What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of prams and pushchairs can be a bit confusing. Prams are designed to transport infants and babies. They come with a lie-flat seating.

Some prams include an infant bassinet or carrycot that is suitable for infants. Some even have the option of changing it into a pushchair for older children.

If you plan on using public transport or fold your pushchair often choose a light and compact pushchair.

Comfort

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

Many buggies, prams and pushchairs come with a blanket to keep your child warm. These blankets are easy to clean and come in a variety of colors and designs.

A pram is made for babies who are approximately six months old as they're at the stage that they must lie flat, typically with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. The majority of prams have the option of 'parent ' or 'world facing. This allows you to decide if you prefer your baby to be facing you in order to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds in their environment. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 – a luxurious single-to-double pushchair that can be used from birth with a carrycot up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).

It is important to keep in mind that babies less than six months old shouldn't be transported in a pushchair that isn't able to recline completely flat. A crouching position can impact their breathing as they inhale more than normal. This could lead to respiratory problems in the long run.

A pushchair is a type of seat that can be folded into a compact space. It's designed for older babies and toddlers. 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

It is important to ensure that your baby is secure in a pushchair stroller or pram. Only ever put your baby in a pram or pram that is designed for his age and size. This will help them feel safe and secure and help to prevent any accidents. If you're buying a pushchair or pram that you've found second-hand, it's important to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good condition, and not damaged in any way that could cause harm to your baby.

When selecting a pushchair or pram, choose one that has an safety harness with simple and quick clips. Verify that the buckles don't have any looseness, and that the straps are secure around the baby's torso. Also, look for a wide base, which will give more stability than models that have narrow bases.

Avoid overloading your pushchair or pram with things. This could cause it to tip and your baby could fall out. Don't place things in the storage basket that could fall out and harm your baby. This includes drinks, toys and snacks.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pram or pushchair. If you're washing the fabric or cleaning the hood, always dry it thoroughly outside to prevent mould or mildew developing.

If your pram newborn or pushchair has a removable footmuff it's a good idea to wash it before using it again in winter. This can be accomplished by taking the fabric off, washing it in cool water using soap and letting it dry outside. It's also a good idea to brush any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.

Experts suggest that infants lay flat as soon as they can in a pram or pushchair. This will aid their development and reduce the chance of back issues as they grow older.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, manufacturers and retailers are required to provide products that are suitable for normal or reliable use. This is applicable to both new and second hand prams and strollers.

Style

While some parents are after the most practical set of wheels they can find, many want a pushchair or pram that's 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 stylish designs that are as striking as they are practical.

The first thing you should consider when selecting a pushchair or twin pram is the seat padding and adjustability options. A pushchair that is easy to clean is crucial for infants, who can be messy. This is particularly true in the event that you plan to take your stroller on long walks over rough terrain, or over dirt and gravel. Find a pushchair which comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanism that can be machine-washed. Check that the fabric is also breathable, which will help keep your baby comfortable and dry.

You should also think about the direction 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 world facing, so that your child can explore the world. Some pushchairs also offer this option, but it may not be required for all models.

Combination prams, also referred to as 3-in-1 prams, are a very popular choice for families as they can fit both an infant basket and an infant seat on the same frame. They are designed to be used from birth, and are suitable for infants from six months old to.

A travel pram system is a similar option to a combination pram in that it allows you to put car seats on the frame, often 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 pram prams or pushchairs are ideal choice for twins or siblings of the same age who both need to be transported in a safe and comfortable manner. These are available in many styles and are able to be fitted with either a single car seat or a double one.

Stores

As well as offering safety and comfort to your child the pram or pushchair should provide ample storage space for all the necessities. Look for models that have large shopping baskets that can hold all your baby supplies including spare clothing, changing gear, bottles of water and snacks. Some models also have the child's or parent's compartment that is ideal for storing all your personal items. If you're looking for a pram with additional storage choose a convertible model that has various configurations. Extra space is important especially if you want to take your child for long walks or to be away from home.

Maneuvrability is another important feature to take into consideration. Choose swivels wheels to get around narrow spaces easily. Also, look for locking brakes that have a receptive stopping power. If you're considering an ultra-lightweight model, make sure that it has the appropriate suspension system and foldable stroller dimensions for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for something more sturdy for off-road travel, choose an option with strong all-terrain wheels able to handle rougher terrains better than pavements.

A pram is designed to provide an easy sleeping position for infants. A pushchair is best suitable for older infants and toddlers who can stand up on their own. Some prams can be converted into a pushchair by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat, while other models, such as the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one models that can be converted into an automobile seat or a carrycot.

If you're unsure of which type of pushchair or pram to select, read reviews on the internet and ask friends and family members for recommendations. If possible, test-drive a few options before making your choice to get an impression of how they feel and fold, and how heavy they are. You may also want to think about whether a convertible model is the best choice for you, since these can be used interchangeably between two babies, and you can save money on buying a new set of wheels each time your little one grows up!