Mirta Madden

What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

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

Some prams include a bassinet or carrycot for infants. Some models even have the option of changing it into an infant pushchair.

If you're planning to take public transportation or fold your pushchair often opt for a lightweight and compact pushchair.

Comfort

Your pushchair will probably be used more than your nappies and bottles. It's therefore crucial to ensure that your child is comfortable during every trip by choosing one that has plenty of padding and a comfortable seat that can be adjusted for height.

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

A pram is suitable for babies up to six months of age, when they are still at a stage that they need to lay flat. Often, a bassinet, or carrycot, will be attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice of 'parent ' or world facing.' This allows the user to decide whether they want your baby to face you to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds of their surroundings. Some prams can be converted to 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 vital to remember that babies under six months old should not be transported in a pushchair that doesn't fully recline. When they are in a crouching posture, it could affect their breathing since they inhale more than normal. This could lead to respiratory problems in the long run.

A pushchair is a chair on wheels that folds typically, to a small size and it's generally geared towards toddlers and older babies up to the age of approximately three years old. They are typically constructed of a stronger material than prams. There are also models that let you change the direction the seat is facing so that your child can be reassured by you or turn away to explore the world.

Safety

The safety of your child in a pushchair or pram is crucial. You should only ever put your child in a pushchair or babiie pram that has been designed to fit their age and size. This will make them feel safe and secure, and also prevent accidents. If you're purchasing a pushchair or pram second-hand it is essential to carry out visual safety checks. This will ensure that the item is in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could pose a risk for your child.

When you are choosing a pushchair or pram pick one that comes with a safety harness with simple and quick clips. Verify that the buckles do not have any looseness and that the straps are snug around the torso of your baby. Also, look for a broad base, as this will offer more stability than narrow-based models.

Be careful not to overload your pram or pushchair newborn with items. This can cause the pushchair to fall over and your baby may fall out. Also, don't put anything in the basket that could fall out and harm your baby - this includes toys, drinks and snacks.

Follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean your pushchair or pram. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pram, make sure that you dry it thoroughly. This will stop the growth of mould or mildew.

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 accomplished by taking off the fabric, washing it in cool water using soap and letting it dry outside. You should also scrub any dirt or mud that has accumulated on the wheels and axles.

Experts advise that infants lay flat as soon as they can in a pram or pushchair. This will help their development and help reduce back problems later in life.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to supply products that are suitable for normal or reliable use. This applies to new and second-hand prams as well as strollers.

Style

Some parents want the most efficient set-up of wheels they can get, but many parents also require a stroller that is as fashionable as their child. There are many high-quality prams and pushchairs available that combine top-quality engineering with stylish designs that are both appealing and practical.

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

Another thing to consider is the direction your baby is facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to change the seat to face either parent (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or even world facing so that your child can explore the world. Some models have this option too, but it's not necessary for all models and may only be an optional extra.

Combination prams pushchairs, also referred to as 3-in-1 prams, are a popular option for families because they can fit both an infant basket and a pushchair seat 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 a similar option to a combination pram in that it allows you to fit car seats on the frame, typically with adaptors. They are perfect for babies and toddlers up to three years old. They can be less expensive than buying separate items.

Twin prams or pushchairs are ideal choice for twins or siblings of similar age who require transportation in comfort and safety. These are available in many designs and can be fitted with either one car seat or a double one.

Stores

Alongside providing comfort and safety for your baby, a pram or pushchair must provide ample storage space for the most essential items. Look for models with an ample shopping basket that can hold all the baby items including spare clothing as well as changing gear as well as bottles of water and snacks. Some models include a separate compartment for the child or parent which is ideal for storing your personal items. If you're looking for a pushchair with even more storage consider a convertible model that has different configurations. It's important to have extra space, especially if you plan to take your child for long walks or away from home.

Maneuvrability is another important feature to think about. Opt for swivel wheel options 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 that it has the appropriate suspension system and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transportation. Alternatively, if you want something more robust for off-road travel, choose one with sturdy all-terrain wheels that are able to cope with rougher surfaces than pavements.

The primary distinction between a pram and pushchair is that a pram provides 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 transformed into a pushchair simply by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat and other models like the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that can convert into the car seat or carrycot.

If you're unsure of which pushchair or pram and car seat to select, read reviews on the internet and ask friends and family members for recommendations. Test-drive several options before making a final decision. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, how they 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 babies, and you can save money on purchasing a new set of wheels every time your baby grows up!