What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of prams and push chairs can be confusing. Prams have a flat seat that is designed to carry babies and newborns.

Prams are also available with a bassinet or a carrycot for infants. Some can be converted to an infant pushchair car seat once the baby is older.

If you are planning to travel by public transport or fold your pushchair regularly opt for a lightweight and compact pushchair.

Comfort

Alongside bottles and nappies your pushchair will be among the most frequently used baby Mobility 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 the height.

It's important to note that many prams or buggies are equipped with a pram blanket that can help to keep your child warm. These can be easily popped in the wash and are available in a range of designs and colours to match your preference.

A pram is suitable for babies up to six months of age, and they are still at the point where they require to lie flat. Most often, a bassinet, or carrycot, is attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice of 'parent ' or 'world facing. This allows the user to decide whether they prefer your baby to be facing you to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds in their surroundings. Some prams convert into pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 – a premium single-to-double pushchair which can be used as early as birth with the carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg using elevators).

It is important to remember that babies under six months old should not be transported in a pushchair that doesn't recline fully flat. A crouching position can affect their breathing as they breathe in more air than normal. This could lead to breathing problems in the long run.

A pushchair is a chair that can be folded into a compact space. It's made for older babies and toddlers. They're typically constructed of a stronger material than prams. You can also find models where you can change the direction the seat is facing so that your child can face you for reassurance or turn away to explore the world.

Safety

It is essential to ensure that your baby is secure in a pushchair or pram. Always put your child in a pushchair or pram designed for his age and size. This will make them feel safe and secure and help to prevent any accidents. If you're purchasing a pushchair or pram used it's essential to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure that it's in good condition and not damaged in any way that could be dangerous for your child.

When selecting a pram or pushchair pick one that comes with an safety harness with simple and quick clips. Check that the buckles aren't loose and that the straps are snugly around your baby's waist. Choose a model with a wider base as they will be more stable than those with a narrow base.

Avoid overloadeding your pram or pushchair with toys. This can cause it to tip and your baby might be thrown out. Also, don't put things in the storage basket that could fall out and hurt your baby - this includes drinks, toys and food items.

Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your stroller or pram. If you're cleaning the fabric or washing the hood, make sure you dry it thoroughly outdoors to avoid any mildew or mould forming.

If your pushchair or childs pram features a footmuff that is removable, it's a good idea wash it before you use it again in winter. This can be accomplished by taking the fabric off and washing it in cold water with soap and letting it air dry outside. It's also recommended to scrub any dirt or mud off of the wheels and axles.

Experts recommend that babies lie flat in a pushchair or pram as soon as possible. This will aid in their development and help reduce back problems later on in life.

Manufacturers and retailers have obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to supply products that are safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. This applies to new and second-hand prams as well as strollers.

Style

While some parents are seeking the most efficient set of wheels that they can find, many want a pushchair or pram that's as stylish as their new child's toy. There are numerous high-end prams and pushchairs available that combine top-quality engineering with attractive designs that are both eye-catching and practical.

When selecting a pram or pushchair, the first thing to be thinking about is the padding for the seat. Babies can be messy creatures and having a pram that is easy to clean is essential. This is particularly true when you intend to make use of your pushchair for long walks on rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Choose a stroller with removable seat covers and recline mechanisms that can be machine washed. Make sure the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby comfortable and dry.

You should also consider the direction your baby will face in their pushchair. Most 'from-birth' pushchairs let you switch the seat to face either parent (facing the parent facing pushchair to reassure and bond) or world facing, so that they can explore the world. Some pushchairs offer this feature too but it's not necessary for all models and could be an optional feature.

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

A travel system is a similar option to a combination pram in that it allows you to put car seats on the frame, often using adaptors. They are an excellent choice for toddlers and infants from 3 years old and can be more cost effective than buying separate items.

Twin prams or pushchairs can be a great option for twin babies or siblings of the same age who require transport in comfort and safety. These are available in many designs and can be fitted with one 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. Look for models with a large shopping basket to accommodate all of the baby's items, such as spare clothes and changing equipment, water bottles and even snacks. Some models also have the child's or parent's compartment, which is ideal for storing all of your personal things. If you want a pram that has more storage opt for a model that comes with various configurations. Extra space is important especially if you want to take your child on long walks or leave home.

Maneuvrability is a further aspect to consider. Opt for swivel wheels to make it easy to navigate narrow passageways and also look for locking brakes that are responsive enough to stop quickly. If you're looking at a lightweight model, ensure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for something more robust for off-road travel, choose one with sturdy, all-terrain wheels that can be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.

The primary difference between a pram and pushchair is that a pram offers a lie-flat sleeping position for newborns, while a pushchair is more suited to older babies and toddlers who are able to 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 prams that transform into a car seat or carrycot.

If you're unsure of which type of pram or pushchair to choose check out reviews on the internet and ask friends and family for recommendations. Test-drive several options before settling on one. This will give you an idea of their weight, their folding capabilities and how they feel. You might also want to think about whether a convertible model is the best option for you, as they can be used interchangeably between one or two babies and save money on purchasing a new set of wheels each time your child gets older!