What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of pushchairs and prams can be a bit confusing. Prams have a flat seat that is designed to carry newborns and infants.

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

If you intend to take public transport or fold your pushchair often pick a light and compact travel pram stroller.

Comfort

Alongside bottles and nappies, your pushchair is likely be one of the most frequently used baby items you own. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that your child is comfortable on every outing by choosing a model with plenty of padding and an upholstered seat that can be adjusted for the height of your child.

It's also worth noting that many prams or buggies are equipped with a fitted pram blanket, which can help to keep your child warm. They can be easily put into the wash and are available in a variety of colors and designs to match your preferences.

A pram is for newborns up to six months of age, when they are still at a stage where they require to lie flat. Most often, a bassinet, or carrycot, will be attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice 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 to explore the sights and sounds of their environment. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 – a deluxe single-to-double pushchair that can be used from birth with a carrycot up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).

It is important to remember that babies under six months old should not be carried in a pushchair that doesn't fully recline. This is due to the fact that being in a position that is prone to slumber can affect their breathing, as it causes them to breathe in more air than they normally do and can even lead to breathing problems in the long term.

A pushchair is a seat with wheels that folds typically to a compact size and it's generally geared towards toddlers and older babies until around three years old. These are often constructed of a stronger material compared to prams. You can also find models that let you 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

The safety of your baby in a pram or pushchair is essential. Always put your child in a pushchair or pram that is made to his size and age. This will help them feel safe and secure, and also prevent accidents. When purchasing a second-hand stroller or pushchair it is essential to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure it is in good working order and is not damaged in a way that could cause harm to your baby.

When selecting a pram or pushchair pick one that comes with an safety harness with simple and fast clips. Make sure that the buckles do not have any slack and ensure that the straps fit around the baby's torso. Find models that have a larger base as they will be more stable than those with a narrow base.

Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with things. This can cause the pushchair to fall over, and your baby could be thrown out. Do not put anything that can harm your baby in the basket, including drinks, snacks, and toys.

Make sure you 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, make sure you dry it outside thoroughly. This will stop the growth of mould or mildew.

It's a great idea wash the removable footmuff of your pram or pushchair before you return to it in winter. It's as simple as taking the fabric off and washing it in soapy water and allowing it to air dry outdoors. It's also an excellent idea to scrub any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.

Experts suggest that infants lie down as soon as they can in a pram or pushchair. This will aid their development and reduce the risk of back problems as they age.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to offer products that will be safe for normal or regular use. This is applicable to both 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 want a pram that is as stylish as their baby. There are numerous high-end prams and pushchairs that combine top-quality engineering with attractive designs that are both attractive and practical.

The first thing you should consider when selecting a pushchair or pram shops near me is the padding and the options for adjustability. A pushchair that is easy to clean is essential for children, as they can be messy. This is especially true in the event that you plan to take your stroller on long walks on rough terrain, or on dirt and gravel. Find a pushchair which has removable seat covers and recline mechanism which can be machine washed. Check that the fabric can be machine washed to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

Another thing to consider is the direction your baby will be 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 world facing, so that they can explore the world. Some pushchairs offer this feature too however it's not necessary for all models and could 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 fit a bassinet basket on the same frame. They are typically designed to be used starting at birth and are suitable for babies up to six months.

A travel system is similar to a combination stroller travel in that it allows you to attach car seats to the frame, with adaptors. These are a great option for toddlers and babies up to three years and are cheaper than purchasing separate items.

Twin prams and pushchairs are a great choice for siblings or twins who require comfort and security. These are available in many styles and are able to be fitted with one car seat or a double one.

Storage

In addition to providing comfort and safety for your child, a pram or pushchair must provide ample storage for all the essentials. Look for models that have large shopping baskets that can store everything your baby needs, including spare clothes as well as changing gear bottles of water, and snacks. Some models also have a parent or child's compartment that is ideal for storing all your personal belongings. If you're looking for a pram with additional storage consider a convertible model that has various configurations. It's important to have extra space especially if you want to take your child for long walks or leave home.

Maneuvrability is another important feature to consider. Opt for swivel wheels so you can effortlessly navigate narrow spaces and be sure to look for locking brakes that are able to stop quickly. If you're looking at a light-weight model, make sure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions for simple storage and transport. Alternatively, if you want something that is more durable for off-road use, select a model with robust all-terrain wheels that are able to be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.

The main difference between a pram versus a pushchair is that a pram offers an easy, flat sleeping position for infants, while the pushchair is better designed for older children and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams can be converted into a pushchair by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat, and other models like the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that transform into the car seat or carrycot.

Whatever type of pushchair or pram you choose, be sure to read reviews online and seek suggestions from family and friends. 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 might also want to consider whether a convertible model is the best travel pram option for you, because these can be used interchangeably between one or two babies, and you can reduce the cost of buying an entirely new set of wheels each time your little one gets older!