What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams are designed to transport infants and toddlers with a lie-flat seating.

Some prams come with the option of a carrycot or bassinet for infants. Some can be converted into a pushchair when the baby is older.

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

Comfort

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

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

A pram is suitable for babies from 6 months to 6 years of age, when they are still at a stage where they require to lie flat. Often, a carrycot, or bassinet, is attached to the frame. Most prams will offer the option of either 'parent facing' and 'world facing', meaning you can decide whether to let your baby stroller face you to bond with them or allow them to explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs. For instance, the iCandy Peach 7 – a premium single-to-double pushchair which can be used from birth using the carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).

It is crucial to keep in mind that babies less than six months old shouldn't be transported in a pushchair that doesn't recline fully flat. When they are in a crouching posture, it can affect their breathing as they breathe in more air than they would normally. This can lead to respiratory issues in the long run.

A pushchair is a chair with wheels that folds usually to a very compact size, and is generally designed towards older babies and toddlers until around three years old. They're often made from an extra durable material than a pram and you can usually find models that let you change the direction of the seat so that your baby can face you to feel safe or away from you so they can explore the world around them.

Safety

It is crucial to ensure that your child is safe in a pushchair or pram. You should only ever place your child in a pushchair or pram that has been made for their size and age. This will ensure that they feel secure and safe and help to prevent any accidents. If you're buying a baby pushchair or pram that you've found second-hand it's essential to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good condition and not damaged in any way that could pose danger for your child.

When choosing the right pram or pushchair, look for one with a safety harness that has quick and easy clips and connections. Check that the buckles do not have any looseness, and ensure that the straps fit around the baby's torso. Choose a model with a larger base since they are more stable than models with a smaller base.

Be careful not to overload your pushchair or pram with toys. This could cause it to tip and your baby may be thrown out. Do not put anything that can hurt your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, and 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, be sure to dry it outside thoroughly. This will prevent mildew or mould from developing.

It's a good idea to wash the removable footmuff of your pushchair or pram before you return to it in winter. This can be done by taking off the fabric, washing it in cold water with soap and letting it air dry outside. You should also brush off any dirt or mud from the axles and wheels.

Experts recommend that infants lay flat as soon as possible in a pram or pushchair travel system. This will help their development and reduce back problems later in life.

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

Style

Some parents are looking for the most functional set-up of wheels they can find, but many parents also need a pram that is as stylish as their baby. There are numerous high-end prams and pushchairs available that combine top-quality engineering with stylish designs that are both appealing and practical.

When choosing a pram or pushchair, the first thing to consider is the seat padding. A pushchair that is simple to clean is essential for babies, who are often messy. This is especially true in the event that you plan to use your pushchair for long walks through rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Search for a pushchair that comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanisms that can be washed in the machine. Be sure that the fabric is also breathable, which will help keep your baby comfortable and dry.

Another thing to think about is the direction that your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most 'from-birth' pushchairs prams pushchairs allow you to switch the seat between facing parents (facing the parent to calm and bond) or world facing, to let your child explore the world. Some prams have this option too but it's not a necessity for all models and may be an option that is only available as an extra.

Combination prams are also known as 3-in-1 prams. They are popular with families since they can accommodate bassinet baskets on the same frame. They are often designed for use from birth and are suitable for babies up to six months.

A travel system is similar to a stroller combination in that it allows you to attach car seats to the frame, with adaptors. They are perfect for babies and toddlers between birth and three years old. They are less expensive than purchasing separate items.

Twin prams or pushchairs are a ideal choice for twins or siblings of the same age who both need to be transported in safety and comfort. These are available in many styles and are able to be fitted with either a single car seat or a double one.

Storage

A triple pushchair or pram should not only be safe and comfortable for your child, but offer ample storage for all of the essentials. Look for models with a large basket to accommodate all of your baby's necessities, such as spare clothes as well as changing equipment, bottles of water, and even snacks. Some include the child's or parent's compartment that is ideal for storing all your personal things. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with even more storage consider a convertible model that has multiple configurations. The extra space is crucial especially if you want to take your child for long walks or to be away from home.

Another key feature to consider is maneuverability. Pick swivels wheels that can navigate through narrow passageways with ease. Also look for brakes that are locked that have a receptive stopping power. If you're considering a lightweight model, ensure it has the right suspension system and foldable stroller dimensions for simple storage and transport. If you're looking for something that's more robust for off-road use, pick a model with sturdy, all-terrain tires that can be able to handle the rougher terrain.

A pram is designed to provide an ideal sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is best suited for older babies and toddlers that can stand 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.

If you're not sure which type of pushchair or pram to select, read online reviews and ask friends and family members for recommendations. Try out a variety of models before making a final decision. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, their fold and how they feel. You may also want consider whether a convertible model is the best option for you, because these can be used interchangeably between one or two children and reduce the cost of buying an entirely new set wheels each time your child grows older!