What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

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

Some prams come with the option of a carrycot or bassinet for infants. Some even have the option of converting to an infant pushchair.

If you intend to take public transport or need to fold up your pushchair regularly, opt for a lightweight and compact pushchair newborn.

Comfort

Your pushchair is likely to get utilized more often than your nappies and bottles. Therefore, it's crucial to make sure your child is safe on every trip by selecting an option with plenty of padding and a comfortable seat that can be adjusted for height.

Many prams, buggies, and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. They are easy to clean and come in a range of colours and designs.

A pram is designed for babies who are about six months old, as they're in the stage of development in which they have to lie flat, typically with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice of 'parent facing or 'world facing.' This allows you to choose whether you prefer your baby to be facing you to connect 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 premium single-to-double pushchair which can be used from birth using a carrycot up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).

The most important thing to remember is that very young babies shouldn't be using any pushchair that doesn't recline to a completely flat position. Traveling in a crouching position can affect their breathing as they breathe in more air than normal. This could lead to breathing problems in the future.

A pushchair is a vehicle with wheels that folds usually to a very compact size and it's generally geared toward toddlers and older infants up to the age of about three years old. They're typically constructed from a more durable material compared to prams. There are models that let you alter the direction in which the seat is facing to allow your child to look at you for comfort or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

It is crucial to ensure that your child is safe in a pushchair or pram. It is best to only put your child in a pram or pushchair that is designed to fit their age and size. This will help them feel secure and safe, and prevent accidents. If you are buying a secondhand pushchair or toddler stroller it is crucial to conduct a visual safety check. This will ensure that it's in good working order and is not damaged in a way that could be harmful to your child.

When you are choosing a pram or pushchair make sure you choose one equipped with a safety harness that has easy and quick clips and connections. Make sure the buckles are not loose and that the straps fit comfortably around the waist of your child. Also look for a wide base, which will provide greater stability than models that have narrow bases.

Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with toys. This could cause it to tip and your baby could be thrown out. Also, don't put anything in the storage basket that could fall out and hurt your baby. This includes drinks, toys and snacks.

Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pushchair or pram. When cleaning the fabric or washing the hood, be sure to dry it thoroughly outdoors to prevent any mildew or mould from developing.

If your pram or pushchair features a footmuff that is removable, it's best to wash it before you use it again in winter. This can be accomplished by taking off the fabric and washing it in cool water using soap, and then letting it air dry outside. It's also recommended to scrub any dirt or mud off of the wheels and axles.

Experts recommend that babies lie flat in a pushchair or pram as soon as they can. This will aid their development and lower the risk of back problems as they age.

Retailers and manufacturers have a duty under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to supply products that are safe for the normal or reasonably anticipated use. This applies to new and second-hand prams as well as strollers.

Style

While some parents are seeking the most functional set of wheels they can get their hands on most parents would prefer a pram or pushchair that is as stylish as their brand new child's toy. There are many high-quality prams and pushchairs that combine high-quality engineering with attractive designs that are both appealing and practical.

The first thing you should consider when choosing a pushchair or pram is the padding and adjustable options. A pushchair that is simple to clean is essential for infants, who are often messy. This is especially true if you plan to take long walks on rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Find a pushchair which includes removable seat covers as well as a recline mechanism that can be machine-washed. Check that the fabric is also breathable, which will help keep your baby comfortable and dry.

Another thing to consider is the direction that your baby is facing in their pushchair pram. Most pushchairs "from birth" allow you to switch the seat from parent facing (facing towards the parent for reassurance and bonding) or facing the world to allow your child to discover the world around them. Some prams have this option, however it's not an option for all models.

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

A travel pushchair system is an option to a combination pram, as it permits the fitting of a car seat onto the frame, typically by using adaptors. These are great for babies and toddlers from birth to three years old and are less expensive than purchasing separate products.

Twin prams and pushchairs are a great choice for twins or siblings who require the comfort and safety of. They come in a variety of styles and are equipped with a single or double car seat.

Stores

A pram or pushchair should not only be safe and comfortable for your child, but also provide ample storage space for all the essentials. Look for models that have a large shopping basket to hold all of the baby's items including spare clothes and changing equipment, water bottles 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 additional storage choose a convertible pushchair that comes with different configurations. Having extra space is especially important if you're planning on take your child on long walks or trips away from home and need an area to store anything you'll require.

Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is maneuverability. Select swivel wheels to navigate narrow passageways easily. Also, look for locking brakes with a quick stopping power. If you're considering a lightweight stroller model, ensure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions to facilitate storage and transport. If you're looking for something more robust for off-road use, select a model with robust all-terrain tires that are able to handle rougher surfaces.

The main distinction between a pram and pushchair is that a pram offers an easy, flat sleeping position for newborns, while the pushchair is better suitable for older infants and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs, by removing the bassinet, and replacing it with a seat for an adult. Other models, like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle can convert into a carrycot, or car seat.

If you are unsure about the type of pram or pushchair to choose look up online reviews and ask friends and family members for recommendations. If possible, test-drive several models before making your choice to get an idea of how they feel and fold, and how heavy they are. Consider a convertible car, which is suitable for one or two children. This will save you money by not having to purchase a new set of wheels each time your child grows.