What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of pushchairs and prams can be confusing. Prams are designed to carry infants and toddlers with a lying-flat seat.

Some prams come with an infant bassinet or carrycot that is suitable for newborns. Some can be converted to an infant pushchair once the baby is older.

If you intend to take public transport or need to fold your pushchair frequently, opt for a lightweight and compact pushchair.

Comfort

Your pushchair is likely to get utilized more often than your bottles and nappies. It is important to choose one that is full 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 pram blanket that helps to keep your child warm. They can be popped into the wash and are available in a range of designs and colours to fit your personal preference.

A pram is suitable for babies up to six months of age, and they are still at a stage where they require to lie flat. Often, a carrycot, or bassinet, is attached to the frame. Most prams have the option of facing your child's parents or the world facing', which means you can choose whether to have your baby face you to bond or allow them to explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams are able to be converted into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 - a deluxe single to double pushchair that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

It is important to remember that babies under six months old should not be carried in a stroller that doesn't recline fully flat. This is because being in a crouched up position can impact their breathing because it causes them to breathe more air than normal and could lead to respiratory problems in the longer time.

A pushchair is a seat with wheels that folds typically, to a small size and it's generally geared toward toddlers and older infants up to the age of about three years old. They are typically made of a more durable material than prams. There are models where you can alter the direction in which the seat faces to allow your child to be reassured by you, or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

It is essential to ensure that your child is secure in a pushchair or pram. Only ever put your baby in a pram or pram that is made for his age and size. This will make them feel safe and secure and prevent accidents. If you are buying a secondhand pushchair or stroller, it is important to perform visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good condition and not damaged in any way that could cause harm to your baby.

When choosing a pushchair or pram make sure you choose one with a safety harness with simple and fast clips. Verify that the buckles are not loose and that the straps fit snugly around your child's waist. Look for models with a wider base as they are more stable than models with a narrow base.

Be careful not to overload your pram or pushchair with items. This can cause the pushchair to fall over, and your baby could fall out. Also, don't put anything in the storage basket that could fall out and hurt your baby. This includes toys, drinks and food items.

Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or stroller. Whether you're cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, always dry it thoroughly outside to prevent any mildew or mould from developing.

It's a great idea to clean the removable footmuff that comes with your pushchair or pram before you can use it again in winter. This can be done by removing the fabric, washing it in cool water using soap and letting it dry outside. It is also recommended to scrub off any dirt or mud that has accumulated on the wheels and axles.

Experts suggest that babies sit flat in a stroller or pram as soon as possible. This will help their development and reduce back problems later on in life.

Retailers and manufacturers are required to fulfill an obligation under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to offer products that are safe in regular or reasonably foreseeable usage. This applies to new pushchairs and prams as well as second-hand ones.

Style

While some parents are seeking the most practical set of wheels that they have access to, many want a pram or pushchair that is as stylish as their brand new child's toy. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality pushchairs and prams on the market that combine high-end engineering with attractive designs that are as attractive as they are practical.

The first thing to consider when choosing a pushchair or pram is the padding and the options for adjustability. Babies can be messy creatures and so having a pushchair that's easy to clean is important. This is especially true if you intend to use your stroller for long walks on rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Choose a stroller with removable recline and seat covers which can be washed in the machine. Be sure that the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

Another thing to think about is the direction that your baby will face in their pushchair. Most pushchairs "from birth" allow you to change the seat from parent facing (facing towards the parent for bonding and reassurance) or facing the world to allow your child to explore the world around them. Some prams have this option, however it's not an option for all models.

Combination prams, also called 3-in-1 prams, are an increasingly popular choice for families as they can accommodate a bassinet basket and an infant seat on the same frame. They are made to be used from birth and are suitable for children from six months old to.

A travel system is a similar alternative to a combination pram in that it allows the fitting of car seats on the frame, often with adaptors. These are great options for babies and toddlers from 3 years old and can be cheaper than purchasing separate products.

Twin prams or pushchairs are great option for twin babies or siblings of the same age who both need to be transported in comfort and safety. They are available in a variety of styles and are able to be fitted with one car seat or a double.

Stores

In addition to providing security and comfort for your little one the pram or pushchair needs to offer plenty of storage space for the most essential items. Look for models that have an ample shopping basket that can contain all the baby's items like spare clothes and changing equipment, water bottles, and snacks. Some include a parent or child's compartment, which is ideal for keeping all your personal items. If you want a pram with more storage, choose a pushchair with different configurations. The extra space is important if you're planning on take your baby on long walks or on trips away from home and need a place to store everything you'll require.

Another key feature to consider is the ability to maneuver. Select swivel wheels to get around narrow spaces easily. Also look for locking brakes that have a receptive stopping power. If you're looking at an ultra-lightweight model, make sure that it has the appropriate suspension system and foldable dimensions to facilitate storage and transportation. If you're looking for something more sturdy for off-roading, pick a model with robust all-terrain wheels able to handle rougher terrains better than pavements.

The main distinction between a pram and pushchair is that a pushchair offers the option of a lying-flat sleep position for newborns, while a pushchair is more designed for older children and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs by taking out the bassinet, and replacing it with an adult seat. Other models such as the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle can convert into a carrycot, or car seat.

If you're unsure of the type of pushchair or pram to pick check out reviews on the internet and ask friends and family members for recommendations. If you can, test drive a few options before making your decision to get an impression of how they feel and how they fold and how heavy they are. You may also want to think about whether a convertible model is the best option for you, because they can be used interchangeably between one or two babies and reduce the cost of buying a new set of wheels each time your little one gets older!