What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of prams and pushchairs can be confusing. Prams are designed to carry infants and toddlers with a lie-flat seating.

Prams can also come with a bassinet or a carrycot for babies. Some can be converted into a pushchair when the baby is older.

If you intend to take public transport or need to fold your pushchair often pick a light and compact buggy.

Comfort

Your pushchair is likely to be used more than your bottles and nappies. Therefore, it's crucial to make sure your child is safe on every trip by selecting an option with plenty of padding and an ergonomic seat that can be adjusted to height.

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

A pram is specifically designed for newborn babies up to approximately six months old as they're in the stage of development in which they have to lie flat, often with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Most prams have a choice of 'parent facing' and 'world facing', meaning you can choose to let your baby face you to bond or let them explore the sights and sounds around them. Some prams are convertible into pushchairs, like the iCandy Peach 7 – a deluxe single-to-double pushchair (click for info) that can be used from birth using a carrycot and up to 25kg (15kg with elevators).

The most important thing to keep in mind is that very young babies should not be in any pushchair that doesn't recline completely to a flat position. Traveling in a crouching position can impact their breathing as they breathe in more air than they would normally. This can lead to respiratory issues in the future.

A pushchair is a vehicle on wheels that folds typically, to a small size. It's usually geared towards toddlers and older babies that are about three years old. They are typically constructed of a stronger material than prams. There are models that allow you to alter the direction in which the seat faces so that your child can look at you for comfort, or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

The safety of your baby in a pushchair or pram is essential. Always put your child in a pushchair or pram designed to his size and age. This will ensure that they feel safe and secure, and also prevent accidents. If you are buying a secondhand pushchair or stroller, it is important to conduct a visual safety check. This will ensure that it's in good working order and not damaged in a way that could cause harm to your baby pram.

When choosing a pushchair or pram pick one that comes with an safety harness with quick and easy clips. Make sure that the buckles do not have any looseness, and that the straps are secure around the baby's torso. Also, look for a broad base, as this will offer more stability than models that have narrow bases.

Be careful not to overload your pushchair or pram with things. This can cause the pushchair to topple over and your baby may be thrown out. Also, don't put things in the storage basket that could fall out and hurt your baby. This includes toys, drinks and food items.

Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your pram or stroller. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pram, be sure to dry it outside thoroughly. This will prevent mould or mildew from forming.

If your pram or pushchair has a removable footmuff, it's best to wash it prior to using it again in winter. This can be accomplished by taking off the fabric and washing it in cold water with soap and letting it air dry outside. You should also scrub any dirt or mud off the wheels and axles.

Experts advise that babies sit flat in a stroller or pram as early as they can. This will help their development and lessen back problems later on in life.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, manufacturers and retailers are required to supply products that are suitable for normal or regular use. This is applicable to new prams and pushchairs as well as second-hand ones.

Style

Parents may want the most practical set-up of wheels they can get However, many parents require a stroller that is as fashionable as their infant. There are many high-quality prams and pushchairs on the market that combine high-end engineering with attractive designs that are both appealing and practical.

When choosing the right pushchair or pram, the first thing you need to think about is the seat padding. Babies are messy and having a pram that's easy to clean is important. This is especially important when you intend to make use of your pushchair for long walks on rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Look for a pushchair with removable seats and recline mechanisms that can be machine washed. Be sure that the fabric is also breathable to keep your baby comfortable and dry.

Another thing to consider is the direction that your baby will face in their pushchair. Most 'from birth' pushchairs allow you to switch the seat between parent facing (facing towards the parent for bonding and reassurance) or world facing so they can explore the world around them. Some models have this option too, but it's not a necessity for all models and can be an optional feature.

Combination prams, also called 3-in-1 prams, are an increasingly popular option for families because they can accommodate the bassinet basket as well as an infant seat on the same frame. They are made to be used from birth and are suitable for babies from six months old to.

A travel pram system is an alternative to a combination childs pram, as it permits you to fit car seats on the frame too, usually using adaptors. They are an excellent choice for babies and toddlers up to three years and are more affordable than buying separate products.

Twin prams or pushchairs are excellent option for twins or siblings of similar age who require transport in a safe and comfortable manner. These are available in many designs and can be fitted with either one car seat or a double.

Storage

As well as offering security and comfort for your child the pram or pushchair needs to offer plenty of storage for all the essentials. Find models with large shopping baskets that can hold everything your baby needs including spare clothing as well as changing gear as well as bottles of water and snacks. Some models also have the child's or parent's compartment which is ideal for keeping all your personal items. If you're looking for a stroller with more storage opt for a model that comes with various configurations. It's important to have extra space particularly if you intend to take your child for long walks or leave home.

Maneuvrability is a further aspect to take into consideration. Select swivel wheels to navigate through narrow passageways with ease. Also, look for locking brakes with a responsive stopping power. If you're looking at an ultra-lightweight model, make sure it comes with the correct suspension travel system prams and foldable dimensions for easy storage and transport. If you're looking for something that is more durable for off-road use, select a model with robust all-terrain wheels that are able to be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.

A pram is designed to offer a flat sleeping position for infants. A pushchair is best designed for older babies and toddlers that can sit up independently. Some prams can be converted into pushchairs by removing the bassinet, and replacing it with a seat for an adult. Other models, like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle can be converted into a carrycot or car seat.

Whatever kind of pram or pushchair you choose, be sure to read reviews online and ask for recommendations from friends and family. Try out several models before making a final decision. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, their fold and how they feel. Consider a convertible vehicle, which is suitable for one or two children. This will save you money by not having to purchase a new set of wheels each time your child grows.