What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams come with a flat seat that is designed to carry newborns and infants.

Prams can also come with a bassinet or a carrycot for infants. Some can be converted to a pushchair when the baby is older.

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

Comfort

Your pushchair is likely to get used more than your nappies and bottles. It's therefore crucial to ensure your child is comfortable during every outing by choosing a model with plenty of padding and an upholstered seat that can be adjusted for height.

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

A pram is for newborns up to six months of age, and they are still at a stage that they need to lay flat. Often, a carrycot, or bassinet, will be attached to the frame. The majority of prams have the option of 'parent facing or 'world facing. This allows you to decide if you want your baby to face you to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds in their surroundings. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 – a deluxe single-to-double pushchair that can be used from birth using the carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg using elevators).

The most important thing to keep in mind is that very young babies shouldn't be using any pushchair that is not able to recline to a fully flat position. This is because being in a position that is prone to slumber can affect their breathing, since it causes them breathe more air than normal and could lead to respiratory problems in the longer term.

A pushchair is a seat that folds down into a small space. It's designed for older babies and toddlers. They're typically constructed of a stronger material compared to prams. There are also models where you can change the direction the seat faces to allow your child to look at you for comfort, or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

The safety of your child in a pushchair or pram is vital. You should never put your child in a pram or pushchair that is designed to fit their age and size. This will ensure that they feel secure and safe and help to prevent any accidents. If you're purchasing a pushchair or folding pram that you've found second-hand it is essential to conduct visual safety inspections. This will ensure that it's in good condition and not damaged in any way that could be dangerous to your baby.

When selecting a pram or pushchair pick one that comes with a safety harness that is quick and easy clips. Check that the buckles don't have any looseness and ensure that the straps fit around your baby's torso. Also, look for a wide base, as this will give more stability than models with narrow bases.

Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with items. This can cause it to tip and your baby could fall out. Do not put anything that can harm your baby inside the basket, including drinks, snacks, or toys.

Be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean your pram or pushchair. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pram, make sure to dry it outside thoroughly. This will prevent mould or mildew from forming.

It's a good idea to clean the removable footmuff that comes with your pram or pushchair before you use it again in winter. It's as simple as taking off the fabric and washing it with cool soapy water, then leaving it to air dry outdoors. It's also an excellent idea to scrub any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.

Experts suggest that babies lay flat in a pushchair or pram as soon as possible. This will help them develop and decrease the risk of back problems as they grow older.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, both retailers and manufacturers are required to supply products that will be safe for normal or reliable use. This applies to both 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 toddler stroller that is as stylish as their child. There are plenty of high-quality pushchairs and prams on the market that blend high-end engineering with stylish designs that are as attractive as they are practical.

The first thing to consider when choosing a pushchair pram is the padding and adjustability options. A pushchair that is easy to clean is essential for babies, who can be messy. This is particularly true when you intend to take long walks on rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Find a pushchair that has removable seats and recline mechanisms which can be washed in the machine. Check that the fabric is also breathable, which will help keep your baby dry and comfortable.

It is also important to consider the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' let you switch the seat to face either parent (facing the parent to calm and bond) or to the world, so that your child can explore the world. Some prams have this option, however it's not an option for all models.

Combination prams are referred to as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families since they can fit an infant bassinet on the same frame. They are made to be used from birth and are suitable for babies up to six-months old.

A travel system is an alternative to a combination pram in that it allows the fitting of a car seat onto 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 great option for twin babies or siblings of similar age who need to be transported in a safe and comfortable manner. They come in a variety of styles and are able to be fitted with a single car seat or a double one.

Storage

A pushchair or pram double must not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but also provide ample storage space for all of the essentials. Look for models with a large basket to hold all of your baby's necessities including spare clothes and changing equipment, bottles of water, and snacks. Some models include a separate compartment for the parent or child, which is perfect to store your personal items. If you're looking for a pram with more storage space consider a convertible pushchair that comes with various configurations. It's important to have extra space particularly if you intend to take your child on long walks or to be away from home.

Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is maneuverability. Choose swivels wheels to navigate narrow passageways easily. Also look for locking brakes with a quick stopping power. If you are looking at a lightweight model, ensure it comes with the correct suspension system and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transportation. If you're looking to buy something more robust for off-road use, choose a model that has robust all-terrain tires that can handle rougher surfaces.

A pram is a vehicle that provides an ideal sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is better suitable for older infants and toddlers who can sit independently. Some prams can be transformed into a pushchair simply by removing 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.

If you are unsure about which pushchair or pram to select check out online reviews and ask your friends and family members for recommendations. Test-drive several options before settling on one. This will give you an idea of their weight, their fold and how they feel. You might also want to consider whether a convertible model is the best choice for you, since these can be used interchangeably between one or two babies and save money on buying an entirely new set wheels each time your little one grows up!