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 seat.

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

If you plan to take public transportation or fold your pushchair regularly, choose a lightweight and compact buggy.

Comfort

Your pushchair is likely to get used more than your nappies and bottles. It is important to choose a model that has plenty of padding as well as a comfortable seat that can be adjusted in height.

It's also worth noting that many prams or buggies are equipped with a pram blanket, which can help to keep your child warm. These blankets are easy to clean and come in a variety of colours and designs.

A pram for newborn is designed for infants up to approximately six months old while they're still at the stage in which they have to lay flat, usually with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams have the option of facing your child's parents or 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 into a pushchair, such as the iCandy Peach 7 - a premium single-to-double pushchair that is suitable from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

The most important thing to keep in mind is that very young babies should not travel in any pushchair that does not recline completely to a flat position. This is because travelling in a crouching position could affect their breathing as it causes them to breathe in more air than they normally do and could cause respiratory issues in the long term.

A pushchair is a type of seat that folds down into a compact size. It's specifically designed for older children and toddlers. They're often made from more durable materials than a pram. You will typically find models that allow you to switch the direction of the seat so that your child can either face towards you to provide reassurance, or away from you so that they can explore the world around them.

Safety

It is essential to ensure that your child is secure in a pushchair or pram. You should never put your child in a pram or pushchair that has been designed to fit their age and size. This will help them feel secure and safe, and will prevent accidents. If you're buying a baby pushchair or pram second-hand it is essential to carry out visual safety checks. This will ensure it is in good condition, and is not damaged in a way that could cause harm to your child.

When you are choosing a pram or pushchair make sure you choose one with a safety harness which has easy and quick clips and connections. Make sure that the buckles don't have any looseness and ensure that the straps fit around the torso of your baby. Also, look for a wide base, as this will give more stability than models that have narrow bases.

Be careful not to overload your pushchair or pram with toys. This can cause the pushchair to tip over, and your baby could fall out. Similarly, don't put things in the storage basket that could fall out and harm your baby. This includes drinks, toys and snacks.

Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions 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 stop mould or mildew from forming.

If your pushchair or pram has a removable footmuff it's best travel pram to wash it before you use it again in winter. You can do this by removing the fabric and washing it in soapy water and allowing it to air dry outside. You should also scrub any dirt or mud off the axles and wheels.

Experts advise that babies lie flat in a pushchair or pram as early as possible. This will help their development and lessen back problems later in life.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, both retailers and manufacturers are required to provide products that are safe for normal or regular use. This applies to new pushchairs and prams as well as second-hand ones.

Style

While some parents are after the most efficient set of wheels that they have access to most parents would prefer a pushchair or triple pram that is as stylish as their new baby. There are numerous high-end prams and pushchairs available that combine top-quality engineering with stylish designs that are both eye-catching and practical.

When selecting the right pushchair or pram, the first thing to be thinking about is the padding for the seat. A pushchair that is easy to clean is crucial for infants, who can be messy. This is especially true in the event that you plan to take long walks in rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Search for a pushchair newborn that has removable seat covers and recline mechanism that can be washed in the machine. Check that the fabric is machine washable to keep your baby comfortable and dry.

Another thing to think about is the direction that your baby will face in their pushchair. The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' let you switch the seat to face either parent (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or to the world, to let your child explore the world. Some models have this option as well, but it's not a necessity for all models and may be an optional feature.

Combination prams are also 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 designed to be used from birth and are suitable for infants up to six-months old.

A travel system is similar to a stroller combination in that it allows the attachment of a car seat to the frame, with adaptors. They are ideal for infants and toddlers from birth to three years old and can be less expensive than buying separate products.

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

Stores

A pushchair or pram must not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but offer ample storage for all the essentials. Find models with an ample shopping basket that can contain all the baby's items like spare clothes as well as changing equipment, water bottles and snacks. Some include the child's or parent's compartment which is ideal for keeping all your personal belongings. If you're looking to purchase a stroller with more storage space consider a convertible pushchair that offers different configurations. The extra space is crucial if you plan to take your child for long walks or excursions away from home and need an area to store anything you might need.

Another important aspect to consider is the ability to maneuver. Choose swivels wheels to navigate through narrow passageways with ease. Also look for locking brakes that have a receptive stopping power. If you're considering a lightweight model, make sure it has the right dimensions for suspension and folding for easy transport and storage. If you're looking for something that's more durable for off-road travel then choose a model that has tough all-terrain tires that are able to take on rough terrains.

The main difference between a pram and pushchair is that a pushchair offers the option of a lying-flat sleep position for newborns, while the pushchair is better suited to older babies and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams can be transformed into a pushchair 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.

Whatever type of pushchair or pram you pick, make sure to read reviews on the internet and seek suggestions from family and friends. Test-drive several options before making a final decision. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, their folding capabilities and how they feel. Consider a convertible car which is suitable for two or more children. This will save you money by not having to purchase a new set of wheels every time your child grows.