What to Look For in push chairs and prams (click through the next website)

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

Some prams come with an infant bassinet or carrycot that is suitable for infants. Some can be converted into a pushchair when the baby is older.

If you're planning to travel by public transport or fold your pushchair frequently opt for a lightweight and compact pushchair.

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 on every outing by choosing an option with plenty of padding and an ergonomic seat that can be adjusted to the height of your child.

It's worth noting that a lot of prams and buggies also come with a pram blanket that helps to keep your child warm. They can be popped into the washing machine and are available in a range of different colours and designs to suit your style.

A pram is suitable for babies up to six months of age, and they are still at the stage that they need to lay flat. A carrycot, or bassinet, will be attached to the frame. Most prams offer the option of 'parent ' or 'world-facing. This allows the user to decide whether they prefer your baby to be facing you to bond with you, or explore the sights and sounds in their environment. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 – a deluxe single-to-double pushchair that can be used as early as birth with a carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg using 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. This is due to the fact that being in a crouched up position can affect their breathing, as it causes them to breathe in more air than they normally do and could lead to breathing problems in the long term.

A pushchair is a seat on wheels that folds, typically to a compact size and it's generally geared towards older babies and toddlers that are approximately three years old. These are often made of a more durable material compared to prams. You can also find models that allow you to change the direction the seat faces to allow your child to be reassured by you, or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

The safety of your child in a pushchair or pram is essential. Only ever put your baby in a pushchair or pram that is made to his size and age. This will make them feel secure and safe, and will prevent accidents. When buying a second-hand 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 be harmful to your baby.

If you're looking for the right pram or pushchair, look for one equipped with a safety harness that includes quick and simple clips and connections. Make sure the buckles aren't loose and that the straps are snugly around your child's waist. Also look for a wide base, which will give more stability than models with narrow bases.

Avoid overloadeding your pushchair or pram with items. This could cause the pushchair to tip over and your baby may be thrown out. Similarly, don't put anything in the basket that could fall out and hurt your baby - this includes toys, drinks and food items.

Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your stroller or pram. When washing the fabric or cleaning the hood, make sure you dry it thoroughly outside to avoid any mildew or mould from developing.

If your pushchair or pram has a removable footmuff, it's a good idea to wash it before you use it again in winter. You can do this by taking the fabric off and washing it in soapy water and allowing it to air dry outside. It's also an excellent idea to scrub any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.

Experts advise that babies lie flat in a pushchair or pram as early as they can. This will help their development and decrease the chance of back issues as they get older.

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

Style

Parents may want the most practical set-up of wheels they can find however, many parents require a stroller that is as stylish as their infant. There are a lot of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that combine high-end engineering with fetching designs that are as striking as they are practical.

The first thing you should consider when choosing a pushchair or pram is the padding and adjustable options. A pushchair that is easy to clean is crucial for infants, who are often messy. This is especially true if you intend to take your stroller on long walks over rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Look for a pushchair that has removable seat covers and recline mechanisms that can be machine-washed. Check that the fabric can be washed by machine to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

Another thing to consider is the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most 'from-birth' pushchairs let you switch the seat from parent facing (facing the parent to calm and bond) or to the world, to let your child explore the world. Some pushchairs also offer this option, but it may not be a requirement for all models.

Combination prams are referred to as 3-in-1 top prams. They are popular with families due to the fact that they can accommodate a bassinet basket on the same frame. They are made to be used from birth, and are suitable for children as young as six months old.

A travel system is an option to a combined pram, as it permits you to put car seats onto the frame, typically by using adaptors. These are great options for babies and toddlers until three years old and are cheaper than purchasing separate items.

twin pram prams and pushchairs can be a great choice for siblings or twins who need to travel in safety and comfort. They come in a variety of styles and fitted with a single or double car seat.

Storage

As well as offering security and comfort for your baby the pram or pushchair should provide ample storage for all the essentials. Find models with a spacious shopping basket that can store everything your baby needs including spare clothes as well as changing gear as well as bottles of water and snacks. Some include a parent or child's compartment which is ideal for storing all your personal belongings. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with even more storage, opt for a convertible model that has different configurations. Having extra space is especially crucial if you plan to take your child for long walks or excursions away from home and require a place to store everything you'll need.

Maneuvrability is an additional feature to take into consideration. Opt for swivel wheels to make it easy to navigate narrow passageways, and look out for brakes with locking that are able to stop quickly. 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 more sturdy for off-roading, pick a model with robust all-terrain wheels able to handle rougher terrains better than pavements.

The main difference between a pram versus a pushchair is that a pushchair cheap offers the option of a lying-flat sleep position for newborns, while pushing chairs are more suited to older babies and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own. Some prams are able to be converted to a pushchair by taking out the bassinet and replacing it with a seat, and other models like the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one models that can convert into the car seat or carrycot.

If you're not sure which pushchair or pram to select, read online reviews and ask friends and family members for recommendations. Try out several models before making a final decision. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, how they fold and how they feel. You might also want to think about whether a convertible model is the best option for you, because they can be used interchangeably between two children and reduce the cost of buying an entirely new set of wheels every time your baby grows up!