What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can seem confusing. Prams are designed to carry newborns and young babies with a lie-flat seat.

Some prams come with a bassinet or carrycot for newborns. Some can be converted into a pushchair when the baby is older.

If you are planning to use public transport or fold your pushchair frequently pick a light and compact pushchair.

Comfort

Alongside bottles and nappies your pushchair will be among the most used baby products you have. It is important to choose one that has plenty of padding as well as a comfortable seat that can be adjusted to height.

It's worth noting that a lot of prams or Push Chairs and Prams buggies are equipped with a pram blanket that helps to keep your child warm. They can be easily put into the washing machine and are available in a range of colors and designs to fit your personal style.

A pram is for newborns between six and six months old. age, when they are still at a stage that they must lay flat. Most often, a bassinet, or carrycot, is attached to the frame. Most prams will offer a choice of 'parent facing' and 'world facing', meaning you can decide whether to have your baby's face facing you for bonding or to let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams can be converted into a pushchair, such as the iCandy Peach 7 - a luxurious double pram pushchair-sized pushchair that can be used from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

It is crucial to remember that babies under six months old should not be carried in a pushchair that doesn't recline fully flat. A crouching position can affect their breathing as they breathe more than they would normally. This could lead to respiratory problems in the long term.

A pushchair is a vehicle on wheels that folds, usually to a very compact size and it's generally geared towards toddlers and older babies until approximately three years old. These are often made of a more durable material than prams. There are models that allow you to change the direction that the seat is facing so that your child can look at you for comfort, or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

It is crucial to ensure your child is secure in a pushchair or pram. You should only ever put your child in a pram or pushchair that is designed for their size and age. This will help them feel safe and secure and help to prevent any accidents. When buying a second-hand pushchair or stroller it is crucial to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could pose danger for your child.

When selecting a pushchair or pram pick one that comes with a safety harness with simple and fast clips. Check that the buckles aren't loose and that the straps fit comfortably around your baby's waist. Also, look for a broad base, as this will give more stability than models that have narrow bases.

Be careful not to overload your pushchair or pram with things. This can cause the pushchair to tip over and your baby may be thrown out. Be careful not to put anything that could harm your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, and toys.

Make sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean your pram or pushchair. When cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, be sure to 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 return to it in winter. This can be done by removing the fabric, washing it in cold water with soap and letting it air dry outside. It is also recommended to scrub off any dirt or mud from the wheels and axles.

Experts advise that infants lie flat as soon as possible in a pushchair or pram. This will aid in their development and lessen back problems later on in life.

Retailers and manufacturers have obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to supply products that are safe for normal or reasonably foreseeable use. This is applicable to both new and second hand prams and strollers.

Style

While some parents are looking for the most functional set of wheels they have access to, many want an infant stroller or pushchair that's as stylish as their brand new baby. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that combine quality engineering with fetching designs that are as eye-catching as they are practical.

The first thing to think about when choosing a pushchair pram is the seat padding and adjustable options. A pushchair that is easy to clean is crucial for babies, who are often messy. This is especially true when you intend to take long walks in rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Search for a pushchair that comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanism which can be machine washed. Make sure the fabric can be machine washed to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

You should also consider the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most 'from birth' pushchairs allow you to change the seat to face towards parents (facing towards the parent to provide reassurance and bonding) or facing the world so that they can discover the world around them. Some prams have this option as well but it's not required for all models and can only be an optional extra.

Combination prams are also known as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families since they can fit bassinet baskets on the same frame. They are made to be used from birth, and are suitable for babies as young as six months old.

A travel system is a similar option to a combined pram in that it allows you to fit a car seat onto the frame, often with adaptors. These are a great option for babies and toddlers from 3 years old and are cheaper than purchasing separate items.

Twin prams and pushchairs can be a great choice for siblings or twins who want to travel in safety and comfort. They are available in a variety of styles and can be fitted either with one car seat or a double one.

Storage

In addition to providing safety and comfort to your little one, a pushchair or pram must provide ample storage for all the essentials. Look for models with large shopping baskets that can hold all your baby supplies including spare clothing as well as changing gear, bottles of water and snacks. Some include a child's or parent's area that is ideal for storing all of your personal items. If you're looking for a pushchair that is more spacious opt for a model that comes with multiple configurations. Having extra space is especially important if you're planning to take your child for long walks or excursions away from home and require storage space for everything you'll require.

Another crucial aspect to take into consideration 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 looking at an ultra-lightweight model, make sure it comes with the correct suspension system and foldable dimensions for simple storage and transport. If you're looking for something more sturdy for off-road travel, choose an option with strong, all-terrain wheels that can handle rougher terrains better than pavements.

A pram is designed to offer an easy sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is better suited for older babies and toddlers that can sit up independently. Some prams convert into pushchairs by taking out the bassinet, and replacing it with an adult seat. Other models like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle are able to transform into a carrycot or car seat.

If you're unsure of which pram or pushchair to choose check out online reviews and ask your friends and family members for recommendations. Try out several models before you make your decision. This will give you an idea of their weight, their fold and how they feel. You may also want to think about whether a convertible model is the best option for you, as these can be used interchangeably between one or two children and save money on buying a new set of wheels each time your little one grows up!