What to Look For in push chairs and prams (
Speedgh wrote in a blog post)
The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams come with a flat seat that is designed to carry babies and newborns.
Some prams come with an infant bassinet or carrycot that is suitable for newborns. Some even offer the option of converting to an infant pushchair.
If you plan on using public transport or fold your pushchair often, opt for a lightweight and compact pushchair.
Comfort
Alongside nappies and bottles, your pushchair is likely to be one of the most used baby products you own. It is crucial to choose one that is full of padding as well as a comfortable seat that can be adjusted to height.
It's also worth noting that many prams, buggies and pushchairs come with a fitted pram blanket that can help to keep your child warm. These blankets are easy to wash and come in a variety of designs and colours.
A pram is specifically designed for babies who are approximately six months old when they're still at a stage that they must lie flat, often with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. The majority of prams offer the option of facing your child's parents or the world facing', so you can choose to have your baby's face facing you for bonding or to let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs. For instance, the iCandy Peach 7 – a premium single-to-
double pram pushchair which can be used from birth with a carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).
It is crucial to keep in mind that babies less than six months old should not be carried in a pushchair that doesn't recline fully flat. This is due to the fact that being in a crouching position could affect their breathing because it causes them to inhale more air than normal and could cause breathing problems in the long term.
A pushchair is a chair that folds into a
compact travel pram size. It's designed for older babies and toddlers. They're typically made of a more durable material compared to prams. There are also models that let you change the direction the seat faces to allow your child to be reassured by you or turn away to explore the world.
Safety
It is essential to ensure your child is safe in a pram or pram. Always place your child in a pushchair or pram that is designed to his size and age. This will make them feel safe and secure and help to prevent any accidents. If you are buying a secondhand pushchair or stroller it is essential to perform visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good condition and not damaged in any way that could pose a risk for your child.
When choosing a pram or pushchair, choose one that has a safety harness that is quick and easy clips. Verify that the buckles do not have any looseness, and ensure that the straps fit around the torso of your baby. Find models with a wider base as they are more stable than those with a narrow base.
Avoid overloadeding your pushchair or pram with things. This can cause the pushchair to tip over, and your baby could be thrown out. Be careful not to put anything that could harm your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, and toys.
Make sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean your pushchair or pram. When cleaning the fabric or washing the hood, make sure you dry it thoroughly outdoors to prevent any mildew or mould forming.
It's a great idea wash the removable footmuff of your pram or pushchair before you can use it again in winter. This can be done by taking off the fabric, washing it in cool water with soap and letting it dry outside. It's also recommended to scrub any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.
Experts suggest that babies lay flat in a
pushchair newborn or
pram for newborn as soon as they can. This will help their development and reduce back problems later on in life.
Retailers and manufacturers are required to fulfill a duty under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to provide products that are safe in the normal or reasonably anticipated use. This applies to new pushchairs and prams as well as second-hand ones.
Style
Some parents are looking for the most practical set-up of wheels they can get However, many parents need a pram that is as stylish as their child. There are plenty of high-end prams and
pushchairs on the market that combine quality engineering with fetching designs that are as attractive as they are practical.
The first thing you should consider when choosing a pushchair pram is the padding and the options for adjustability. Babies are messy and so having a pushchair that is easy to clean is crucial. This is particularly true when you plan to take your stroller on long walks on rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Find a pushchair that has removable seat covers and recline mechanisms which can be washed in the machine. Check that the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby comfortable and dry.
Another thing to think about is the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. Most pushchairs with a "from-birth" feature allow you to change the seat from parent facing (facing the parent to calm and bond) or to the world, to let your child explore the world. Some models have this option too but it's not a necessity 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 because they can fit an infant bassinet on the same frame. They are designed to be used right 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 attach car seats to the frame, with adaptors. They are an excellent choice for babies and toddlers from 3 years old and can be more affordable than buying separate products.
Twin prams or pushchairs can be a great option for twin babies or siblings of similar age who require transportation in safety and comfort. They come in a variety of styles and can be equipped with a double or single car seat.
Storage
As well as offering security and comfort for your little one, a pram or pushchair needs to offer plenty of storage space for all the necessities. Look for models that have an ample shopping basket that can contain all your baby's necessities like spare clothes as well as changing equipment, bottles of water and even snacks. Some models come with a compartment for the parent or child, which is perfect to store your personal items. If you're looking for a pushchair with even more storage consider a convertible pushchair that comes with various configurations. Having extra space is especially important if you're planning to take your child for long walks or excursions away from home and need a place to store everything you'll require.
Another important aspect to consider is the ability to maneuver. Choose swivels wheels to get around narrow spaces easily. Also look for brakes that are locked with a responsive stopping power. If you're considering a lightweight model, ensure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transport. If you're looking to buy something more robust for off-road use, select a model with robust all-terrain tires that can handle rougher surfaces.
The primary difference between a pram and pushchair is that a pushchair offers a lie-flat sleeping position for infants, whereas a pushchair is more suitable for older infants and toddlers who can sit up on their own. Some prams are able to be converted into a pushchair simply by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat and other models like the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one models that can transform into the car seat or carrycot.
Whatever type of pram or pushchair you pick, make sure to read online reviews and seek recommendations from your family and friends. If possible, test-drive a few options before making a decision. This will give you an impression of how they feel and how they fold and how heavy they are. You might also want to consider whether a convertible model is the right option for you, because they can be used interchangeably between one or two children and reduce the cost of buying an entirely new set wheels each time your little one grows older!
