What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can seem confusing. Prams are designed to transport newborns and young babies with a lying-flat seat.

Prams are also available with a carrycot or bassinet for newborns. Some can be converted into an infant pushchair once the baby is older.

If you plan to use public transport or fold your pushchair often pick a light and compact buggy.

Comfort

Your pushchair is likely to get used more than your bottles and nappies. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that your child is comfortable during every outing by choosing an option with plenty of padding and a comfortable seat that can be adjusted to the height of your child.

Many prams, buggies, and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. They can be popped into the wash and are available in a variety of designs and colours to fit your personal style.

A pram is specifically designed for newborn babies up to around six months old, while they're still at the stage in which they have to lie flat, typically with a carrycot or bassinet 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 bond with you, or explore the sights and sounds in their environment. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 - a luxurious double pram pushchair-sized pushchair that can be used 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 doesn't recline completely to a flat position. This is due to the fact that being in a crouching position could affect their breathing since it causes them breathe more air than normal and could cause respiratory problems in the longer time.

A pushchair is a chair that folds down into a compact size. It's specifically designed for older children and toddlers. They're typically constructed from a more durable material compared to prams. There are also models that allow you to change the direction that the seat faces so that your child can look at you for comfort or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

The safety of your baby in a pram or pushchair is crucial. Always put your child in a pushchair or pram that is designed for his age and size. This will help them feel secure and safe, and prevent accidents. If you're buying a baby pushchair or pram used it is essential to carry out visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good working order and isn't damaged in any way that could pose a risk for your child.

When choosing the right pram or pushchair, look for one with a safety harness that has easy and quick clips and connections. Make sure that the buckles do not have any looseness and ensure that the straps fit around the baby's torso. Also, look for a broad base, which will offer more stability than models with narrow bases.

Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with items. This could cause the pushchair to topple over, and your baby could be thrown out. Similarly, don't put anything in the basket that could fall out and hurt your baby. This includes toys, drinks and snacks.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pushchair or pram. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pram, be sure you dry it outside thoroughly. This will prevent mildew or mould from developing.

It's a great idea clean the removable footmuff that comes with your pram or pushchair before you return to it in winter. It's as simple as taking the fabric off and washing it with cool soapy water, and then allowing it to air dry outside. It's also a good idea to brush any dirt or mud off of the wheels and axles.

Experts advise that babies sit flat in a stroller or pram as soon as possible. This will aid their development and lessen back problems later on in life.

Retailers and manufacturers have obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to offer products that are safe for normal or reasonably foreseeable use. This is applicable to new pushchairs and prams as well as second-hand ones.

Style

While some parents are after the most practical set of wheels they can get their hands on most parents would prefer an infant stroller or pushchair that's as stylish as their new baby. There are a variety of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that combine high-quality engineering with attractive designs that are both appealing and practical.

The first thing to consider when choosing a pushchair pram is the padding and the options for adjustability. Babies can be messy and therefore having a pushchair that's easy to clean is essential. This is especially true in the event that you plan to take your stroller on long walks over rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Find a pushchair that has removable seat covers and recline mechanisms that can be machine washed. Make sure the fabric is also breathable, which will help keep your baby dry and comfortable.

Another thing to consider is the direction your baby is facing in their pushchair. Most 'from birth' pushchairs allow you to switch the seat to face towards parents (facing towards the parent for reassurance and bonding) or facing the world to allow your child to explore the world around them. Some prams have this option too but it's not necessary for all models and can only be an optional extra.

Combination prams, also called 3-in-1 prams, are a popular option for families since they can accommodate a bassinet basket and an infant seat 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 you to connect car seats to the frame, with adaptors. These are great for babies and toddlers from birth to three years old and can be cheaper than buying separate items.

Twin prams or pushchairs are a excellent option for twins or siblings of the same age who both need to be transported in a safe and comfortable manner. They come in a variety of styles and can be fitted with either one car seat or a double one.

Stores

A pushchair or pram must not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but also have ample storage space for all the essentials. Look for models that have a spacious shopping basket that can accommodate all your baby supplies including spare clothing and changing equipment, bottles of water and snacks. Some models come with a compartment for the child or parent that is ideal to keep your personal belongings. If you're looking for a pram with additional storage, opt for a convertible model that has various configurations. Having extra space is especially important if you're planning to take your baby on long walks or trips away from home and need storage space for everything you'll require.

Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the ability to maneuver. Choose swivels wheels to navigate narrow passageways easily. Also, look for locking brakes with a quick stopping power. If you're looking at an ultra-lightweight model, make sure it comes with the correct suspension system and foldable dimensions to facilitate storage and transportation. If you're looking for something that's more robust for off-road use, pick a model with robust, all-terrain tires that can be able to handle the rougher terrain.

The primary distinction between a pram stores near me and pushchair is that a pram double offers the option of a lying-flat sleep position for newborns, while a pushchair is more suited to older babies and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own. Some prams are able to be converted 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 an automobile seat or a carrycot.

Whatever type of pram or pushchair you choose, be sure to read online reviews and ask for suggestions from family and friends. Try out a variety of models before you make your decision. This will give you 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 two babies, and you can reduce the cost of buying a new set of wheels each time your little one gets older!