What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

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

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

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

Comfort

Your pushchair is likely to be more frequently used than your bottles and nappies. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure your child is safe on every trip by choosing one with plenty of padding as well as a comfortable seat that can be adjusted for the height of your child.

Many buggies, prams and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. These blankets are simple to wash and come in a range of colours and designs.

A pram with car seat is made for newborn babies up to about six months old, when they're still at a stage where they need to lay flat, usually with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. The majority of prams have the option of 'parent ' or world facing. This enables you to choose whether you prefer your child to face you to bond with you, or explore the sights and sounds of their environment. Some prams convert into pushchairs. For instance, the iCandy Peach 7 – a premium single-to-double pushchair which can be used as early as birth with the carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg using elevators).

The most important thing to keep in mind is that infants and toddlers should not travel in any pushchair that is not able to recline to a fully flat position. This is because being in a crouched up position can impact their breathing because it causes them to inhale more air than normal and can even lead to respiratory issues in the long term.

A pushchair is a seat on wheels that folds, usually to a very compact size. It's usually geared towards toddlers and older babies that are about three years old. They're typically made of a more durable material than prams. You can also find models that allow you to change the direction the seat is facing to allow your child to face you for reassurance or turn away to explore the world.

Safety

The safety of your baby in a pram or pushchair is vital. It is best to only put your child in a pushchair or pram that has been designed for their size and age. This will make them feel safe and secure and prevent accidents. If you're buying a baby pushchair or pram second-hand, it's important to carry out visual safety inspections. This will ensure that it's in good condition and not damaged in any way that could be dangerous for your child.

When choosing a pram or pushchair twin, choose one that has a safety harness that is simple and quick clips. Verify that the buckles aren't loose and that the straps fit comfortably around your child's waist. Look for models that have a larger base as they are more stable than those with a smaller base.

Avoid overloadeding your pram or pushchair with items. This could cause it to tip over and your baby may fall out. Do not put anything that can harm your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, and toys.

Follow the directions given by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or my babiie stroller. If you're cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, make sure you dry it thoroughly outdoors to prevent mould or mildew developing.

If your pushchair or pram has a removable footmuff it's a good idea wash it before using it again in winter. This can be done by removing the fabric and washing it in cool water using soap, and then letting it air dry outside. It is also recommended to scrub off any dirt or mud that has accumulated on the axles and wheels.

Experts suggest that infants lie flat as soon as they can in a pushchair or pram. This will aid their development and lower the chance of back issues as they age.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to offer products that will be safe for normal or reasonably predictable use. This applies to new and second-hand prams and strollers.

Style

While some parents are looking for the most functional set of wheels that they have access to Many parents want a pram or pushchair that's just as stylish as their brand new child's toy. There are numerous high-end prams and pushchairs available that combine high-end engineering with stylish designs that are both appealing and practical.

The first thing to think about when choosing a pushchair or pram is the seat padding and adjustable options. Babies can be messy creatures and so having a pushchair that is easy to clean is essential. This is particularly true if you plan to make use of your pushchair for long walks through rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Search for a pushchair that includes removable seat covers as well as a recline mechanisms that can be washed in the machine. Check that the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby comfortable and dry.

It is also important to consider the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most cheap pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature let you switch the seat to face either parent (facing the parent to calm and bond) or world facing, so that they can explore the world. Some pushchairs also offer this option, but it's not an option for all models.

Combination prams, also referred to as 3-in-1 prams, are a very popular option for families since they can fit both a bassinet basket and an infant seat on the same frame. They are typically designed for use from birth and are suitable for babies from 6 months to.

A travel system is an option to a combination pram as it allows you to put car seats onto the frame, often with adaptors. These are a great option for babies and toddlers up to three years and are more cost effective than buying separate items.

Twin prams or pushchairs can be a excellent option for twins or siblings of the same age who both require transport in a safe and comfortable manner. They are available in a variety of styles and are fitted with a double or single car seat.

Stores

In addition to providing safety and comfort to your little one, a pushchair or pram should provide ample storage for all the essentials. Look for models with a spacious shopping basket that can hold all your baby supplies including spare clothes as well as changing gear, bottles of water and snacks. Some models have a compartment for the parent or child, which is perfect for storing your personal items. If you're looking for a stroller that has more storage opt for a model that comes with various configurations. The extra space is crucial particularly if you intend to take your child for long walks or away from home.

Maneuvrability is a further aspect to consider. Pick swivels wheels that can get around narrow spaces easily. Also, look for locking brakes that have a receptive stopping power. If you are looking at a lightweight model, ensure that it has the appropriate suspension system and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transportation. If you're looking for something more robust for off-road use, select a model with tough all-terrain tires that can be able to handle the rougher terrain.

The main difference between a pram versus a pushchair is that a pram offers a lie-flat sleeping position for infants, whereas pushing chairs are more suitable for older infants and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams can be transformed to a pushchair by taking out the bassinet and replacing it with a seat, while other models, such as the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that be converted into a car seat or carrycot.

Whatever type of pram or pushchair you decide to purchase, make sure to read reviews online and ask for suggestions from family and friends. If you are able, test-drive a few models prior to making your decision to get an impression of how they feel and how they fold and how heavy they are. Consider a convertible vehicle, which is suitable for one or two kids. This will save you money since you won't need to purchase an entirely new set of wheels every time your child grows.