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 infants and toddlers with a lie-flat seat.

Some prams come with a bassinet or carrycot for newborns. Some can be converted to an infant pushchair car seat once the baby is older.

If you plan to travel by public transport or fold your pushchair regularly, choose a lightweight and compact buggy.

Comfort

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

It's also worth noting that many prams and buggies also come with a pram blanket that helps to keep your child warm. They can be popped into the washing machine and are available in a range of colors and designs to match your style.

A pram is suitable for babies from 6 months to 6 years of age, when they are still at a stage that they need to lay flat. Often, a carrycot, or bassinet, is attached to the frame. The majority of prams have the option of either 'parent' facing or 'world-facing.' This allows you to choose whether you prefer your baby to be facing you to connect with you, or explore the sights and sounds in their surroundings. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs. For instance, the iCandy Peach 7 – a deluxe single-to-double pushchair that can be used as early as birth with the carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).

It is important to keep in mind that babies less than six months old shouldn't be carried in a stroller that doesn't recline fully flat. This is because being in a position that is prone to slumber can affect their breathing, since it causes them breathe in more air than they normally do and can even lead to breathing problems in the long time.

A pushchair is a type of seat that folds into a compact space. It's designed for older babies and toddlers. They're typically made of a more durable material than prams. There are also models that allow you to change the direction that the seat is facing so that your child can look at you for comfort or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

It is essential to ensure that your child is safe in a pushchair or pram. You should never put your child in a pushchair or pram that has been made for their age and size. This will ensure that they feel safe and secure and also prevent accidents. When purchasing a second-hand pushchair or stroller, it is important to conduct a visual safety check. This will ensure it's in good condition, and not damaged in any way that could be harmful to your baby.

When choosing the right pram or pushchair pick one that comes with a safety harness that is quick and easy clips. Verify that the buckles are not loose and that the straps fit snugly around the waist of your child. Also, look for a broad base, as this will provide greater stability than narrow-based models.

Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with toys. This can cause the pushchair to fall over and your baby may fall out. Do not put anything that can hurt your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, and toys.

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 you dry it outside thoroughly. This will stop mould or mildew from forming.

If your pushchair or pram has a removable footmuff it's best to wash it prior to using it again in winter. You can do this by taking off the fabric and washing it in soapy water, then leaving it to air dry outside. It is also recommended to scrub off any dirt or mud from the axles and wheels.

Experts advise that infants lay flat as soon as they can in a pushchair or pram. This will aid in their development and lessen back problems later in life.

Retailers and manufacturers are required to fulfill an obligation under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to provide products that are safe for regular or reasonably foreseeable usage. This is applicable to both new and second hand prams and strollers.

Style

While some parents are seeking the most functional set of wheels they have access to most parents would prefer a pram or pushchair that's as stylish as their new baby. There are many high-quality prams and pushchairs that combine high-end engineering with stylish designs that are both appealing and practical.

The first thing to consider when selecting a pushchair or pram is the padding and the options for adjustability. Babies can be messy creatures and so having a pushchair that's easy to clean is important. This is especially important when you intend to make use of your pushchair for long walks on rough terrain or over gravel, dirt and cobbles. Choose a stroller with removable seats and recline mechanisms that can be machine washed. Make sure the fabric can be washed by machine to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

You should also think about the direction your baby will face in their pushchair. Most pushchairs "from birth" allow you to switch the seat to face towards parents (facing towards the parent to provide reassurance and bonding) or world facing so they can explore the world around them. Some prams have this option, but it may not be a requirement for all models.

Combination prams, also called 3 in 1 pram-in-1 prams, are a popular choice for families as they can fit a bassinet basket and an incline seat on the same frame. They are designed to be used from birth, and are suitable for babies up to six-months old.

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

Twin prams or pushchairs are ideal choice for twins or siblings of similar age who need to be transported in a safe and comfortable manner. They are available in a variety of styles and are able to be fitted either with a single car seat or a double one.

Storage

A pushchair or pram must not only be safe and comfortable for your child, but provide ample storage space for all of the essentials. Look for models with large shopping baskets that can hold everything your baby needs including spare clothes as well as changing gear, bottles of water and snacks. Some also include a child's or parent's area that is ideal for keeping all your personal belongings. If you're looking for a stroller that is more spacious, choose a pushchair with multiple configurations. The extra space is important if you're planning on take your child on long walks or excursions away from home and require storage space for everything you might require.

Another important aspect to consider is the ability to maneuver. Opt for swivel wheels to make it easy to navigate narrow passageways, and look out for locking brakes that are responsive enough to stop quickly. If you are looking at a light-weight model, make sure that it has the appropriate suspension system and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transport. Alternatively, if you want something that is more durable for off-roading, pick one with sturdy all-terrain wheels able to be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.

The primary difference between a pram and pushchair is that a pram offers a lie-flat sleeping position for infants, while the pushchair is better suited to older babies and toddlers who are able to 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 can be converted into an automobile seat or a carrycot.

If you're not sure the type of pram or pushchair to choose check out online reviews and ask your friends and family for recommendations. If possible, test-drive several models before making your choice to get an idea of how they feel and fold, and how heavy they are. Consider a convertible car that can be used by one or two children. This will save you money since you won't need to buy a new set of wheels every time your child grows.