What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of push chairs and prams can be confusing. Prams come with a flat seat that is specifically designed to be used by newborns and infants.

Some prams come with the option of a carrycot or bassinet for infants. Some even offer the option of converting to an infant pushchair.

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

Comfort

Alongside bottles and nappies your pushchair is likely to be one of the most frequently used baby products you have. It is essential to select a model that has plenty of padding as well as a comfortable seat that can be adjusted in height.

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

A pram is designed for babies who are approximately six months old when they're still at a stage where they need to lay flat, usually with a carrycot or bassinet attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice of either 'parent' facing or 'world facing. This enables you to decide if you want your baby to face you to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds of their surroundings. Some prams convert into pushchairs. For instance, the iCandy Peach 7 – a deluxe single-to-double pushchair that can be used from birth with a carrycot up to 25kg (15kg using elevators).

The most important thing to keep in mind is that infants and toddlers should not travel in any pushchair that is not able to recline to a fully flat position. This is because being in a crouching position could affect their breathing as it causes them to breathe in more air than they normally do and could cause breathing problems in the long time.

A pushchair is a seat on wheels that folds, typically, to a small size and it's generally geared towards toddlers and older babies until approximately three years old. These are often made of a more durable material compared to prams. There are models where you can change the direction the seat is facing to allow your child to face you for reassurance or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

The safety of your baby in a pram or pushchair is crucial. Make sure that you put your baby in a pushchair or pram that is made for his age and size. This will ensure that they feel safe and secure, and also prevent accidents. If you're buying a baby pushchair or pram that you've found second-hand, it's important to conduct visual safety checks. This will ensure it's in good condition, and not damaged in any way that could be harmful to your child.

If you're looking for the right pram or pushchair make sure you choose one with a safety harness which has easy and quick clips and connections. Make sure that the buckles do not have any looseness, and that the straps are secure around your baby's torso. Find models with a wider base as they will be more stable than those with a smaller base.

Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with items. This can cause the pushchair to topple over, and your baby could be thrown out. Do not put anything that can harm your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, or toys.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pram or pushchair. If you are cleaning the fabric or the hood of your pushchair, make sure you dry it outside thoroughly. This will stop mould or mildew from forming.

It's a good idea to wash the removable footmuff on your pushchair or pram prior to when you return to it in winter. It's as simple as taking the fabric off and washing it in soapy water, and then allowing it to air dry outdoors. It's also recommended to scrub any dirt or mud off of the wheels and axles.

Experts advise that infants lie down as soon as they can in a pushchair or pram. This will help them develop and reduce the chance of developing back problems as they get older.

Under the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, retailers and manufacturers are required to supply products that will be safe for normal or reasonably regular use. This is applicable to both new and second hand prams and strollers.

Style

While some parents are looking for the most functional set of wheels that they can get their hands on Many parents want an infant stroller or pushchair that's just as stylish as their brand new baby. There are plenty of prams and pushchairs that are high-quality on the market that blend high-end engineering with fetching designs that are as eye-catching as they are practical.

When choosing a pushchair or pram, the first thing you need to think about is the seat padding. Babies can be messy creatures and therefore having a pushchair that is easy to clean is essential. This is particularly true in the event that you plan to take long walks in rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Find a pushchair which comes with removable seat covers and a recline mechanism that can be machine-washed. Check that the fabric can be machine washed to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

You should also consider the direction your baby will face in their pushchair car seat. Most pushchairs "from birth" allow you to switch the seat to face towards parents (facing towards the parent for bonding and reassurance) or facing the world to allow your child to explore the world around them. Some models have this option also, but it's not required for all models and can be an optional feature.

Combination prams, also called 3-in-1 prams, are a very popular option for families since they can fit both a bassinet basket and a pushchair seat on the same frame. They are typically designed to be used starting at birth and are suitable for babies as young as six months old.

A travel system is similar to a combination stroller in that it allows you to attach car seats to the frame using adaptors. They are ideal for infants and toddlers between birth and three years old and can be less expensive than buying separate products.

Twin prams or pushchairs can be a great option for twin babies or siblings of the same age who both require transportation in a safe and comfortable manner. They are available in a variety of designs and can be fitted either with one 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 with large shopping baskets that can hold all your baby supplies, including spare clothes and changing equipment as well as bottles of water and snacks. Some models include a separate compartment for the parent or child which is ideal to keep your personal belongings. If you want a pram with more storage opt for a model that comes with various configurations. The extra space is important if you're planning to take your baby on long walks or excursions away from home and need a place to store everything you'll need.

Maneuvrability is an additional feature to consider. Pick swivels wheels that can navigate narrow passageways easily. Also look for locking brakes with a quick stopping power. If you are looking at an ultra-lightweight model, make sure it has the right suspension system and foldable dimensions for simple storage and transport. If you're looking for something more robust for off-road use, select one with sturdy all-terrain wheels able to be able to withstand rougher terrain than pavements.

A pram is designed to offer a flat sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is better suitable for older infants and toddlers that can sit up independently. Some prams convert into pushchairs by removing the bassinet and replacing it with an adult seat. Other models like the Bababing Raffi Complete bundle are able to transform into a carrycot or car seat.

If you're not sure the type of pushchair or pram to select look up online reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations. Test-drive several options before settling on one. This will provide you with an idea of their weight, their folding capabilities and how they feel. Consider a convertible car that can be used by two or more children. This will save you money since you won't need to purchase an entirely new set of wheels every time your child grows.