Buying a Push Chair

A push chair (also known as a stroller or buggy) is one of the most commonly used baby products. They are designed to provide support and safety for newborns. They can be placed with the parents facing or in front of the baby.

Powerchairs are usually controlled by a joystick mounted to the armrest. It can be adapted for users with weak upper body muscles, or sip and puff controllers (which are controlled by blowing into the tube). The chair is able to be fitted with an Kerb-climber.

Seating

Alongside the baby's changing mat and carrier, a pushchair is likely to be among the most frequently used baby items you purchase, therefore it is essential to think about all the finer details that will make it suitable for both parents and child. The most important aspects to consider are the seating options and whether you would like your baby to face the world or you, and how adjustable the handlebar is.

Some pushchairs (also known as prams or buggies) are suitable for newborns and come with a fully reclined seat unit that can lie flat so that babies can sleep. Some travel systems incorporate the carrycot with a baby car seat, a pushchair and the reclining seat unit. This makes it easier for you to move around your expanding family.

Other pushchairs feature a reversible seat unit, this will give you the option of placing your child facing either you or the world. This is particularly beneficial for babies who are more comfortable with familiar faces. It can also be easier to monitor them. It is important that the seat of a pushchair equipped with this feature enables your child to lie on its back and be fully supported.

There are various types of seats for toddlers and older children to meet their needs and their age. Some seats can recline and tilt the backrest without changing the posture to stop pressure sores. Others have a built in foot rest that can raise the user's eye level with other people, which is especially useful when traveling with children or for parents who have difficulty lifting their child into the car.

Powerchairs can also be programmed to meet the user's preferences and abilities. They have a variety of power options, which are controlled by a control panel that is located on the armrest. Your assessment expert can help you to select an appropriate seating system and power options for your wheelchair.

The fabric of the seat can be cleaned by machine and wiped with a damp cloth or sponge. Some manufacturers offer additional accessories, such as the footmuff, which keeps your feet warm in colder weather and an additional seat cover that can be slid over the existing seat. This will protect it from spills, crumbs and accidents that occur during potty training.

Wheels

If you're new to the pushchair world the range of choices for brands and models can seem overwhelming. It's not a surprise that buying a pushchair is an overwhelming experience.

The wheels of your buggy pushchair are an important aspect to consider, as they can affect its performance. For instance, larger wheels are better able to deal with rough surfaces or bumpy pavements while smaller wheels are more suitable for urban environments.

Your lifestyle and preferred terrain can affect the type of wheel tyres you should go for. For example, if you intend to use your pushchair to jog then you'll need tyres that are filled with air that can absorb the vibrations of the ground and keep your child at ease. These are a standard feature on all-terrain pushchairs, such as the Phil & Ted's Sport that includes 3 tyres with air filled.

If you're not planning to run, but you would like your baby to feel comfortable on rough or uneven surfaces, then you might prefer foam or rubber tyres that are more durable than plastic ones and offer better shock absorption. They are typically found on all-terrain pushchairs and three-wheelers. However, they can also be found on Graco EZLite Stroller: Lightweight and Ideal for On-The-Go Families strollers.

A set of wheels for a pushchair designed to last should be sturdy and simple to maintain. You can use a hose to spray the wheels down regularly.

Some pushchairs have removable wheels that allow you to fold the pushchair to a smaller size. This is a great option if you have to move or store it in small spaces. You'll typically need to remove the front wheels of the pushchair, but check the instructions first.

Find the handlebar that is adjusted to meet the height of each user. This is an excellent feature to have if you plan on sharing the pushchair with a friend or child's grandparent(s) because it will make it easier for them to drive.

Suspension

The suspension on a pushchair is designed to cushion the bumps on your journey. This feature is particularly important for those with disabilities, because it decreases the amount of energy required to sit in the wheelchair, and also provides the best posture support.

The type of suspension used on a pushchair will differ from one model the next so it is best to consider your preferences and the terrain you'll be traversing when deciding the most suitable model for you. A strong suspension is beneficial for those living in rural areas or will be using their pushchair for long walks, but it might not be needed for those who live in an urban area where smooth pavements are the norm.

The larger wheels are more effective at absorbing shocks than smaller ones. There is also the possibility that some pushchairs are fitted with various types of tyres - pneumatic, foam-filled, or PU which can offer shock absorption but without the danger of punctures.

You may also notice that some models have a swivel wheel on the front that can help to improve mobility. Depending on the material used, you will also be thinking about whether or not your pushchair can be machine washed. Maintaining the fabric of your pushchair clean is vital because it prevents bacterial build up which can cause dampness and mould.

You can easily clean your pushchair using a mild detergent or disinfectant. Make sure that you brush off any loose mould and mildew with a soft brush and take it outside to stop it spreading. If you can let it air dry in the sun. If you have stored your pushchair for a while then you can apply a mild sterilising solution to prevent mould and damp from developing.

Controls

A push chair is the infant product that you will use the most often so it's important that it has controls that are simple to comprehend and operate. It usually folds from front to back (like an clamshell), and may have an auto-lock which keeps it shut. Some will have the handlebar which can be adjusted to different heights for parents of different age and heights.

The majority of 'from-birth' pushchairs allow the seat to be placed either in front of the parent (parent facing), or away from them, (world facing), so that parents and their children can bond. Some also have additional features like a reclining back that reduces the amount of energy your child is spending sitting down which can help with their postural support.

The type of brake is an additional consideration for the pushchair user and will vary from model to model. The most popular type of brake is a pedal for the foot that is located on the rear axle. It works by putting your foot on the pedal to stop the wheels. Some models have an active handbrake that you can control by moving your hands in the direction of the movement. This is better for users who require an effective and reliable brake they can use quickly and effectively when they move around in a busy area.

Some models come with an option to swivel the front wheel. This is useful when you're going to traverse rough terrain. This is due to the swivel allowing you to maneuver more easily on uneven surfaces or when crossing a busy road. The best pushchair tyres will be made of a rubber substance like PU or EVA and will offer the ride quality of air tyres but without the risk of punctures.