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 be used by infants and babies.

Some prams come with the option of a carrycot or bassinet for infants. Some can be converted to an infant pushchair once the baby is older.

If you are planning to use public transportation or have to fold your pushchair often choose a light and compact stroller.

Comfort

Alongside nappies and bottles, your pushchair is likely be one of the most used baby products you have. As such, it's important to ensure that your child is comfortable during every trip by choosing a model with plenty of padding and an ergonomic seat that can be adjusted to height.

Many prams, buggies, and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped into the wash and are available in a variety of different colours and designs to suit your preferences.

A pram is for newborns up to six months of age, when they are still at the stage that they must lay flat. Often, a bassinet, or carrycot, will be attached to the frame. Most prams have the option of either facing the parents and the world facing', so you can choose whether to have your baby face you for bonding or to let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams convert into pushchairs. For instance, the iCandy Peach 7 – a premium single-to-double pushchair which can be used as early as birth with a carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).

The most important thing to keep in mind is that babies who are very young should not travel in any pushchair that doesn't recline to a fully flat position. When they are in a crouching posture, it could affect their breathing since they breathe in more air than normal. This could cause respiratory issues in the long term.

A pushchair is a chair on wheels that folds, usually to a very compact size. It's usually geared toward toddlers and older infants that are approximately three years old. They're typically constructed of a stronger material compared to prams. There are also models that let you change the direction the seat faces so that your child can face you for reassurance or turn away to explore the world.

Safety

It is crucial to ensure your child is safe in a pushchair or pram. It is best travel stroller to only put your child in a pram or pushchair that is made for their size and age. This will make them feel secure and safe and help to prevent any accidents. If you're buying a pushchair or pram used, it's important to carry out visual safety checks. This will ensure it is in good working order and not damaged in any way that could be harmful to your baby.

When choosing a pushchair or pram make sure you choose one equipped with a safety harness that has easy and quick clips and connections. Verify that the buckles don't have any looseness and that the straps are secure around your baby's torso. Look for models that have a larger base as they are more stable than those with a smaller base.

Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with toys. This could cause the pushchair to topple over and your baby may fall out. Don't put anything that could harm your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, and toys.

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 avoid any mould or mildew developing.

It's a good idea to clean the removable footmuff that comes with your pushchair or pram before you use it again in winter. You can do this by taking the fabric off and washing it with cool soapy water, and then allowing it to air dry outdoors. It is also recommended to scrub off any dirt or mud from the wheels and axles.

Experts recommend that infants lie down as soon as they can in a pushchair or pram. This will help their development and reduce the risk of back problems as they get older.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to offer products that are suitable for normal or regular use. This is the case for new pushchairs and prams as well as second-hand ones.

Style

Some parents want the most practical set-up of wheels they can get however, many parents require a stroller that is as fashionable as their infant. There are plenty of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that combine high-end engineering with attractive designs that are as eye-catching as they are practical.

When you are choosing a pushchair or pram the first thing you need to consider is the seat padding. A pushchair that is easy to clean will be important for infants, who can be messy. This is especially true when you plan to use your stroller for long walks on rough terrain, or on dirt and gravel. Find a pushchair that has removable seats and recline mechanisms which can be washed in the machine. Make sure the fabric is also breathable to help keep your baby dry and comfortable.

You should also think about the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature let you switch the seat between facing parents (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or to the world, so that they can explore the world. Some prams have this option too but it's not a necessity for all models and could be an optional feature.

Combination prams, also known as 3-in-1 prams, are a popular option for families because they can accommodate an infant basket and an incline seat on the same frame. They are designed to be used right 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 put a car seat onto the frame, often with adaptors. They are an excellent choice for toddlers and infants until three years old and are more cost effective than buying separate items.

Twin prams or pushchairs are a ideal choice for twins or siblings of the same age who both require transportation in safety and comfort. They come in a variety of styles and fitted with a single or double car seat.

Stores

In addition to providing safety and comfort to your little one, a pushchair or pram needs to offer plenty of storage space for all the necessities. Look for models with an ample shopping basket that can contain all the baby's items, such as spare clothes as well as changing equipment, water bottles and snacks. Some include a parent or child's compartment, which is ideal for storing all of your personal belongings. If you're looking for a pushchair with even more storage, opt for a convertible pushchair that comes with various configurations. Having extra space is especially crucial if you plan to take your child for long walks or excursions away from home and require storage space for everything you might need.

Maneuvrability is a further aspect to take into consideration. Choose swivels wheels to navigate through narrow passageways with ease. Also look for locking brakes with a quick stopping power. If you are looking at a light-weight model, make sure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transportation. If you're looking for something that's more robust for off-roading, select a model with robust, all-terrain tires that can handle rougher surfaces.

A pram is designed to provide an easy sleeping position for infants. A pushchair is more suited for older babies and toddlers that can sit independently. Some prams can be converted to a pushchair by taking out the bassinet and replacing it with a seat, while other models, such as the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that can convert into an automobile seat or a carrycot.

Whatever kind of pram or pushchair you decide to purchase, make sure to read reviews online and seek recommendations from friends and family. If you are able, test-drive a few options before making your choice to get an idea of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. You may also want think about whether a convertible model is the right choice for you, since they can be used interchangeably between two children and reduce the cost of buying a new set of wheels each time your child gets older!