supplies 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 of your personal things. If you want a pram that is more spacious opt for a model that comes with different configurations. The extra space is crucial if you plan to take your baby on long walks or excursions away from home and require an area to store anything you might require.
Another important aspect to consider is maneuverability. Choose swivels wheels to navigate narrow passageways easily. Also look for brakes that are locked that have a receptive stopping power. If you're thinking of a light model, make sure it has the proper dimensions for folding and suspension to allow for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for something more robust for off-road use, choose a model that has sturdy all-terrain tires that are able to be able to handle the rougher terrain.
The primary difference between a pram versus a pushchair is that a pushchair offers the option of a lying-flat sleep position for infants, while 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 an adult's seat. Other models such as the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle are able to transform into a carrycot or car seat.
If you're not sure which pram or pushchair to choose look up reviews on the internet and ask friends and family for suggestions. If you are able, test-drive a few options before making a decision. This will give you an impression of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. Consider a convertible car, which is suitable for two or more children. This will save you money as you don't have to buy a new set of wheels every time your child grows.