What to Look For in Push Chairs and Prams

The world of prams and pushchairs pushchairs can seem confusing. Prams have a flat seat that is specifically designed to carry newborns and infants.

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

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

Comfort

Alongside nappies and bottles, your pushchair is likely be one of the most frequently used baby products you own. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that your child is comfortable on every trip by choosing a model with plenty of padding as well as an upholstered seat that can be adjusted for height.

It's important to note that many prams and buggies also come with a pram blanket, which can help to keep your child warm. These blankets are easy to clean and come in a variety of colours and designs.

A pram is specifically designed for babies who are about six months old, as they're at a stage where they need to lay flat, usually with a bassinet or carrycot attached to the frame. Many prams allow the choice of 'parent facing or 'world facing.' This allows you to decide if you prefer your child to face you to bond with you, or to explore the sights and sounds in their surroundings. Some prams can be converted to pushchairs, such as the iCandy Peach 7 - a luxurious double-sized pushchair that is suitable from birth (with carrycot) and up to 25kg (15kg on elevators).

It is vital to remember that babies under six months old shouldn't be carried in a stroller that doesn't fully recline. This is due to the fact that being in a crouching position can impact their breathing since it causes them inhale more air than normal and could lead to respiratory issues in the long term.

A pushchair is a chair that can be folded into a compact space. It's specifically designed for older children and toddlers. They are typically constructed from a more durable material compared to prams. You can also find models where you can change the direction that the seat is facing to allow your child to be reassured by you, or away from you to explore the world.

Safety

The safety of your baby in a pushchair twin or pram is essential. You should never put your child in a pushchair or pram that has been designed to fit their age and size. This will make them feel secure and safe and help to prevent any accidents. If you're buying a baby pushchair or pram used, it's important to carry out visual safety checks. This will ensure it's in good condition, and is not damaged in a way that could be harmful to your child.

When you are choosing a pram or pushchair, look for one with a safety harness that has easy and quick clips and connections. Check that the buckles don't have any slack and ensure that the straps fit around the torso of your baby. Also, look for a broad base, which will give more stability than narrow-based models.

Beware of overloading your pushchair and pram with items. This could cause it to tip and your baby might fall out. Be careful not to put anything that could harm your baby in the basket, such as drinks, snacks, and toys.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your pushchair or babiie pram. Whether you're washing the fabric or cleaning the hood, be sure to dry it thoroughly outside to prevent any mould or mildew developing.

It's a great idea wash the removable footmuff on your pushchair or pram before you return to it in winter. It's as simple as taking off the fabric and washing it with cool soapy water, and then allowing it to air dry outside. You should also brush off any dirt or mud off the axles and wheels.

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

Retailers and manufacturers have obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to supply products that are safe for normal or reasonably foreseeable use. This applies to new and second-hand prams and strollers.

Style

Parents may want the most efficient set-up of wheels they can find, but many parents also want a triple pram that is as stylish as their infant. There are a lot of prams and pushchairs that are high-quality available that combine quality engineering with fetching designs that are as striking as they are practical.

The first thing to consider when selecting a pushchair or pram is the padding and the options for adjustability. A pushchair that is simple to clean is essential for infants, who are often messy. This is particularly true in the event that you plan to use your pushchair for long walks on rough terrain or over dirt, gravel and cobbles. Find a pushchair that has removable seats and recline mechanisms that can be washed by machine. Check that the fabric can be washed by machine to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

Another thing to think about is the direction your baby will be facing in their pushchair. The majority of pushchairs that are 'from birth' allow you to change the seat from parent facing (facing the parent to calm and bond) or world facing, so that they can explore the world. Some pushchairs also offer this option, but it may not be required for all models.

Combination prams, also known as 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 usually designed to be used from birth and are suitable for newborns up to six months.

A travel system is a similar option to a combined pram in that it allows the fitting of car seats on the frame, typically by using adaptors. They are ideal for infants and toddlers between birth and three years old. They can be less expensive than buying separate products.

Twin prams or pushchairs travel systems can be a ideal choice for twins or siblings of the same age who require transportation in safety and comfort. They come in a variety of styles and are able to be fitted with either one car seat or a double one.

Storage

A pushchair or pram should not only be safe and comfortable for your child, but offer ample storage for all the necessities. Look for models with a large shopping basket to hold all of your baby's necessities, such as spare clothes as well as changing equipment, water bottles and even snacks. Some also include the child's or parent's compartment that is ideal for storing all your personal belongings. If you're looking for a pushchair with additional storage, opt for a convertible pushchair that comes with various configurations. It's important to have extra space, especially if you plan to take your child on long walks or leave home.

Another important aspect to consider is maneuverability. Opt for swivel wheels to effortlessly navigate narrow spaces, and look out for locking brakes that are able to stop quickly. If you're considering a lightweight model, make sure it has the correct suspension and folding dimensions for easy transport and storage. If you're looking for something that is more durable for off-road use, select one with sturdy, all-terrain wheels that can handle rougher terrains better than pavements.

A pram is designed to provide a flat sleeping position for newborns. A pushchair is more suitable for older infants and toddlers who can sit up independently. Some prams can be transformed into a pushchair simply by removing the bassinet and replacing it with a seat while other models such as the Bababing Raffi complete bundle are all-in-one prams that transform into the car seat or carrycot.

Whichever type of pushchair or pram you decide to purchase, make sure to read online reviews and seek suggestions from family and friends. If possible, test-drive a few options before making your decision to get an idea of how they feel and how they fold and how heavy they are. Consider a convertible car which is suitable for one or two children. This will save you money by not having to purchase an entirely new set of wheels each time your child grows.