What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams
The world of
push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams have a flat, padded seat that is designed to carry newborns and infants.
Prams can also come with a carrycot or bassinet for infants. Some even offer the option of changing it into an infant pushchair.
If you are planning to take public transportation or fold your pushchair regularly, choose a lightweight and compact pushchair.
Comfort
Your pushchair is likely to get utilized more often than your bottles and nappies. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that your child is safe on every outing by choosing one with plenty of padding and an ergonomic seat that can be adjusted to the height of your child.
Many buggies, prams and pushchairs have a blanket to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped into the washing machine and are available in a range of different colours and designs to suit your preference.
A pram is designed for babies who are about six months old, as they're in the stage of development where they need to lie flat, often with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams have the option of facing the parents and the world facing', so you can choose whether to have your baby face you to bond with them or allow them to explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams can be converted to pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 - a luxurious
double pram and 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 babies who are very young shouldn't be using any pushchair that does not recline to a completely flat position. Traveling in a crouching position can impact their breathing as they breathe in more air than they would normally. This could cause respiratory issues in the future.
A pushchair is a seat on wheels that folds typically, to a small size, and is generally designed towards toddlers and older babies that are approximately three years old. They are typically constructed of a stronger material than prams. There are also models where you can alter the direction in which the seat is facing so that your child can face you for reassurance or turn away to explore the world.
Safety
It is crucial to ensure that your baby is secure in a pushchair or pram. You should only ever place your child in a pushchair or pram specifically designed for their size and age. This will make them feel safe and secure and will prevent accidents. When purchasing a second-hand stroller or pushchair it is crucial to conduct a visual safety check. This will ensure it's in good working order and not damaged in a way that could cause harm to your child.
When you are choosing a pushchair or
pram choose one equipped with a safety harness that has quick and easy clips and connections. Make sure that the buckles do not have any looseness, and that the straps are snug around the baby's torso. Choose a model with a wider base as they are more stable than those with a smaller base.
Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with items. This could cause it to tip over and your baby might fall out. Similarly, don't put anything in the storage basket that could fall out and hurt your baby. This includes toys, drinks and snacks.
Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer when cleaning your stroller or pram. Whether you're cleaning the fabric or cleaning the hood, always dry it thoroughly outdoors to avoid any mildew or mould from developing.
It's a great idea to wash the removable footmuff on your pushchair or pram prior to when you use it again in winter. It's as simple as removing the fabric and washing it in soapy water and allowing it to air dry outside. It's also a good idea to brush any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.
Experts advise that babies sit flat in a
babiie stroller or pram as early as they can. This will aid their development and reduce the risk of back problems as they get older.
Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to provide products that will be suitable for normal or regular use. This applies to new prams and pushchairs as well as second-hand ones.
Style
While some parents are after the most practical set of wheels that they have access to, many want an infant stroller or pushchair that is as stylish as their new bundle of joy. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-end prams and pushchairs on the market that combine quality engineering with fetching designs that are as eye-catching as they are practical.
The first thing to think about when choosing a pushchair pram is the padding and adjustability options. Babies can be messy creatures and therefore having a pushchair that's easy to clean is important. This is particularly true if you intend to use your stroller for long walks over rough terrain, or on dirt and gravel. Find a pushchair which comes with removable seat covers and a 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 think about is the direction that your baby will face in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to change the seat between facing parents (facing the parent to reassure and bond) or even world facing to let your child explore the world. Some prams have this option too however it's not a necessity for all models and may only be an optional extra.
Combination
sale prams, also referred to as 3-in-1 prams, are an increasingly popular option for families because they can fit an infant basket and an infant seat on the same frame. They are designed to be used right from birth, and are suitable for children as young as six months old.
A travel system is an alternative to a combination pram, as it permits you to put a car seat onto the frame, typically using adaptors. They are an excellent choice for toddlers and infants up to three years and can be more affordable than buying separate items.
Twin prams and pushchairs can be an ideal choice for siblings or twins who need to travel in the comfort and safety of. These are available in many styles and can be fitted either with a single car seat or a double one.
Stores
A pram or pushchair should not only be secure and comfortable for your child, but provide ample storage space for all the necessities. Find models with an ample shopping basket that can contain all your baby's supplies, such as spare clothes as well as changing equipment, bottles of water, and even snacks. Some include a child's or parent's area that is ideal for storing all your personal things. If you're looking for a pram with even more storage, opt for a convertible pushchair that offers multiple configurations. Extra space is important, especially if you plan to take your child on long walks or to be away from home.
Maneuvrability is an additional feature to think about. Choose swivels wheels to navigate through narrow passageways with ease. Also look for locking brakes that have a receptive stopping power. If you're thinking of a light model, ensure it has the right suspension and folding dimensions to allow for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for something that's more robust for off-road use, choose a model that has robust, all-terrain tires that can handle rougher surfaces.
The primary difference between a pram and pushchair is that a
pram provides a lie-flat sleeping position for newborns, while the pushchair is better suitable for older infants and toddlers who are able to sit up on their own. Some prams convert into pushchairs by removing the bassinet, and replacing it with an adult seat. Other models such as the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle are able to convert into a carrycot, or car seat.
Whatever type of pushchair or pram you pick, make sure to read online reviews and seek suggestions from family and friends. Try out several models before you make your decision. This will give you an idea of their weight, their fold and how they feel. Consider a convertible car that can be used by two or more children. This will save you money by not having to purchase an entirely new set of wheels every time your child grows.
