What to Look For in Pushchairs

A pushchair is a safe mode of transport for your child. They are also comfortable and offer a smooth, easy ride.

Consider buying a sun shade for your child to protect them from the sun. Most pushchairs have one, but if not, most manufacturers offer them as an accessory.

Consider a pushchair that can be converted into a double if you are planning to have an additional child. Some come with a carry cot and seat unit as part of the travel system.

Safety

It's crucial that your stroller is secure as it's the baby's place of residence when they travel. All prams, strollers, coaches and buggies must comply with British standard BS7409:1996 or BS EN 1888:2003. A reputable brand should have this certification on their product information.

A five-point harness will ensure your baby's safety. It should be snugly positioned over their shoulders, around their waist and between their legs. Make sure that the straps and buckles are easily clipped together and undone.

Make sure the brakes on your pushchair are easily accessible and are working as they should. It is also recommended to invest in a reflective strip to help other road users identify you and your child in the winter dark.

If your pushchair is designed to accommodate two children, be sure that it has a single footrest that runs across the length of both seats. This will stop the child from falling into the two foot rests and possibly falling out of the stroller.

All pushchairs, prams, and buggys have the capacity to carry a maximum weight limit. This is important to know prior using the pushchair. A child who is overweight could cause the device to be unstable.

A good pushchair should be able to endure being pushed across a wide range of surfaces, so choose one that has large, robust wheels. The tyres must be made of durable materials that resist puncturing and have good traction to help you continue on slippery roads. Some pushchairs are made to be used off-road and have special suspensions for an even more comfortable ride.

Comfort

It is essential to choose a pushchair that is comfortable for your little one. This could be as simple as ensuring that it has enough padding to ensure they are secure and supported or a footmuff to keep them warm and cozy during the colder winter months. A lot of pushchairs come with reversible seats, which allow you to decide if you want to face your child for bonding or reassuring, or from them to explore the world.

It's beneficial for new parents to search for a pushchair that has seats that can be positioned flat. Experts advise that babies sleep flat for the first few months of their lives to aid in breathing and lung development. Many pushchairs boast that they can recline completely, however it is essential to ensure that the seat provides an upright position for infants.

Some pushchairs are able to be moved into and out of a vehicle, and they can be inserted into narrow doors. They might also be able to be able to fit into overhead luggage racks on planes and trains. These types of pushchairs often come with a simple and quick fold mechanism that allows you to fold the frame in just one hand. They can also accommodate a carrycot and infant car seats making them suitable for use from birth.

Other pushchairs, like the Silver Cross Adorra2 offer a luxurious and high-end design that will make heads turn. They also come with various baby accessories like car seat adapters and rain covers to protect your little ones from the elements. They are designed to be able to adapt to the family life and come with a simple to adjust the five-point safety harness as well as large, puncture proof wheels.

Style

It is likely that you will use your pushchair the most often, so it is important to choose one that you and your child both are happy with. It's worth taking time to think about the finer points like how comfortable the cushion is and whether the handlebar has the ability to adjust the height. There are many additional little things that make a difference, such as a basket for storage or a front wheel lock.

A pram is designed to carry two children at the same time, typically a toddler and baby. It is more compact than a single pushchair, which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces as well as on public transport. It could be a single-seater model, where the baby sits behind the parent or a tandem one, where one child is seated behind the other.

Both pushchairs and prams can be used as early as birth however, they are mostly aimed at older babies as they're larger than buggies and come with reclined seats which can face either away from you. They often are able to include an infant car seat or carry cot so it's a system for travel that lasts until your child is a toddler, which makes it an excellent value for money.

Some pushchairs only have one brake pedal. Others have both the foot brake as well as hand brake. Both brakes work to stop safely and easily your pushchair. The foot brake is usually located on a pushchair's rear axle while the handbrake is located close to the rear wheels on the top of the frame. The foot brake is perfect for parents who live on steep slopes or in the countryside as it stops them from losing control of their pushchair.

Size

There are different sizes of pushchairs. Some pushchairs are able to be used as early as birth, as they include a lie-flat seat and an attachment for a bassinet or carrycot. Other models can be used once a child is able to sit up unaided which is usually from around six months. The seat can be facing towards the parents for bonding and comfort or away from them to allow them to discover their surroundings.

The size of the wheels is also a crucial factor. Some have larger wheels to enhance their maneuverability on rougher surfaces. Some have smaller wheels that enable a lighter framework and make it easier to move over paved surfaces.

Some pushchairs have one pedal that locks the rear wheels. This is helpful in the event that you need to stop for an afternoon coffee or to shop. Other models have two brake pedals for better control and safety. It is essential that your stroller has adequate brakes as it will be used on uneven terrains so make sure you check the brakes regularly.

There are many options to aid you in choosing the perfect running pushchair for your family and infant. Simple to use features like one hand compact fold, easy to adjust safety harnesses or adjustable handlebars make life with newborns and small children a lot easier.

Choosing the right pushchair is an investment in the comfort and safety of your baby or toddler. It's also likely to be the baby product you will be using for a long time, so it's worth taking the time to think about what features are important to you and your family.

The purchase of a pushchair

Think carefully about the features you would like to have in your pushchair. It will be with you and your baby for a long time, so you should pick wisely. Think about how it fits into your lifestyle. A stroller that is all-terrain is great for country walks but not ideal on a shiny shop floor. If you're planning to use it with your grandparents, you might require something that is easy to control and steer without feeling like they require a doctorate.

Newborn babies require a flat surface so you'll need a pushchair with a carrycot or infant car seat (travel system) or a reclining seat unit that can be used from birth. Some models come with an reversible seat, which means you can place your baby facing you or the world as they get older.

You may also wish to think about accessories such as baskets, shopping trays and changing bags for prams to help you to complete errands while your child is in your care. Some pushchairs come with hoods that offer additional protection from the sun's rays, and others have rain covers that keep your baby dry when it begins to drizzle.

Some pushchairs can be made either a single or double and can grow with your expanding family. This is usually done by adding a second seat unit or carrycot. This is a good choice when you're thinking to have another baby soon after baby number one, or if you're not sure what your plans are for the future in the near future.