What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of push chairs and prams can seem confusing. Prams come with a flat seat that is designed to carry babies and newborns.
Prams are also available with a carrycot or bassinet for babies. Some can be converted into an infant pushchair once the baby is older.
If you plan to travel by public transport or fold your pushchair regularly, choose a lightweight and compact pushchair.
Comfort
Alongside nappies and bottles, your
pushchair stroller will be among the most frequently used baby products you own. It's therefore crucial to ensure your child is safe on every trip by selecting a model with plenty of padding as well as an ergonomic seat that can be adjusted to height.
Many prams, buggies, and pushchairs come with a blanket to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped into the washing machine and are available in a variety of different colours and designs to match your style.
A pram is designed for infants up to approximately six months old as they're at a stage where they need to lie flat, typically with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams offer the option of 'parent facing or 'world-facing.' This allows you to choose whether you want your baby to face you to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds of their surroundings. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 - a deluxe single to
double pram and pushchair pushchair that is suitable from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).
It is crucial to remember that babies under six months old should not be carried in a stroller that doesn't fully recline. When they are in a crouching posture, it can impact their breathing as they inhale more than normal. This could lead to breathing problems in the long term.
A
pushchair stroller is a type of seat that folds into a compact size. It's specifically designed for older children and toddlers. They're typically made of a more durable material than prams. You can also find models where you can change the direction that the seat faces to allow your child to look at you for comfort, or away from you to explore the world.
Safety
The safety of your child in a pushchair or pram is essential. You should never put your child in a pram or pushchair specifically designed for their size and age. This will make them feel secure and safe, and will prevent accidents. If you're purchasing a pushchair or pram used it is essential to carry out visual safety checks. This will ensure it's in good working order and not damaged in a way that could cause harm to your child.
If you're looking for a pushchair or pram, look for one with a safety harness which includes quick and simple clips and connections. Check that the buckles do not have any slack and that the straps are secure around the torso of your baby. Also, look for a broad base, which will offer more stability than narrow-based models.
Avoid overloadeding your pushchair or pram with toys. This can cause the pushchair to topple over and your baby may fall out. Similarly, don't put things in the storage basket that could fall out and harm your baby - this includes drinks, toys and food items.
Make sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean your pushchair or pram. 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.
It's a great idea to wash the removable footmuff on your pushchair or pram before you return to it in winter. This can be done by taking the fabric off and washing it in cool water with soap and letting it air dry outside. You should also brush off any dirt or mud that has accumulated on the axles and wheels.
Experts suggest that babies lay flat in a pushchair or pram as soon as possible. This will aid their development and reduce the chance of developing back problems as they get older.
Manufacturers and retailers have an obligation under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to supply products that are safe to use in the normal or reasonably anticipated use. This is the case for new prams and pushchairs as well as second-hand ones.
Style
While some parents are seeking the most functional set of wheels they can find most parents would prefer an infant stroller or pushchair that is as stylish as their brand new baby. There are a lot of prams and pushchairs that are high-quality available that blend high-end engineering with fetching designs that are as striking as they are practical.
The first thing to consider when choosing a pushchair or
pram sets is the seat padding and adjustable options. Babies can be messy creatures and therefore having a pushchair that's easy to clean is important. This is especially true if you plan to use your pushchair for long walks on rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Look 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 can be machine washed to keep your baby comfortable and dry.
Another thing to think about is the direction that your baby is facing in their pushchair. The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' allow you to switch the seat between facing parents (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or to the world, so that your child can explore the world. Some pushchairs offer this feature also but it's not necessary 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 designed to be used from birth and are suitable for children up to six-months old.
A travel system is similar to a stroller combination in that it allows you to connect car seats to the frame, with adaptors. They are ideal for infants and toddlers between birth and three years old. They can be less expensive than buying separate products.
twin Pram prams or pushchairs are a great option for twin babies or siblings of similar age who need to be transported in safety and comfort. These are available in many designs and can be fitted either with a single car seat or a double one.
Storage
In addition to providing comfort and safety for your child, a pushchair or pram needs to offer plenty of storage space for all the necessities. Find models with a spacious shopping basket that can store all your baby supplies, including spare clothes and changing equipment, bottles of water and snacks. Some models have a compartment for the child or parent that is ideal for storing your personal items. If you're looking for a pushchair with even more storage consider a convertible pushchair that offers multiple configurations. Extra space is crucial if you plan to take your child for long walks or excursions away from home and require an area to store anything you'll need.
Maneuvrability is an additional feature to take into consideration. Opt for swivel wheels to effortlessly navigate narrow spaces and also look for locking brakes that are responsive enough to stop quickly. If you're looking at a lighter model, ensure it has the correct suspension and folding dimensions to allow for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for something that's more durable for off-road travel then pick a model with tough all-terrain tires that can take on rough terrains.
The main difference between a pram versus a pushchair is that a pram provides the option of a lying-flat sleep position for infants, while pushing chairs are more designed for older children and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own.