What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams have a flat seat that is specifically designed to carry babies and newborns.

Some prams come with a bassinet or carrycot for newborns. Some even offer the option of changing it into a pushchair for older children.

If you plan on using public transport or need to fold up your pushchair regularly, opt for a lightweight and compact stroller.

Comfort

Alongside bottles and nappies your pushchair is likely to be among the most frequently used baby items you own. It's therefore crucial to ensure that your child is safe on every trip by selecting a model with plenty of padding as well as 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. They can be easily put in the wash and are available in a range of colors and designs to fit your personal style.

A pram is designed for newborn babies up to around six months old, as they're in the stage of development where they need to lay flat, usually with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams offer the option of 'parent facing or 'world facing.' This allows the user to decide whether they prefer your child to face you in order to bond with you, or explore the sights and sounds of their surroundings. Some prams can be converted into 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).

It is important to keep in mind that babies less than six months old should not be carried in a stroller that doesn't recline fully flat. A crouching position could affect their breathing since they breathe more than they would normally. This can lead to breathing problems in the future.

A pushchair is a type of seat that can be folded into a compact space. It's designed for older babies and toddlers. They're typically made of a more durable material compared to prams. You can also find models that allow you to change the direction the seat faces so that your child can be reassured by you or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

The safety of your baby in a pushchair or pram is essential. You should never place your child in a pram or pushchair that has been made for their size and age. This will ensure that they feel safe and secure, and will prevent accidents. If you're buying a pushchair or pram used it's essential to carry out visual safety inspections. This will ensure that the item is in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could be dangerous for your child.

If you're looking for a pushchair or pram, look for one equipped with a safety harness that has quick and easy clips and connections. Verify that the buckles are not loose and that the straps fit snugly around your child's waist. Also look for a wide base, which will offer more stability than models with narrow bases.

Avoid overloadeding your pushchair or pram with items. This can cause the pushchair to tip over, and your baby could fall out. Don't place things in the storage basket that could fall out and harm your baby - this includes toys, drinks and snacks.

Be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean your pushchair or pram. If you're cleaning the fabric or washing the hood, always dry it thoroughly outdoors to prevent mould or mildew developing.

If your pram or pushchair has a removable footmuff it's best to wash it prior to using it again in winter. This can be done by removing the fabric, washing it in cool water with soap, and then letting it air dry outside. It's also an excellent idea to scrub any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.

Experts recommend that infants lie flat as soon as they can in a pushchair or pram. This will help their development and decrease the chance of back issues as they grow older.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, both retailers and manufacturers are required to provide products that are safe for normal or reasonably reliable use. This applies to both new and second-hand sale prams and strollers.

Style

Some parents are looking for the most practical set-up of wheels they can find however, many parents require a stroller that is as fashionable as their child. There are many high-quality prams and pushchairs that combine top-quality engineering with stylish designs that are both eye-catching and practical.

When you are choosing a pushchair or pram the first thing you should consider is the seat padding. A pushchair that is simple to clean will be important for babies, who are often messy. This is especially true if you plan to make use of your pushchair for long walks on rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Choose a stroller with removable seats and recline mechanisms which can be washed in the machine. Be sure that the fabric is also breathable, which will help keep your baby comfortable and dry.

Another thing to think about is the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' allow you to change the seat between facing parents (facing the parent to calm and bond) or even world facing so that they can explore the world. Some prams have this option too but it's not a necessity for all models and can be an optional feature.

Combination prams, also called 3-in-1 prams, are a very popular option for families since they can fit both the bassinet basket as well as a pushchair seat on the same frame. They are often designed to be used starting at birth and are suitable for newborns up to six months.

A travel system is similar to a combination stroller in that it permits you to attach car seats to the frame, using adaptors. These are great for babies and toddlers up to three years old. They can be cheaper than buying separate items.

Twin prams or pushchairs can be a great option for twin babies or siblings of the same age who both require transport in safety and comfort. They are available in a variety of styles and can be equipped with a double or single car seat.

Storage

A pushchair or pram should not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but offer ample storage for all the necessities. Look for models with an ample shopping basket that can contain all your baby's supplies like spare clothes, changing equipment, bottles of water, and even snacks. Some include a child's or parent's area, which is ideal for keeping all your personal things. If you're looking for a pushchair with more storage space, opt for a convertible pushchair that offers various configurations. The extra space is crucial particularly if you intend to take your child on long walks or Push Chairs and Prams leave home.

Maneuvrability is an additional feature to consider. Choose swivels wheels to navigate through narrow passageways with ease. Also look for brakes that are locked that have a receptive stopping power. If you're thinking of a light model, ensure it has the correct suspension and folding dimensions to allow for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for something that's more robust for off-roading, choose a model that has sturdy all-terrain tires that can take on rough terrains.

The main 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 suited to older babies 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 an adult seat. Other models such as the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle are able to transform into a carrycot or car seat.

Whatever type of pushchair or pram you choose, be sure to read reviews online and ask for suggestions from family and friends. Test-drive several options before settling on one. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, their folding capabilities and how they feel. You may also want to consider whether a convertible model is the best option for you, as these can be used interchangeably between one or two babies, and you can reduce the cost of buying an entirely new set of wheels every time your baby grows up!