What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of pushchairs and prams can be a bit confusing. Prams are designed to carry newborns and young babies with a lie-flat seat.

Prams are also available with a bassinet or carrycot for infants. Some even have the option of changing it into an infant pushchair.

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

Comfort

Alongside nappies and bottles, your pushchair is likely to be among the most used baby products you have. It is essential to select one that is full of padding, a comfortable seat and can be adjusted in height.

Many buggies, prams and pushchairs come with a blanket to keep your child warm. They can be easily put into the washing machine and are available in a range of different colours and designs to match your preference.

A pram is designed for newborn babies up to about six months old, while they're still at a stage in which they have to lie flat, typically with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. Most prams will offer the option of facing the parents and the world facing', meaning you can decide whether to let your baby face you to bond with them or let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams can be converted to pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 - a luxurious double-sized pushchair that is suitable from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

It is important to remember that infants less than six months old should not be transported in a pushchair that doesn't recline fully flat. Traveling in a crouching position could affect their breathing since they breathe more than normal. This could cause respiratory problems in the long term.

A pushchair is a chair on wheels that folds, typically to a compact size. It's usually geared toward toddlers and older infants that are about three years old. They're usually made of more durable materials than a pram. You can typically find models that allow you to switch the direction of the seat so that your baby can either face towards you to feel safe or away from you so they can explore the world around them.

Safety

The safety of your baby in a pram or pushchair is crucial. You should never place your child in a pushchair or pram that has been made for their age and size. This will help them feel safe and secure and help to prevent any accidents. If you are buying a secondhand stroller or pushchair, it is important to conduct a visual safety check. This will ensure that it's in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could pose danger for your child.

When choosing a pram or pushchair pick one that comes with a safety harness with simple and quick clips. Verify that the buckles are not loose and that the straps fit snugly around your child's waist. Choose a model with a larger base since they are more stable than models with a smaller base.

Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with things. This could cause the pushchair to topple over, and your baby could fall out. Do not put anything that can harm your baby in the basket, including drinks, snacks, and toys.

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

If your pram or pushchair has a removable footmuff it's a good idea to wash it before using it again in winter. This can be done by taking off the fabric and washing it in cool water with soap and letting it air dry outside. It's also a good idea to brush any dirt or mud off of the wheels and axles.

Experts suggest that infants lie down as soon as possible in a pushchair or pram. This will help their development and lessen back problems later in life.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to offer products that are suitable for normal or reliable use. This applies to 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 baby. There are a lot of high-quality pushchairs and prams available that combine quality engineering with stylish designs that are as eye-catching as they are practical.

The first thing to consider when selecting a pushchair or pram is the padding and the options for adjustability. A pushchair that is simple to clean is essential for babies, who are often messy. This is especially true when you plan to take your stroller on long walks over rough terrain, or on dirt and gravel. Find a pushchair that has removable seat covers and recline mechanisms which can be washed in the machine. Check that the fabric can be machine washed to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

You should also consider the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most 'from birth' pushchairs allow you to switch the seat to face towards parents (facing towards the parent for bonding and reassurance) or facing the world to allow your child to explore the world around them. Some prams have this option too, but it's not required for all models and may be an optional feature.

Combination prams, also referred to as 3-in-1 prams, are a popular option for families because they can fit a bassinet basket and a pushchair seat on the same frame. They are usually designed to be used from birth and are suitable for infants as young as six months old.

A travel system is a similar option to a combined pram in that it allows you to put car seats onto the frame too, usually using adaptors. They are an excellent choice for toddlers and babies from 3 years old and are more cost effective than buying separate products.

Twin prams and pushchairs are the ideal option for siblings or twins who need to travel in the comfort and safety of. They come in a variety of styles and fitted with a single or double car seat.

Storage

A pushchair or pram must not only be safe and comfortable for your child, but should also have ample storage space for all of the essentials. Find models with a large shopping basket to accommodate all of the baby's items, such as spare clothes and changing equipment, water bottles and even snacks. Some models include a separate compartment for the child or parent, which is perfect to keep your personal belongings. If you're looking for a pushchair with more storage, choose a pushchair with different configurations. The extra space is important if you're planning to take your child for long walks or on trips away from home and require storage space for everything you might need.

Another important aspect to consider is the ability to maneuver. Pick swivels wheels that can navigate through narrow passageways with ease. Also look for brakes that are locked with a quick stopping power. If you're looking at a lighter model, make sure it has the right dimensions for folding and suspension to make it easy to transport and store. Alternatively, if you want something more robust for off-road use, select one with sturdy all-terrain wheels able to be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.

A pram is designed to offer an easy sleeping position for infants. A pushchair is best suited for older babies and toddlers that can stand up on their own. 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 models that can convert into an automobile seat or a carrycot.

If you're unsure of which pram or pushchair to choose check out online reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations. If you can, test drive a few models prior to making your choice to get an impression of how they feel, how they fold, and how heavy they are. Consider a convertible car which is suitable for one or two kids. This will save you money by not having to buy an entirely new set of wheels each time your child grows.